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Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Disclosure of Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]  
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan
The following table summarizes CenterPoint Energy’s expenses related to LTIPs for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Year Ended December 31,
202320222021
(in millions)
LTIP compensation expense (1)
$65 $51 $48 
Income tax benefit recognized15 12 11 
Actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions17 

(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income and shown prior to any amounts capitalized.
Share-Based Compensation, Activity
The following tables summarize CenterPoint Energy’s LTIP activity for 2023
 Year Ended December 31, 2023
 Shares
(Thousands)
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Remaining Average
Contractual
Life (Years)
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value (2) (Millions)
Performance Awards (1)
Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 20225,157 $24.26   
Granted1,960 29.18   
Forfeited or canceled(291)27.38   
Vested and released to participants(1,601)23.08   
Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 20235,225 $25.95 1.1$101 
Stock Unit Awards
Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 20222,296 $25.03 
Granted606 30.83 
Forfeited or canceled(93)27.10 
Vested and released to participants(948)24.48 
Outstanding and nonvested as of December 31, 20231,861 $26.91 0.7$53 
 
(1)Reflects maximum performance achievement.
(2)Reflects the impact of current expectations of achievement and stock price.
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Award, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Grant Date Intrinsic Value, and Vested Grant Date Fair Value
Additional information related to the Performance Awards and Stock Unit Awards is as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
(in millions, except for per unit amounts)
Performance Awards
Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit of awards granted$29.18 $28.12 $21.89 
Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants47 13 
Vested grant date fair value37 13 
Stock Unit Awards
Weighted-average grant date fair value per unit of awards granted$30.83 $28.44 $24.20 
Total intrinsic value of awards received by participants28 14 11 
Vested grant date fair value23 13 11 
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension, including the non-qualified benefit plans:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
 (in millions)
Service cost (1)
$25 $29 $39 
Interest cost (2)
76 73 59 
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(76)(87)(103)
Amortization of net loss (2)
28 31 36 
Settlement cost (2) (3)
— 126 38 
Net periodic cost$53 $172 $69 
 
(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals and amounts capitalized.
(2)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other, net in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.
(3)A one-time, non-cash settlement cost is required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. In 2023, 2022 and 2021, CenterPoint Energy recognized non-cash settlement cost due to lump sum settlement payments. The transfer of assets related to the 2022 Annuity Lift-Out is considered a lump sum settlement payment.
Postretirement benefits are accrued over the active service period of employees. The net postretirement benefit cost includes the following components:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
 CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Service cost (1)
$$— $$$— $$$— $
Interest cost (2)
13 55
Expected return on plan assets (2)
(5)(4)(1)(5)(4)(1)(4)(3)(1)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (2)
(2)(5)2(3)(4)(4)(5)
Amortization of net loss (2)(8)(4)(3)(4)(2)(1)— — — 
Net postretirement benefit cost (credit)$(1)$(8)$$(1)$(6)$$$(4)$

(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals and amounts capitalized.
(2)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other, net in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.
Schedule of Assumptions Used
CenterPoint Energy used the following assumptions to determine net periodic cost relating to pension benefits:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
Discount rate5.15 %2.80 %2.45 %
Expected return on plan assets6.50 5.00 5.00 
Rate of increase in compensation levels4.99 4.95 5.05 
The following assumptions were used to determine net periodic cost relating to postretirement benefits:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
Discount rate5.15 %5.15 %5.15 %2.85 %2.85 %2.85 %2.50 %2.50 %2.50 %
Expected return on plan assets
5.13 5.26 4.69 3.22 3.32 2.86 3.20 3.30 2.85 
Schedule of Net Pension and Post-retirement Benefit Costs
The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets, the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as well as the key assumptions of CenterPoint Energy’s pension plans. The measurement dates for plan assets and obligations were December 31, 2023 and 2022.
 December 31,
 20232022
 (in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)
Change in Benefit Obligation 
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$1,553 $2,298 
Service cost25 29 
Interest cost76 73 
Benefits paid (4)
(147)(509)
Actuarial (gain) loss (1)
41 (338)
Plan amendment— — 
Benefit obligation, end of year1,548 1,553 
Change in Plan Assets  
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year1,212 2,072 
Employer contributions32 35 
Benefits paid (4)
(147)(509)
Actual investment return 107 (386)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year1,204 1,212 
Funded status, end of year$(344)$(341)
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets  
Non-current assets$$— 
Current liabilities-other(7)(7)
Other liabilities-benefit obligations(341)(334)
Net liability, end of year$(344)$(341)
Actuarial Assumptions
Discount rate (2)
4.95 %5.15 %
Expected return on plan assets (3)
6.50 6.50 
Rate of increase in compensation levels4.97 4.99 
Interest crediting rate3.00 3.00 

(1)Significant sources of loss for 2023 include the decrease in discount rate from 5.15% to 4.95%, partially offset by significant sources of gain that include actual return on assets exceeding expected return on plan assets during 2023.
(2)The discount rate assumption was determined by matching the projected cash flows of CenterPoint Energy’s plans against a hypothetical yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates from one-half to 99 years.
(3)The expected rate of return assumption was developed using the targeted asset allocation of CenterPoint Energy’s plans and the expected return for each asset class.
(4)Benefits paid for 2022 includes $136 million related to the 2022 Annuity Lift-Out.
The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets, the amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets and the key assumptions of the postretirement plans. The measurement dates for plan assets and benefit obligations were December 31, 2023 and 2022.
 December 31,
 20232022
 CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions, except for actuarial assumptions)
Change in Benefit Obligation  
Benefit obligation, beginning of year$263 $115 $92 $336 $148 $118 
Service cost— — 
Interest cost13 
Participant contributions
Benefits paid(20)(8)(8)(20)(7)(8)
Plan amendment— — — — 
Actuarial (gain) loss (1)— (1)— (73)(32)(27)
Benefit obligation, end of year263 113 93 263 115 92 
Change in Plan Assets   
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year109 84 25 132 104 29 
Employer contributions— 
Participant contributions
Benefits paid(20)(8)(8)(20)(7)(8)
Actual investment return 10 (17)(16)(3)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year112 86 26 109 84 25 
Funded status, end of year$(151)$(27)$(67)$(154)$(31)$(67)
Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets   
Current liabilities — other$(7)$— $(4)$(7)$— $(4)
Other liabilities — benefit obligations(144)(27)(63)(147)(31)(64)
Net liability, end of year$(151)$(27)$(67)$(154)$(31)$(68)
Actuarial Assumptions
Discount rate (2)4.95 %4.95 %4.95 %5.15 %5.15 %5.15 %
Expected return on plan assets (3)5.13 5.26 4.69 3.66 3.75 3.35 
Medical cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-657.25 7.25 7.25 6.50 6.50 6.50 
Medical/prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Post-6522.76 22.76 22.76 23.66 23.66 23.66 
Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year - Pre-659.00 9.00 9.00 8.00 8.00 8.00 
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 4.50 
Year that the cost trend rates reach the ultimate trend rate - Pre-65203320332033203220322032
Year that the cost trend rates reach the ultimate trend rate - Post-65203320332033203220322032

(1)Significant sources of loss for 2023 include updated life insurance rates and the decrease in discount rate from 5.15% to 4.95%.
(2)The discount rate assumption was determined by matching the projected cash flows of the plans against a hypothetical yield curve of high-quality corporate bonds represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates from one-half to 99 years.
(3)The expected rate of return assumption was developed using the targeted asset allocation of the plans and the expected return for each asset class.
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets
The following table displays pension benefits related to CenterPoint Energy’s pension plans that have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
 December 31,
 20232022
 Pension
(Qualified)
Pension
(Non-qualified)
Pension
(Qualified)
Pension
(Non-qualified)
 (in millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation$1,496 $48 $1,497 $51 
Projected benefit obligation1,500 48 1,502 51 
Fair value of plan assets1,204 — 1,212 — 
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain) consist of the following:
 December 31,
 20232022
 Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
CenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint EnergyCERC
 (in millions)
Unrecognized actuarial loss (gain)$69 $(34)$(27)$70 $(36)$(28)
Unrecognized prior service cost— 12 10 — 13 11 
Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss (gain)
$69 $(22)$(17)$70 $(23)$(17)
Changes in accumulated comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
20232022
CenterPoint EnergyCERCCenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions)
Beginning Balance$(31)$16 $(64)$10 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications:
Remeasurement of pension and other postretirement plans(8)— (40)10 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net deferred gain from cash flow hedges— — — 
Prior service cost (1)
(2)(1)(1)
Actuarial losses (1)
Settlement (2)
— — 67 — 
Reclassification of deferred loss from cash flow hedges realized in net income— — — 
Tax benefit (expense)— (2)(4)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)(4)— 33 
Ending Balance$(35)$16 $(31)$16 

(1)Amounts are included in the computation of net periodic cost and are reflected in Other, net in each of the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income.
(2)Amounts presented represent a one-time, non-cash settlement cost (benefit), prior to regulatory deferrals, which are required when the total lump sum distributions or other settlements of plan benefit obligations during a plan year exceed the service cost and interest cost components of the net periodic cost for that year. Amounts presented in the table above are included in Other income (expense), net in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income, net of regulatory deferrals.
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income during 2023 are as follows:
 Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
Benefits
CenterPoint EnergyCenterPoint EnergyCERC
(in millions)
Net loss (gain)$$— $
Amortization of net loss(3)(2)
Amortization of prior service cost— (1)
Settlement— — — 
Total recognized in comprehensive income$(1)$$— 
Total recognized in net periodic costs and Other comprehensive income$52 $— $
Target Allocation of Plan Assets
As part of the investment strategy discussed above, CenterPoint Energy maintained the following weighted-average allocation targets for its pension plans as of December 31, 2023:
MinimumMaximum
U.S. equity17 %27 %
International equity%19 %
Real estate%11 %
Fixed income54 %64 %
Cash— %%
As part of the investment strategy discussed above, the Registrants maintained the following weighted-average allocation targets for the postretirement plans as of December 31, 2023:
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
MinimumMaximumMinimumMaximumMinimumMaximum
U.S. equities14 %24 %13 %23 %15 %25 %
International equities%13 %%13 %%12 %
Fixed income69 %79 %69 %79 %68 %78 %
Cash— %%— %%— %%
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (see Note 10), CenterPoint Energy’s pension plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31,
20232022
 (Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)Total(Level 1)(Level 2)(Level 3)Total
(in millions)
Cash$21 $— $— $21 $$— $— $
Corporate bonds:   
Investment grade or above— 469 — 469 — 467 — 467 
Equity securities:     
U.S. companies30 — — 30 29 — — 29 
Cash received as collateral from securities lending
94 — — 94 47 — — 47 
U.S. treasuries and government agencies178 — — 178 163 — — 163 
Mortgage backed securities— 15 — 15 — — 
Asset backed securities— — — — 
Municipal bonds— 25 — 25 — 24 — 24 
International government bonds— — — 10 — 10 
Obligation to return cash received as collateral from securities lending
(94)— — (94)(47)— — (47)
Financial instruments
— (4)— (4)— — — — 
Total investments at fair value$229 $515 $— 744 $199 $509 $— 708 
Investments measured by net asset value per share or its equivalent (1) (2)
460 504 
Total Investments
$1,204 $1,212 

(1)Represents investments in pooled investment funds and common collective trust funds.
(2)The amounts invested in pooled investment funds were 100% allocated to real estate. The amounts invested common collective trust funds were allocated as follows:
As of December 31,
20232022
International equities40 %40 %
U.S. equities59 %56 %
Fixed income%%
The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy (see Note 10), the Registrants’ postretirement plan assets at fair value as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Fair Value Measurements as of December 31,
20232022
Mutual Funds
 
(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)
Total
(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)
Total
(in millions)
CenterPoint Energy$113 $— $— $113 $109 $— $— $109 
Houston Electric86 — — 86 84 — — 84 
CERC26 — — 26 25 — — 25 

The amounts invested in mutual funds were allocated as follows:
As of December 31,
20232022
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
Fixed income72 %72 %71 %74 %74 %74 %
U.S. equities20 %19 %22 %18 %17 %20 %
International equities%%%%%%
Benefit Plan Contributions
The Registrants made the following contributions in 2023 and are required to make the following minimum contributions in 2024 to the indicated benefit plans below:
Contributions in 2023Expected Minimum Contributions in 2024
CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
Qualified pension plans$24 $— $— $$— $— 
Non-qualified pension plans— — — — 
Postretirement benefit plans— 
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid by the pension and postretirement benefit plans:
 Pension
Benefits
Postretirement Benefits
CenterPoint
Energy
CenterPoint
Energy
Houston ElectricCERC
(in millions)
2024$141 $14 $$
2025143 16 
2026137 17 
2027135 19 
2028133 20 
2029-2033606 107 49 36 
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosures
CenterPoint Energy allocates the savings plan benefit expense to Houston Electric and CERC related to their respective employees. The following table summarizes the Registrants’ savings plan benefit expense for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
 CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Savings plan benefit
 expenses (1)
$67 $23 $20 $72 $23 $22 $58 $20 $23 

(1)Amounts presented in the table above are included in Operation and maintenance expense in the Registrants’ respective Statements of Consolidated Income and shown prior to any amounts capitalized.
Other Benefit Plans
Expenses related to other benefit plans were recorded as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 202320222021
 CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Postemployment benefits
$(1)$— $— $$$$$$
Deferred compensation plans
(1)— — — — — — 

Amounts related to other benefit plans were included in Benefit Obligations in the Registrants’ accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
 December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
 CenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERCCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
 (in millions)
Postemployment benefits$$$$$$
Deferred compensation plans26 28 
Split-dollar life insurance arrangements 46 — 22 — 
Other Employee Matters
As of December 31, 2023, the Registrants’ employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements as follows:
Percentage of Employees Covered
 Agreement ExpirationCenterPoint EnergyHouston ElectricCERC
IBEW Local 66
May 2026
17 %53 %— %
OPEIU Local 12December 2025%— %%
Gas Workers Union Local 340April 2025%— %13 %
IBEW Locals 1393 and USW Locals 12213 & 7441
December 2026
%— %%
IBEW Locals 949December 2025%— %%
USW Locals 13-227 June 2027%— %13 %
USW Locals 13-1
June 2027
— %— %%
IBEW Local 702June 2025%— %— %
Teamsters Local 135/215September 2024— %— %— %
UWUA Local 175October 2024%— %%
Total
40 %53 %48 %