UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		1-31447 (Commission File Number)		74-0694415 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1111 Louisiana Houston, Texas (Address of principal executive offices)		77002 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 207-1111

CENTERPOINT ENERGY RESOURCES CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)		1-13265 (Commission File Number)		76-0511406 (IRS Employer Identification No.)

1111 Louisiana Houston, Texas (Address of principal executive offices)		77002 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (713) 207-1111

     Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o     Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o     Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o     Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

ITEM 8.01. OTHER EVENTS.

     On December 1, 2009, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (the “MPUC”) indicated its expected rulings on the issues presented in the rate increase proceeding filed with the MPUC in November 2008 by the Gas Operations division (“Gas Operations”) of CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., the natural gas subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Although the precise effect of the MPUC’s expected decision will not be determined until the MPUC issues its formal order, which is expected in January 2010, the MPUC issued a press release which indicated that it anticipates its rulings would result in a rate increase for Gas Operations of approximately $43 million per year, with an overall rate of return of 8.09% (10.24% return on equity). In its original request Gas Operations had sought an overall increase in annual revenue of $59.8 million, and in December 2008, the MPUC approved an interim rate increase, subject to refund, of $51.2 million, effective on January 2, 2009. The difference between the final rates approved by the MPUC and amounts collected under the interim rates will be refunded to customers. The MPUC also indicated that its order will authorize Gas Operations to implement a pilot program for residential and small volume commercial customers that is intended to decouple gas revenues from customers’ natural gas usage. After the MPUC issues its formal decision, the parties will be entitled to seek rehearing of the MPUC decision.

SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.