Regulatory Accounting

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2012

Regulatory Matters [Abstract]

Regulatory Matters [Text Block]

Regulatory Accounting

As of September 30, 2012, CenterPoint Houston has not recognized an allowed equity return of $563 million because such return will be recognized as it is recovered in rates. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $7 million and $16 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2012, CenterPoint Houston recognized approximately $15 million and $37 million, respectively, of the allowed equity return not previously recognized.