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Related Party Transactions (Houston Electric and CERC) (Tables)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Money Pool Investment and Borrowing [Table Text Block]
Houston Electric and CERC participate in a money pool through which they can borrow or invest on a short-term basis. Funding needs are aggregated and external borrowing or investing is based on the net cash position. The net funding requirements of the money pool are expected to be met with borrowings under CenterPoint Energy’s revolving credit facility or the sale of CenterPoint Energy’s commercial paper.  The table below summarizes money pool activity:
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Money pool investments (borrowings) (1)
$
(1
)
 
$
114

 
$
(60
)
 
$
(570
)
Weighted average interest rate
2.42
%
 
2.42
%
 
1.90
%
 
1.90
%

(1)
Included in Accounts and notes receivable (payable)–affiliated companies in Houston Electric’s and CERC’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Houston Electric and CERC affiliate-related net interest income (expense) were as follows:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Interest income (expense), net (1)
$
1

 
$
—

 
$
2

 
$
—

 
$
(4
)
 
$
—


(1)
Interest income is included in Other, net and interest expense is included in Interest and other finance charges on Houston Electric’s and CERC’s respective Statements of Consolidated Income.

Amounts charged for these services were as follows and are included primarily in operation and maintenance expenses:
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Corporate service charges
$
190

 
$
147

 
$
188

 
$
128

 
$
179

 
$
125

Net affiliate service charges (billings)
(17
)
 
17

 
(9
)
 
9

 
(8
)
 
8


The table below presents transactions among Houston Electric, CERC and their parent, Utility Holding.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
Houston Electric
 
CERC
 
(in millions)
Cash dividends paid to parent
$
209

 
$
360

 
$
180

 
$
601

 
$
135

 
$
643

Cash contribution from parent
200

 
960

 
—

 
38

 
374

 
72

Capital distribution to parent associated with the Internal Spin
—

 
1,473

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—