EX-12 2 ex12.htm COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES ex12.htm
Exhibit 12


CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(Millions of Dollars)

   
     Six Months Ended June 30,
  
   
2008 (1)
    
2009 (1)
  
             
Net Income
   $ 223     $ 153  
Income taxes
     135       91  
Capitalized interest
     (7 )     (2 )
      351       242  
                 
Fixed charges, as defined:
                
                 
Interest
     298       331  
Capitalized interest
     7       2  
Interest component of rentals charged to operating expense
     7       5  
Total fixed charges
     312       338  
                 
Earnings, as defined
     663       580  
                 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
     2.13       1.71  
        
(1)
Excluded from the computation of fixed charges for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009 is interest expense of $5 million and $9 million, respectively, which is included in income tax expense.