X0305 4 2012-04-26 0 0001130310 CENTERPOINT ENERGY INC CNP 0001236672 CROSSWELL O HOLCOMBE 1111 LOUISIANA HOUSTON TX 77002 1 0 0 0 Common Stock 2012-04-26 4 A 0 5000 A 41647 D Common Stock 3448 I By corporation Common Stock 8000 I By spouse Time-based restricted stock awarded under the Stock Plan for Outside Directors, as amended, to outside directors then in office as of May 1, 2012. Shares will vest on the first anniversary of the Annual Award Date if the reporting person is a director of the Company through such date; provided however, the shares become fully vested in the event of a change of control of issuer. Price is not applicable. Includes 1,333 shares of time-based restricted stock awarded in 2009 that will vest on May 1, 2012; and 4,000 shares of time-based restricted stock awarded in 2011 that will vest on May 2, 2012 if the reporting person is a director of Issuer through such dates; provided however, the shares become fully vested in the event of a change of control of issuer. Shares held by a corporation of which the reporting person is president with shared voting power and investment power. Richard B. Dauphin, Attorney in Fact 2012-04-30