Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes The effective tax rate reported for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 35% compared to 36% for the same periods in 2015. Houston Electric reported no uncertain tax liability as of September 30, 2016 and expects no significant change to the uncertain tax liability over the next twelve months. CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated federal income tax returns have been audited and settled through 2014. CenterPoint Energy is under examination by the IRS for 2015 and 2016.

Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate reported for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 35% compared to 36% for the same periods in 2015.

Houston Electric reported no uncertain tax liability as of September 30, 2016 and expects no significant change to the uncertain tax liability over the next twelve months. CenterPoint Energy’s consolidated federal income tax returns have been audited and settled through 2014. CenterPoint Energy is under examination by the IRS for 2015 and 2016.