Company Directory - CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
Company Details - CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
WebsiteHouston, United States
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a leading energy delivery company that provides electric transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, and energy delivery services across multiple markets in the United States. The company is dedicated to ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient energy for its customers.
CCI Score
CCI Score: CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
-10.89
0.01%
Latest Event
CenterPoint Energy's Rate Hike Request Denied by Houston City Council
CenterPoint Energy had proposed an electricity and natural gas rate increase—which would have effectively wiped out settlement savings for local customers—but Houston City Council denied the request and suspended the gas rate increase for 45 days amid concerns from service failures and rising costs.
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CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is currently rated as an Enabler.
Latest Events
- MAR262025
CenterPoint Energy had proposed an electricity and natural gas rate increase—which would have effectively wiped out settlement savings for local customers—but Houston City Council denied the request and suspended the gas rate increase for 45 days amid concerns from service failures and rising costs.
-40
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
CenterPoint Energy’s decision to request a rate hike, despite a recent settlement that benefitted customers and after experiencing widespread outages, reflects a disregard for public welfare. Such actions indicate a political posture that prioritizes increased revenue over the interests of vulnerable ratepayers.
-50
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
By pursuing a rate hike that would have eliminated the financial relief provided in a recent settlement, CenterPoint Energy demonstrated business practices that appear to prioritize profit over consumer welfare. This approach risks further burdening residents and undermines trust in the company’s commitment to ethical responsibility.
- FEB062025
OpenSecrets published a profile of CenterPoint Energy that details its political spending in the 2024 cycle, including $96,189 in contributions and $930,000 in lobbying expenditures. The report also highlights a notable revolving door phenomenon among its lobbyists, with a significant portion having previously held government positions.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The data released by OpenSecrets reveals that CenterPoint Energy engaged in considerable lobbying activity relative to its political contributions, with nearly $930,000 spent on lobbying and a high proportion of lobbyists coming from previous government roles. This pattern can be seen as part of a broader trend of corporate influence over political processes, which may contribute to democratic distortions and authoritarian tendencies.
- JAN082025
On January 8, 2025, the Houston City Council unanimously denied CenterPoint Energy’s latest application to raise customer rates, a request intended to recover millions in distribution costs. The decision comes amid previous public criticism following Hurricane Beryl and rising concerns over consumer impact. CenterPoint is expected to appeal the decision to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
-25
Public and Political Behavior
March 28
CenterPoint's attempt to push a rate hike despite widespread public concern and regulatory scrutiny—especially following criticisms of its emergency response—demonstrates a troubling exercise of political influence that prioritizes corporate profit over community welfare.
Houston City Council denies CenterPoint's latest rate hike request
-35
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
March 28
The rate hike request, aimed at recovering extensive costs including recent infrastructure investments and previous emergency response failures, indicates a business practice that prioritizes profit extraction over ethical responsibility to consumers.
Houston City Council denies CenterPoint's latest rate hike request
-30
Economic and Structural Influence
March 28
By seeking to recoup massive infrastructure and restoration costs through increased customer rates, CenterPoint's actions risk exacerbating economic inequality and structurally burdening consumers, reflecting a negative economic influence.
Houston City Council denies CenterPoint's latest rate hike request
- JUN112024
CenterPoint Energy's 2023 Political Activities Report details contributions totaling over $165,000, including $40,000 to the Republican State Leadership Committee and $100,000 to the Republican Governors' Association, indicating potential alignment with partisan far-right interests.
-70
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The report reveals significant payments to politically aligned groups, notably the Republican State Leadership Committee and the Republican Governors' Association, which are commonly associated with far-right policies. Such contributions are concerning from an anti-authoritarian perspective as they may signal support for policies that undermine progressive values.
PDF CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Political Activities Report - 2023
- OCT182023
CenterPoint Energy avoided a potential strike after union workers voted to approve a new contract, which addressed issues around paid sick days and bonus structures. The agreement, reached after several months of negotiations, reflects a compromise that favors labor stability while introducing some concessions such as reduced annual bonuses.
+30
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
March 28
The new union contract agreement helped prevent a strike by addressing workers' demands regarding paid sick days and bonus adjustments. This outcome is a moderately positive step for labor relations, indicating that CenterPoint Energy engaged with union concerns, even though some concessions were made that reduced bonus benefits.
CenterPoint Energy strike vote: Union workers agree on new contract ...
- SEP012023
CenterPoint Energy released its Political Engagement Policy, outlining its procedures for political contributions, employee involvement through PACs, and lobbying activities. The policy emphasizes strict legal compliance, nonpartisan employee participation, internal oversight, and transparent disclosure of political activities.
+10
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The policy details CenterPoint Energy’s framework for engaging in political contributions and lobbying in a legally compliant and transparent manner. The use of employee-funded, nonpartisan PACs and the commitment to adhering to campaign finance laws represent a cautious, regulated approach that provides checks on corporate influence in politics, even though corporate lobbying itself can be problematic. This balanced approach is seen as a moderately positive anti-fascist measure in contrast to unchecked corporate political spending.
- AUG012021
CenterPoint Energy detailed its transparent decision‐making and oversight processes for political contributions and lobbying activities, including employee participation in PACs, senior management oversight, and Board review of related expenditures.
+30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
The company outlines robust oversight and disclosure mechanisms for its political contributions and lobbying efforts, including an employee‐led PAC council and Board review. Such transparency and adherence to legal and ethical standards reduce risks of undue influence and potential alignment with authoritarian interests.
+30
Executive Political Engagement
March 28
Senior management and an employee-led PAC council manage the company’s political activities, ensuring that engagement in the public policy process remains transparent and accountable. This active oversight is a positive step in safeguarding against potential authoritarian abuses.
- AUG012021
CenterPoint Energy has established comprehensive policies for political engagement that require all employees to adhere to procedures on political contributions and lobbying activities. The company's practices include oversight by an employee-led PAC council to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, as well as alignment with the company’s business strategy. These measures aim to promote transparency and accountability in the public policy process.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
March 28
CenterPoint Energy’s policy mandates that all political activities and contributions are overseen by an employee-led PAC council, ensuring strict adherence to legal requirements and transparent governance. This internal oversight promotes democratic accountability and responsible public and political behavior, aligning with anti-authoritarian principles.
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- Electric Power Distribution
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- Natural Gas Distribution
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- Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas
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- Other Electric Power Generation