1.0.0.3 false (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies false 1 $ false false u000 Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 u002 Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 2 Notes to Financial Statements [Abstract] 0 cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsAbstract cnp false na duration string No definition available. false false false false false true false false false 1 false false 0 0 false false No definition available. false 3 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 1 us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock us-gaap true na duration string No definition available. false false false false false false false false false 1 false false 0 0 <div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(2)       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(a) Use of Estimates</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(b) Principles of Consolidation</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The accounts of CenterPoint Energy and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. CenterPoint Energy uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in which CenterPoint Energy has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence. CenterPoint Energy’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates include a 50% ownership interest in Southeast Supply Header, LLC (SESH) which owns and operates a 270-mile interstate natural gas pipeline and a 50% interest in Waskom Gas Processing Company, a Texas general partnership, which owns and operates a natural gas processing plant.  Other investments, excluding marketable securities, are carried at cost. During 2009, CenterPoint Energy invested $137 million in SESH and received a capital distribution of $23 million from SESH.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(c) Revenues</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy records revenue for electricity delivery and natural gas sales and services under the accrual method and these revenues are recognized upon delivery to customers. Electricity deliveries not billed by month-end are accrued based on daily supply volumes, applicable rates and analyses reflecting significant historical trends and experience. Natural gas sales not billed by month-end are accrued based upon estimated purchased gas volumes, estimated lost and unaccounted for gas and currently effective tariff rates. The Interstate Pipelines and Field Services business segments record revenues as transportation and processing services are provided.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(d) Long-lived Assets and Intangibles</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy records property, plant and equipment at historical cost. CenterPoint Energy expenses repair and maintenance costs as incurred. Property, plant and equipment include the following:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="95%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="11%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Weighted Average</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="26%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="11%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Useful Lives</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="26%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Years)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="55%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="11%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="26%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Electric Transmission & Distribution</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7,256</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7,325</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Natural Gas Distribution</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">31</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,266</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,436</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">67</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">69</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Interstate Pipelines</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">58</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,334</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,524</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Field Services</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">51</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">601</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">931</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other property</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">482</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">485</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14,006</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14,770</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Accumulated depreciation and amortization:</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Electric Transmission & Distribution</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,652</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,737</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Natural Gas Distribution</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">708</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">825</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Interstate Pipelines</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">182</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">223</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Field Services</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">28</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other property</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">129</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">157</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 36pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total accumulated depreciation and amortization</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,710</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,982</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Property, plant and equipment, net</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="10%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">10,296</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">10,788</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Goodwill by reportable business segment as of December 31, 2008 and 2009 is as follows (in millions):</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="60%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Natural Gas Distribution</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">746</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Interstate Pipelines</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">579</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">335</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Field Services</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other Operations</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,696</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy performs its goodwill impairment tests at least annually and evaluates goodwill when events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying value may not be recoverable. The impairment evaluation for goodwill is performed by using a two-step process. In the first step, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared with the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including goodwill. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit is generally determined on the basis of discounted future cash flows. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of the reporting unit, then a second step must be completed in order to determine the amount of the goodwill impairment that should be recorded. In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its assets and liabilities other than goodwill (including any unrecognized intangible assets) in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The resulting implied fair value of the goodwill that results from the application of this second step is then compared to the carrying amount of the goodwill and an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy performed the test at July 1, 2009, its annual impairment testing date, and determined that no impairment charge for goodwill was required.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy periodically evaluates long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment, and specifically identifiable intangibles, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable. The determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets, as compared to the carrying value of the assets.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(e) Regulatory Assets and Liabilities</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy applies the guidance for accounting for regulated operations, to the Electric Transmission & Distribution business segment and the Natural Gas Distribution business segment and to portions of the Interstate Pipelines business segment.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following is a list of regulatory assets/liabilities reflected on CenterPoint Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2009:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="22%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="60%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="22%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Securitized regulatory asset (1)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,430</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,886</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 45pt; TEXT-INDENT: -36pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized equity return</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(207</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(232</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unamortized loss on reacquired debt</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">73</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">67</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Hurricane Ike restoration cost (1)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">435</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Pension and postretirement-related regulatory asset</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">848</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">781</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other long-term regulatory assets(2)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">105</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">170</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total regulatory assets (1)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,684</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3,677</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="bottom" width="60%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Estimated removal costs</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">779</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">818</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other long-term regulatory liabilities</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">42</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">103</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total regulatory liabilities</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">821</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">921</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td valign="bottom" width="60%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="60%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total regulatory assets and liabilities, net</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,863</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,756</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">__________ </div> <div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent_80" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr valign="top"> <td style="WIDTH: 18pt"> <div>  </div> </td> <td style="WIDTH: 18pt"> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">(1)</div> </td> <td> <div align="justify">As discussed in Note 8(b), CenterPoint Houston securitized approximately $665 million of Hurricane Ike restoration costs in November 2009.  CenterPoint Houston did not record a return on Hurricane Ike restoration costs until approval by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Texas Utility Commission) was received in 2009.  Other regulatory assets that are not earning a return were not  material at December 31, 2008 and 2009.</div> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent_81" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr valign="top"> <td style="WIDTH: 18pt"> <div>  </div> </td> <td style="WIDTH: 18pt"> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">(2)</div> </td> <td> <div align="justify">CenterPoint Houston’s actuarially determined pension expense for 2009 in excess of the 2007 base year amount is being deferred for rate making purposes until its next general rate case pursuant to Texas law.  CenterPoint Houston deferred as a regulatory asset $32 million in pension and other postemployment expenses during the year ended December 31, 2009.</div> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy’s rate-regulated businesses recognize removal costs as a component of depreciation expense in accordance with regulatory treatment. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, these removal costs of $779 million and $818 million, respectively, are classified as regulatory liabilities in CenterPoint Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. A portion of the amount of removal costs that related to asset retirement obligations has been reclassified from a regulatory liability to an asset retirement liability in accordance with accounting guidance for conditional asset retirement obligations.  At December 31, 2008 and 2009, CenterPoint Energy’s asset retirement obligations were $63 million and $82 million, respectively. The increase in asset retirement obligation in 2009 of $19 million is primarily attributable to the decrease in the credit-adjusted risk-free rate used to value the asset retirement obligation as of the end of the period.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(f) Depreciation and Amortization Expense</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on economic lives or regulatory-mandated recovery periods. Amortization expense includes amortization of regulatory assets and other intangibles. See Notes 2(e) and 3(a) for additional discussion of these items.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following table presents depreciation and amortization expense for 2007, 2008 and 2009 (in millions).</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="85%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2007</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Depreciation expense</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">455</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">478</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">496</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization expense</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">176</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">230</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">247</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="55%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total depreciation and amortization expense</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">631</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">708</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">743</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(g) Capitalization of Interest and Allowance for Funds Used During Construction</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the approximate net composite interest cost of borrowed funds and a reasonable return on the equity funds used for construction. Although AFUDC increases both utility plant and earnings, it is realized in cash when the assets are included in rates for subsidiaries that apply the guidance for accounting for regulated operations. Interest and AFUDC are capitalized as a component of projects under construction and will be amortized over the assets’ estimated useful lives. During 2007, 2008 and 2009, CenterPoint Energy capitalized interest and AFUDC of $21 million, $12 million and $5 million, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(h) Income Taxes</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy files a consolidated federal income tax return and follows a policy of comprehensive interperiod tax allocation. CenterPoint Energy uses the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Investment tax credits that were deferred are being amortized over the estimated lives of the related property. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets for which management believes realization is not considered more likely than not. CenterPoint Energy recognizes interest and penalties as a component of income tax expense. For additional information regarding income taxes, see Note 9.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(i) Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $35 million and $24 million at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts in CenterPoint Energy’s Statements of Consolidated Income for 2007, 2008 and 2009 was $45 million, $54 million and $36 million, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">On October 9, 2009, CERC amended its receivables facility to extend the termination date to October 8, 2010. Availability under CERC’s 364-day receivables facility ranges from $150 million to $375 million, reflecting seasonal changes in receivables balances. At December 31, 2008 and 2009, the facility size was $128 million and $150 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, advances under the receivables facilities were $78 million and $-0-, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(j) Inventory</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Inventory consists principally of materials and supplies and natural gas. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Natural gas inventories of CenterPoint Energy’s Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment are also primarily valued at the lower of average cost or market. Natural gas inventories of CenterPoint Energy’s Natural Gas Distribution business segment are primarily valued at weighted average cost. During 2008 and 2009, CenterPoint Energy recorded $30 million and $6 million, respectively, in write-downs of natural gas inventory to the lower of average cost or market.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="75%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="50%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="22%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="50%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="50%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="22%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="50%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Materials and supplies</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">128</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">138</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="50%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Natural gas</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">441</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">189</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="50%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 27pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total inventory</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">569</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">327</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(k) Derivative Instruments</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy is exposed to various market risks. These risks arise from transactions entered into in the normal course of business.  CenterPoint Energy utilizes derivative instruments such as physical forward contracts, swaps and options to mitigate the impact of changes in commodity prices and weather on its operating results and cash flows. Such derivatives are recognized in CenterPoint Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value unless CenterPoint Energy elects the normal purchase and sales exemption for qualified physical transactions. A derivative may be designated as a normal purchase or normal sale if the intent is to physically receive or deliver the product for use or sale in the normal course of business.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy has a Risk Oversight Committee composed of corporate and business segment officers that oversees all commodity price, weather and credit risk activities, including CenterPoint Energy’s marketing, risk management services and hedging activities. The committee’s duties are to establish CenterPoint Energy’s commodity risk policies, allocate board-approved commercial risk limits, approve use of new products and commodities, monitor positions and ensure compliance with CenterPoint Energy’s risk management policies and procedures and limits established by CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy’s policies prohibit the use of leveraged financial instruments. A leveraged financial instrument, for this purpose, is a transaction involving a derivative whose financial impact will be based on an amount other than the notional amount or volume of the instrument.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(l) Investments in Other Debt and Equity Securities</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy reports "trading" securities at estimated fair value in its Consolidated Balance Sheets, and any unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded as other income (expense) in its Statements of Consolidated Income.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">As of December 31, 2008 and 2009, CenterPoint Energy held investments in Time Warner Inc. (TW) related securities, which were classified as "trading" securities. For information regarding these investments, see Note 6.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(m) Environmental Costs</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy expenses or capitalizes environmental expenditures, as appropriate, depending on their future economic benefit. CenterPoint Energy expenses amounts that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that do not have future economic benefit. CenterPoint Energy records undiscounted liabilities related to these future costs when environmental assessments and/or remediation activities are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(n) Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">For purposes of reporting cash flows, CenterPoint Energy considers cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. In connection with the issuance of transition bonds in October 2001, December 2005 and February 2008 and system restoration bonds in November 2009, CenterPoint Energy was required to establish restricted cash accounts to collateralize the bonds that were issued in these financing transactions. These restricted cash accounts are not available for withdrawal until the maturity of the bonds and are not included in cash and cash equivalents. These restricted cash accounts of $60 million and $34 million at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively, are included in other current assets in CenterPoint Energy's Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information regarding transition and system restoration bonds, see Notes 3(a), 3(b) and 8(b). Cash and cash equivalents includes $166 million and $151 million at December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively, that is held by CenterPoint Energy’s transition and system restoration bond subsidiaries solely to support servicing the transition and system restoration bonds.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(o) New Accounting Pronouncements</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective January 1, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance which requires enhanced disclosures of derivative instruments and hedging activities such as the fair value of derivative instruments and presentation of their gains or losses in tabular format, as well as disclosures regarding credit risks and strategies and objectives for using derivative instruments.  These disclosures are included as part of CenterPoint Energy’s Derivatives Instruments footnote (see Note 4).</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective January 1, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) which changed the accounting treatment for convertible securities that the issuer may settle fully or partially in cash and which required retrospective application to all periods presented. Under this new guidance, cash settled convertible securities are separated into their debt and equity components. The value assigned to the debt component is the estimated fair value, as of the issuance date, of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature, and the difference between the proceeds for the convertible debt and the amount reflected as a debt liability is recorded as additional paid-in capital. As a result, the debt is recorded at a discount reflecting its below-market coupon interest rate. The debt is then subsequently accreted to its par value over its expected life, with the rate of interest that reflects the market rate at issuance being reflected on the income statement. CenterPoint Energy currently has no convertible debt that is within the scope of this new guidance, but did during prior periods presented.  The required retrospective implementation of this new guidance had a non-cash effect on net income for prior periods and the Consolidated Balance Sheets when CenterPoint Energy had contingently convertible debt outstanding. The effect on net income for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 was a decrease in net income of $4 million, or $0.02 per basic and diluted share, and $1 million, or $0.01 per basic share and no change per diluted share, respectively. The implementation effect on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 increased Additional Paid-In-Capital and Accumulated Deficit by $23 million.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective January 1, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance on employers’ disclosures about postretirement benefit plan assets which expands the disclosures about employers’ plan assets to include more detailed disclosures about the employers’ investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. See Note 2(p) below for the required disclosures.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective June 30, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance on interim disclosures about fair value of financial instruments which expands the fair value disclosures required for all financial instruments to interim periods. This new guidance also requires entities to disclose in interim periods the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments. CenterPoint Energy’s adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective June 30, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance on subsequent events that establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. CenterPoint Energy’s adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 15 for the subsequent event related disclosures.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective July 1, 2009, CenterPoint Energy adopted new accounting guidance on the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) and the hierarchy of generally accepted accounting principles.  This new accounting guidance establishes the Codification as the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities.  Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. CenterPoint Energy’s adoption of this new guidance did not have any impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">In June 2009, the FASB issued new accounting guidance on consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs) that changes how a reporting entity determines a primary beneficiary that would consolidate the VIE from a quantitative risk and rewards approach to a qualitative approach based on which variable interest holder has the power to direct the economic performance related activities of the VIE as well as the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. This new guidance requires the primary beneficiary assessment to be performed on an ongoing basis and also requires enhanced disclosures that will provide more transparency about a company’s involvement in a VIE. This new guidance is effective for a reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009. CenterPoint Energy expects that the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">In January 2010, the FASB issued new accounting guidance to require additional fair value related disclosures including transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2 and separate disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements relating to Level 3 measurements. It also clarifies existing fair value disclosure guidance about the level of disaggregation and about inputs and valuation techniques. This new guidance is effective for the first reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009. CenterPoint Energy expects that the adoption of this new guidance will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operation or cash flows.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Management believes the impact of other recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows upon adoption.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">(p) Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans and Employee Benefit Plans</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plans</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy has long-term incentive plans (LTIPs) that provide for the issuance of stock-based incentives, including stock options, performance awards, restricted stock unit awards and restricted and unrestricted stock awards to officers and key employees.  Approximately 21 million shares of CenterPoint Energy common stock are authorized to be issued under these plans.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Equity awards are granted to employees without cost to the participants. The performance awards granted in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are distributed based upon the achievement of certain objectives over a three-year performance cycle. The stock awards granted in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are subject to the operational condition that total common dividends declared during the three-year vesting period must be at least $2.04, $2.19 and $2.28 per share, respectively. The stock awards generally vest at the end of a three-year period. Upon vesting, both the performance and stock awards are issued to the participants along with the value of dividend equivalents earned over the performance cycle or vesting period. CenterPoint Energy issues new shares in order to satisfy share-based payments related to LTIPs.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Stock options are generally granted with an exercise price equal to the average of the high and low sales price of CenterPoint Energy’s stock at the date of grant. These stock options generally become exercisable in one-third increments on each of the first through third anniversaries of the grant date and have 10-year contractual terms. No stock options were granted during 2007, 2008 and 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy recorded LTIP compensation expense of $10 million, $10 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.  This expense is included in Operation and Maintenance Expense in the Statements of Consolidated Income.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The total income tax benefit recognized related to LTIPs was $4 million, $4 million and $6 million in the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. No compensation cost related to LTIPs was capitalized as a part of inventory or fixed assets in 2007, 2008 or 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions related to LTIPs totaled $7 million, $5 million and $6 million, for 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Compensation costs for the performance and stock awards granted under LTIPs are measured using fair value and expected achievement levels on the grant date.  The fair value of awards granted to employees after April 2009 are based on the closing stock price of CenterPoint Energy’s common stock on the grant date.  The fair value of awards granted prior to May 2009 are based on the average of the high and low stock price of CenterPoint Energy’s common stock on the grant date. The compensation expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Forfeitures are estimated on the date of grant based on historical averages.  For performance awards with operational goals, the expected achievement level is revised as goal achievements are evaluated.</div> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following tables summarize CenterPoint Energy’s LTIP activity for 2009:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Stock Options</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="13" valign="bottom" width="33%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Outstanding Options</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Shares</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Thousands)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Weighted-Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Exercise Price</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Remaining Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Contractual</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Life (Years)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Aggregate</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Intrinsic</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Value (Millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2008</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5,856</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">17.67</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Expired</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(573</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">18.28</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Cancelled</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(295</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">25.63</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Exercised</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(475</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">9.23</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">4,513</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">17.95</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1.9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Exercisable at December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">4,513</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">17.95</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1.9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Cash received from stock options exercised was $22 million, $3 million and $4 million for 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Performance Awards</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="13" valign="bottom" width="33%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Outstanding and Non-Vested Shares</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Shares</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Thousands)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Weighted-Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Grant Date</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Fair Value</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Remaining Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Contractual</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Life (Years)</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Aggregate</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Intrinsic</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Value (Millions)</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2008</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,102</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15.37</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Granted</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,219</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12.42</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Forfeited or cancelled</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(222</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">13.25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Vested and released to participants</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(516</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">13.08</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2,583</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14.62</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1.2</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right">28</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The non-vested and outstanding shares displayed in the table above, assumes that shares are issued at the maximum performance level. The aggregate intrinsic value reflects the impacts of current expectations of achievement and stock price.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Stock Awards</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="13" valign="bottom" width="33%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Outstanding and Non-Vested Stock Shares</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Shares</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Thousands)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Weighted-Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Grant Date</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Fair Value</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Remaining Average</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Contractual Life</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Years)</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Aggregate</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Intrinsic</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Value (Millions)</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2008</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">789</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15.33</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Granted</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">460</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12.30</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Forfeited or cancelled</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">14.02</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Vested and released to participants</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(289</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">13.73</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="7%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Outstanding at December 31, 2009</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">951</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14.36</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1.3</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right">$ </td> <td valign="bottom" width="6%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The weighted-average grant-date fair values of awards granted were as follows for 2007, 2008 and 2009:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="85%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="10" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2007</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Performance awards</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">18.20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15.40</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12.42</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Stock awards</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">18.29</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15.09</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12.30</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Valuation Data</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The total intrinsic value of awards received by participants was as follows for 2007, 2008 and 2009:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="85%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="10" valign="bottom" width="28%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="45%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2007</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="45%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="10" valign="bottom" width="28%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Stock options exercised</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Performance awards</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="45%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Stock awards</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The total grant date fair value of performance and stock awards which vested during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008 and 2009 was $7 million, $8 million and $11 million, respectively.  As of December 31, 2009, there was $27 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested performance and stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Pension and Postretirement Benefits</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy maintains a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees, with benefits determined using a cash balance formula. Under the cash balance formula, participants accumulate a retirement benefit based upon 5% of eligible earnings, which increased from 4% effective January 1, 2009, and accrued interest. Prior to 1999, the pension plan accrued benefits based on years of service, final average pay and covered compensation. Certain employees participating in the plan as of December 31, 1998 automatically receive the greater of the accrued benefit calculated under the prior plan formula through 2008 or the cash balance formula. Participants have historically been 100% vested in their benefit after completing five years of service. Effective January 1, 2008, CenterPoint Energy changed the vesting schedule to provide for 100% vesting after three years to comply with the Pension Protection Act of 2006. In addition to the non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan, CenterPoint Energy maintains unfunded non-qualified benefit restoration plans which allow participants to receive the benefits to which they would have been entitled under CenterPoint Energy’s non-contributory pension plan except for federally mandated limits on qualified plan benefits or on the level of compensation on which qualified plan benefits may be calculated.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy provides certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for retired employees on a contributory and non-contributory basis. Employees become eligible for these benefits if they have met certain age and service requirements at retirement, as defined in the plans. Under plan amendments, effective in early 1999, healthcare benefits for future retirees were changed to limit employer contributions for medical coverage.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Such benefit costs are accrued over the active service period of employees. The net unrecognized transition obligation, resulting from the implementation of accrual accounting, is being amortized over approximately 20 years.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy’s net periodic cost includes the following components relating to pension, including the benefit restoration plan, and postretirement benefits:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="22" valign="bottom" width="61%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="19%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2007</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="19%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="19%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="24%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="22" valign="bottom" width="61%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="24%">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="9%"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Service cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">37</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">31</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Interest cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">100</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">101</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">113</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 28</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Expected return on plan assets</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(149</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(147</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">) </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(98</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">) </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> (9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">) </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-LEFT: 0pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 446pt"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization of prior service cost</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">(credit)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(8</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization of net loss</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">34</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">23</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> -</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 68</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> -</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization of transition obligation</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> -</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> 7</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefit enhancement</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> -</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right"> -</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="24%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Net periodic cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">26</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">111</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">30</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy used the following assumptions to determine net periodic cost relating to pension and postretirement benefits:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="22" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2007</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Discount rate</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.85</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.85</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.40</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.40</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.90</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.90</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Expected return on plan assets</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.00</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.05</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="28%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Rate of increase in compensation levels</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">In determining net periodic benefits cost, CenterPoint Energy uses fair value, as of the beginning of the year, as its basis for determining expected return on plan assets.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following table summarizes changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets, the amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets and the key assumptions of CenterPoint Energy’s pension, including benefit restoration, and postretirement plans. The measurement dates for plan assets and obligations were December 31, 2008 and 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions, except for actuarial assumptions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td align="left" valign="bottom"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Change in Benefit Obligation</div> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefit obligation, beginning of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,645</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">437</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,710</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">426</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Service cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">31</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">25</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Interest cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">101</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">113</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">28</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Participant contributions</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefits paid</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(123</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(38</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(111</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(42</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Actuarial gain (loss)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(59</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(10</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">129</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">29</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Plan amendment</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">114</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Medicare reimbursement</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefit enhancement</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefit obligation, end of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,710</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">426</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,866</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">450</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Change in Plan Assets</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Fair Value of plan assets, beginning of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,792</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">161</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,276</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">135</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Employer contributions</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">28</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Participant contributions</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Benefits paid</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(123</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(38</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(111</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(42</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Actual investment return</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(401</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">247</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">19</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Fair value of plan assets, end of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,276</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">135</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,432</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">146</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Funded status, end of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(434</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(291</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(434</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(304</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheets</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Current liabilities-other</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(10</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Other liabilities-benefit obligations</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(425</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(281</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(425</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(295</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Net liability, end of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(434</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(291</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(434</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(304</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Actuarial Assumptions</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Discount rate</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.90</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.90</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.70</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.70</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Expected return on plan assets</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.00</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.05</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.00</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.05</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Rate of increase in compensation levels</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4.60</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Healthcare cost trend rate assumed for the next year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">6.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Prescription drug cost trend rate assumed for the next year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12.00</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">8.00</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5.50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Year that the healthcare rate reaches the ultimate trend rate</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2011</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2014</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Year that the prescription drug rate reaches the ultimate trend rate</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2014</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2015</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">At December 31, 2008, the pension benefit obligation increased by $114 million due to a plan amendment effective January 1, 2009.  The amendment increased certain cash balance accounts in conjunction with a transition to a uniform cash balance program effective 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $1,708 million and $1,864 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2009, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The expected rate of return assumption was developed by a weighted-average return analysis of the targeted asset allocation of CenterPoint Energy’s plans and the expected real return for each asset class, based on the long-term capital market assumptions, adjusted for investment fees and diversification effects, in addition to expected inflation.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The discount rate assumption was determined by matching the accrued 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 thirty years.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">For measurement purposes, healthcare costs are assumed to increase 7.50% during 2010, after which this rate decreases until reaching the ultimate trend rate of 5.50% in 2014. Prescription drug costs are assumed to increase 8.00% during 2010, after which this rate decreases until reaching the ultimate trend rate of 5.50% in 2015.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of the following:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized actuarial loss</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">181</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">162</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized prior service cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">17</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">16</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized transition obligation</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Net amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">198</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">19</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">178</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income during 2009 are as follows (in millions):</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Net loss (gain)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(34</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">10</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization of net loss</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Prior service credit</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amortization of prior service credit (cost)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total recognized in comprehensive income</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">8</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The total expense recognized in net periodic costs and other comprehensive income was $91 million and $38 million for pension and postretirement benefits, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2010 are as follows (in millions):</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized actuarial loss</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrecognized prior service cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Amounts in comprehensive income to be recognized in net periodic cost in 2010</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following table displays pension benefits related to CenterPoint Energy’s pension plans that have accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">December 31,</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2008</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">2009</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Qualified</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Non-qualified</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Qualified</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Non-qualified</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Accumulated benefit obligation</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,622</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">86</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,770</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">94</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Projected benefit obligation</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,624</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">86</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,772</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">94</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="52%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Fair value of plan assets</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,276</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,432</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the reported amounts for CenterPoint Energy’s postretirement benefit plans. A 1% change in the assumed healthcare cost trend rate would have the following effects:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">1%</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Increase</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">1%</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Decrease</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom">  </td> <td valign="bottom"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(In millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Effect on the postretirement benefit obligation</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">17</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">15</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="76%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Effect on total of service and interest cost</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">In managing the investments associated with the benefit plans, CenterPoint Energy’s objective is to preserve and enhance the value of plan assets while maintaining an acceptable level of volatility. These objectives are expected to be achieved through an investment strategy that manages liquidity requirements while maintaining a long-term horizon in making investment decisions and efficient and effective management of plan assets.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">As part of the investment strategy discussed above, CenterPoint Energy has adopted and maintains the following weighted average allocation targets for its benefit plans:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="75%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Domestic equity securities</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">25-35</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">21-31</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Global equity securities</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">7-13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">International equity securities</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">17-23</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">4-14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Debt securities</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">30-40</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">60-70</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Real estate</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">0-5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Cash</div> </td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">0-2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> <td align="right" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">0-2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">%</td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The fair values of CenterPoint Energy’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2009, by asset category are as follows:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" width="54%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(in millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Total</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Quoted Prices in</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Active Markets for</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Identical Assets</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 1)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Significant</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Observable</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Inputs</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 2)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Significant</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Unobservable</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Inputs</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 3)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Cash</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">11</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Common collective trust funds (1)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">733</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">733</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Corporate Bonds:</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Investment grade or above</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">193</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">192</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">High yield</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Equity securities:</div> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">International companies</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">162</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">160</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">U.S. companies</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">96</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">96</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Securities received as collateral</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">114</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">114</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">U.S. government back agencies bonds</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">55</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">55</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">U.S. treasuries</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">50</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Mortgage backed securities</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">39</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">39</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Asset backed securities</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">27</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">24</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Municipal bonds</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">22</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">2</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">20</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Mutual funds (2)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">21</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">21</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">International government bonds</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">12</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Real estate</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Obligation to return securities received as collateral</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(114</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(114</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,432</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">395</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1,024</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent_482" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr valign="top"> <td style="WIDTH: 10.8pt"> <div>  </div> </td> <td style="WIDTH: 27pt"> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">(1)</div> </td> <td> <div align="justify">30% of the amount invested in common collective trust funds is in fixed income securities, 31% is in U.S. equities and 39% is in international equities.</div> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent_483" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr valign="top"> <td style="WIDTH: 10.8pt"> <div>  </div> </td> <td style="WIDTH: 27pt"> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">(2)</div> </td> <td> <div align="justify">48% of the amount invested in mutual funds is in fixed income securities and 52% is in U.S. equities.</div> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The pension plan utilized both exchange traded and over-the-counter financial instruments such as futures, interest rate options and swaps that were marked to market daily with the gains/losses settled in the cash accounts. The pension plan did not include any holdings of CenterPoint Energy common stock as of December 31, 2008 or 2009.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the pension plan’s level 3 investments for the year ended December 31, 2009:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" width="38%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Level 3 Investments</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" width="38%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Year Ended December 31, 2009</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(in millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Corporate</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">bonds</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Asset backed</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">securities</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Real</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">estate</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Total</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Balance, beginning of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">14</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">18</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-LEFT: 0pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; MARGIN-LEFT: 446pt"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Unrealized gains/(losses) relating to</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">instruments still held at the reporting date</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">(5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="40%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Balance, end of year</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">1</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">3</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">9</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">13</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The fair values of CenterPoint Energy’s postretirement plan assets at December 31, 2009, by asset category are as follows:</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="14" valign="bottom" width="54%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(in millions)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Total</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Quoted Prices</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">in Active</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Markets for</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Identical</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Assets</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 1)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td colspan="3" valign="bottom" width="13%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Significant</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Observable</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Input</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 2)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="12%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Significant</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Unobservable</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Inputs</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">(Level 3)</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Mutual funds (1)</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">146</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">146</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="44%" style="PADDING-LEFT: 0pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 18pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">Total</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">146</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">146</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="11%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 4px double; TEXT-ALIGN: right">-</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 4px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="hangingindent_501" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr valign="top"> <td style="WIDTH: 36pt"> <div>  </div> </td> <td style="WIDTH: 18pt"> <div style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt">(1)</div> </td> <td> <div align="justify">65% of the amount invested in mutual funds is in fixed income securities, 26% is in U.S. equities and 9% is in international equities.</div> </td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy contributed $13 million, $7 million and $26 million to its qualified pension, non-qualified pension and postretirement benefits plans, respectively, in 2009. CenterPoint Energy expects to contribute approximately $9 million and $19 million to its non-qualified pension and postretirement benefits plans, respectively, in 2010.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The following benefit payments are expected to be paid by the pension and postretirement benefit plans (in millions):</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify"> </div> <div align="center"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="65%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td valign="bottom" width="30%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="6" valign="bottom" width="22%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Postretirement Benefit Plan</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="bottom" width="30%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px">  </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="8%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Pension</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefits</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Benefit</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Payments</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px"> </td> <td colspan="2" valign="bottom" width="10%" style="BORDER-BOTTOM: black 2px solid"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Medicare</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Subsidy</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="center">Receipts</div> </td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 2px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2010</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">136</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">33</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">$</td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(4</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2011</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">138</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">35</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2012</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">142</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">36</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(5</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2013</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">145</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">38</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="#cceeff"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2014</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">144</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">39</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(6</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr><tr bgcolor="white"> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="30%"> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: -9pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 5.05pt" align="left">2015-2019</div> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="7%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">743</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">216</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td align="left" valign="bottom" width="1%"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"> </td> <td valign="bottom" width="9%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: right">(38</td> <td nowrap="nowrap" valign="bottom" width="1%" style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">)</td> </tr></table> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Savings Plan</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy has a tax-qualified employee savings plan that includes a cash or deferred arrangement under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) under Section 4975(e)(7) of the Code. Under the plan, participating employees may contribute a portion of their compensation, on a pre-tax or after-tax basis, generally up to a maximum of 50% of eligible compensation. The Company matches 100% of the first 6% of each employee’s compensation contributed. The matching contributions are fully vested at all times.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Participating employees may elect to invest all or a portion of their contributions to the plan in CenterPoint Energy common stock, to have dividends reinvested in additional shares or to receive dividend payments in cash on any investment in CenterPoint Energy common stock, and to transfer all or part of their investment in CenterPoint Energy common stock to other investment options offered by the plan.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">The savings plan has significant holdings of CenterPoint Energy common stock. As of December 31, 2009, 21,320,436 shares of CenterPoint Energy’s common stock were held by the savings plan, which represented approximately 23% of its investments. Given the concentration of the investments in CenterPoint Energy’s common stock, the savings plan and its participants have market risk related to this investment.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy’s savings plan benefit expenses were $35 million, $39 million and $31 million in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Postemployment Benefits</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy provides postemployment benefits for former or inactive employees, their beneficiaries and covered dependents, after employment but before retirement (primarily healthcare and life insurance benefits for participants in the long-term disability plan). The Company recorded postemployment benefit income of $2 million, $1 million and $-0- in 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Included in "Benefit Obligations" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2009 was $32 million and $29 million, respectively, relating to postemployment obligations.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Other Non-Qualified Plans</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy has non-qualified deferred compensation plans that provide benefits payable to directors, officers and certain key employees or their designated beneficiaries at specified future dates, upon termination, retirement or death. Benefit payments are made from the general assets of CenterPoint Energy. During 2007, 2008 and 2009, CenterPoint Energy recorded benefit expense relating to these plans of $7 million, $4 million and $6 million, respectively. Included in "Benefit Obligations" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2009 was $83 million and $79 million, respectively, relating to deferred compensation plans.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">Effective January 1, 2008, CenterPoint Energy adopted new guidance on accounting for deferred compensation and postretirement benefit aspects of endorsement split-dollar life insurance arrangements which required CenterPoint Energy to recognize the effect of implementation through a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings or other components of equity as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  CenterPoint Energy calculated the impact as negligible at the time of adoption on January 1, 2008.  During 2009, CenterPoint Energy determined that its adoption calculation had omitted the impact that increasing future premium costs would have on the liability and, therefore, it recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment a $15 million correction to increase other non-current liabilities and accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2008.  The effect of the correction is not material to CenterPoint Energy’s previously issued financial statements and did not affect CenterPoint Energy’s results of operations or cash flows.  Included in Benefit Obligations in CenterPoint Energy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2009 was $16 million and $19 million, respectively, relating to split-dollar life insurance arrangements.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 9pt; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="left">Change in Control Agreements and Other Employee Matters</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">CenterPoint Energy has agreements with certain of its officers that generally provide, to the extent applicable, in the case of a change in control of CenterPoint Energy and termination of employment, for severance benefits of up to three times annual base salary plus bonus, and other benefits. These agreements are for a one-year term with automatic renewal unless action is taken by CenterPoint Energy’s board of directors prior to the renewal.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN-LEFT: 0pt; TEXT-INDENT: 18pt; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt" align="justify">As of December 31, 2009, approximately 30% of CenterPoint Energy’s employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements. One of the collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 14% of CenterPoint Energy’s employees, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local No. 66, is scheduled to expire in May 2010. CenterPoint Energy has a good relationship with this bargaining unit and expects to negotiate a new agreement in 2010.</div> <div style="DISPLAY: block; TEXT-INDENT: 0pt"> </div> </div> (2)       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Use of Estimates The preparation of false false No definition available. 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