X0201 4 2004-03-03 0 0001130310 CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC CNP 0001236680 STANDISH THOMAS R 1111 LOUISIANA HOUSTON TX 77002 0 1 0 0 Pres CE Hou Elec, a sub CNP Common Stock 2004-03-03 4 A 0 7600.0000 A 51348.0000 D Common Stock 12942.0000 I By Savings Plan Commom Stock 1450.0000 I By Spouse Common Stock 10906.0000 I By Estate Employee Stock option Right To Buy 10.9200 2004-03-03 4 A 0 24800.0000 A 2014-03-02 Common Stock 24800.0000 24800.0000 D This common stock is time based restricted stock to be paid on 03/03/2007 if Mr. Standish is an employee of Issuer through such date and on a pro rata basis in the event of his earlier retirement, disability or death. Price is not applicable. Includes 17,100 shares of time based restricted stock to be paid on 03/04/2006 if Mr. Standish is an employee of Issuer through such date and on a pro rata basis in the event of his earlier retirement, disability or death. Equivalent Shares held in CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Savings Plan as of 03/01/2004. The filing of this Form 4 shall not be deemed an admission that Mr. Standish is, for purposes of Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the beneficial owner of such equity securities. The option is exercisable in one-third increments: 8,266 are exercisable on 3/3/2005; 8,267 are exercisable on 3/3/2006; 8,267 are exercisable on 3/3/2007. Thomas R. Standish 2004-03-05