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  <xsd:element id="cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMinimum" name="AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMinimum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_AnnualizedfeereceivedforretainedCESobligationguarantees" name="AnnualizedfeereceivedforretainedCESobligationguarantees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ApproximatenumberofunionstheCompanycontributedtoonbehalfofemployees" name="ApproximatenumberofunionstheCompanycontributedtoonbehalfofemployees" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_AssetRetirementObligationAdditionfromMergerwithVectren" name="AssetRetirementObligationAdditionfromMergerwithVectren" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment" name="AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_BasisDifferenceAccretionGain" name="BasisDifferenceAccretionGain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BenefitObligationMember" name="BenefitObligationMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_BenefitPlanContributionsTableTextBlock" name="BenefitPlanContributionsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondCompaniesMember" name="BondCompaniesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member" name="BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member" name="BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member" name="BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member" name="BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange1MemberMember" name="BondsTransitionDueRange1MemberMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange2Member" name="BondsTransitionDueRange2Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange3Member" name="BondsTransitionDueRange3Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CESnaturalgasrelatedtransactionsMember" name="CESnaturalgasrelatedtransactionsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets" name="CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_CapitalizedFeesNotEliminatedinConsolidation" name="CapitalizedFeesNotEliminatedinConsolidation" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CashReceivedAsCollateralMember" name="CashReceivedAsCollateralMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Cashpaymentstowardsoutstandingsharebasedawards" name="Cashpaymentstowardsoutstandingsharebasedawards" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CenterPointEnergyHoustonElectric2019RateCaseMember" name="CenterPointEnergyHoustonElectric2019RateCaseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" name="CenterpointEnergyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CentralPensionFundMember" name="CentralPensionFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CercCorpMember" name="CercCorpMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract" name="ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinAccountsReceivableRollForward" name="ChangeinAccountsReceivableRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinContractAssetRollForward" name="ChangeinContractAssetRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinContractLiabilityRollForward" name="ChangeinContractLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinCorporateFederalIncomeTaxRateunderTCJAAxis" name="ChangeinCorporateFederalIncomeTaxRateunderTCJAAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinCorporateFederalIncomeTaxRateunderTCJADomain" name="ChangeinCorporateFederalIncomeTaxRateunderTCJADomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChangeinOtherAccruedUnbilledRevenuesRollForward" name="ChangeinOtherAccruedUnbilledRevenuesRollForward" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CharitableContributionMember" name="CharitableContributionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CharterCommonMember" name="CharterCommonMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ChicagoStockExchangeMember" name="ChicagoStockExchangeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_CommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" name="CommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CommonCollectiveTrustFundsMember" name="CommonCollectiveTrustFundsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CommonStock0.01ParValueMember" name="CommonStock0.01ParValueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CommonUnitsMember" name="CommonUnitsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ComprehensiveIncomeNetofTaxBeforePreferredStockDiv" name="ComprehensiveIncomeNetofTaxBeforePreferredStockDiv" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" name="ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ContestedAmountOfFinesImposed" name="ContestedAmountOfFinesImposed" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ContractBalancesLineItems" name="ContractBalancesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ContractBalancesTable" name="ContractBalancesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ContributionFromParent" name="ContributionFromParent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInvestmentGradeOrAboveMember" name="CorporateDebtSecuritiesInvestmentGradeOrAboveMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_CostMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" name="CostMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Creditfacilityswinglinesublimit" name="Creditfacilityswinglinesublimit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_CumulativePreferredStock" name="CumulativePreferredStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CurrentAssetsMember" name="CurrentAssetsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CurrentLiabilitiesMember" name="CurrentLiabilitiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_CustomerrelationshipsandtradenamesMember" name="CustomerrelationshipsandtradenamesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DebtComponentOfZENSMember" name="DebtComponentOfZENSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract" name="DebtComponentOfZensAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DebtInstrumentContingentPrincipalAmountOutstanding" name="DebtInstrumentContingentPrincipalAmountOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther" name="DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DeferredTaxBenefitOnAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" name="DeferredTaxBenefitOnAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentOther" name="DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentOther" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationWeightedAverageInterestCreditingRate" name="DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationWeightedAverageInterestCreditingRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionbyEmployerQualifiedPlan" name="DefinedBenefitPlanContributionbyEmployerQualifiedPlan" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueObligationToReturnCashReceivedAsCollateralFromSecuritiesLending" name="DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueObligationToReturnCashReceivedAsCollateralFromSecuritiesLending" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" name="DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitsPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsExcludingInvestmentsMeasuredatNetAssetValue" name="DefinedBenefitsPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsExcludingInvestmentsMeasuredatNetAssetValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumLimitOfAccountBalanceInCompanyStockPercentage" name="DefinedContributionPlanMaximumLimitOfAccountBalanceInCompanyStockPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Definedbenefitplannumberofplansinredzonestatusreceivingcompanycontributions" name="Definedbenefitplannumberofplansinredzonestatusreceivingcompanycontributions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Definedbenefitplannumberofplanswherebycompanycontributionsexceed5ofplanbalance" name="Definedbenefitplannumberofplanswherebycompanycontributionsexceed5ofplanbalance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Definedbenefitplannumberofsignificantplans" name="Definedbenefitplannumberofsignificantplans" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Definedbenefitplanpercentagethresholdbywhichplancontributionsareconsideredsignificant" name="Definedbenefitplanpercentagethresholdbywhichplancontributionsareconsideredsignificant" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DepositaryShareConversionRatio" name="DepositaryShareConversionRatio" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DepositaryShareMember" name="DepositaryShareMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DepositarySharesMember" name="DepositarySharesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DepreciationAndAmortizationTableTextBlock" name="DepreciationAndAmortizationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DepreciationandamortizationexpenseMember" name="DepreciationandamortizationexpenseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZENSMember" name="DerivativeComponentOfZENSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract" name="DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DerivativeFairValueOffsetsNet" name="DerivativeFairValueOffsetsNet" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DerivativeIncomeLoss" name="DerivativeIncomeLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DerivativeInstrumentsOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" name="DerivativeInstrumentsOffsettingAssetsandLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DisclosureofStockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansandEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" name="DisclosureofStockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansandEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders" name="DistributionToZENSHolders" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DistributionpershareofSeriesApreferredunits" name="DistributionpershareofSeriesApreferredunits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Distributionpershareofcommonunits" name="Distributionpershareofcommonunits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DollarFaceAmountOfIndividualNote" name="DollarFaceAmountOfIndividualNote" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustmentsAxis" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustmentsAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustmentsDomain" name="EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustmentsDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ElectricDeliveryMember" name="ElectricDeliveryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember" name="ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember" name="EmergingMarketEquityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EmployeesSubjectToCollectiveBargainingAgreementsMember" name="EmployeesSubjectToCollectiveBargainingAgreementsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnableDistributionsAbstract" name="EnableDistributionsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnableEquitySummaryAbstract" name="EnableEquitySummaryAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnableGPLLCMember" name="EnableGPLLCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" name="EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnablecommonunitsandSeriesAPreferredUnitsHeldAbstract" name="EnablecommonunitsandSeriesAPreferredUnitsHeldAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnergyMarketersMember" name="EnergyMarketersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnergyProductsOrServicesMember" name="EnergyProductsOrServicesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnergyServicesMember" name="EnergyServicesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Environmentalremediationnumberofsiteswithpotentialremedialresponsibility" name="Environmentalremediationnumberofsiteswithpotentialremedialresponsibility" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentBasisDifference" name="EquityMethodInvestmentBasisDifference" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentCarryingValuePerUnit" name="EquityMethodInvestmentCarryingValuePerUnit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentDecreaseinCarryingValue" name="EquityMethodInvestmentDecreaseinCarryingValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentGrossEquityInEarningsLosses" name="EquityMethodInvestmentGrossEquityInEarningsLosses" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipShares" name="EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDepreciationAndAmortization" name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationDepreciationAndAmortization" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingIncomeLoss" name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingIncomeLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationPreferredEquity" name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationPreferredEquity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Estimatedcapitalexpendituretocleanashponds" name="Estimatedcapitalexpendituretocleanashponds" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" name="FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_FairValueInputsPricePerMMBtu" name="FairValueInputsPricePerMMBtu" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FederalIncomeTaxRateAfterTCJAMember" name="FederalIncomeTaxRateAfterTCJAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FederalIncomeTaxRatePriorToTCJAMember" name="FederalIncomeTaxRatePriorToTCJAMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FirstMortgageBondsMember" name="FirstMortgageBondsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FixedIncomeMember" name="FixedIncomeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" name="GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_GasTransportationandProcessingMember" name="GasTransportationandProcessingMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_GeneralMortgageBondsDue2049Member" name="GeneralMortgageBondsDue2049Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_GeneralMortgageBondsUsedAsCollateral" name="GeneralMortgageBondsUsedAsCollateral" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_HedgedItemAxis" name="HedgedItemAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_HedgedItemDomain" name="HedgedItemDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_HoustonElectricMember" name="HoustonElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_HoustonElectricStipulationandSettlementAgreementMember" name="HoustonElectricStipulationandSettlementAgreementMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IDSDerivativeMember" name="IDSDerivativeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightMaximum" name="IncentiveDistributionRightMaximum" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage" name="IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract" name="IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInTaxExpense" name="IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInTaxExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivablePayableAffiliates" name="IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivablePayableAffiliates" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncreaseDecreaseInterestAndTaxesAccrued" name="IncreaseDecreaseInterestAndTaxesAccrued" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsReceivableonContractswithCustomers" name="IncreaseDecreaseinAccountsReceivableonContractswithCustomers" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent" name="IndexedDebtCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesAbstract" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesTextBlock" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndianaElectricIntegratedMember" name="IndianaElectricIntegratedMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndianaElectricMember" name="IndianaElectricMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndianaGasMember" name="IndianaGasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" name="IndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_IndianaLaborersPensionFundMember" name="IndianaLaborersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_InfrastructureServicesMember" name="InfrastructureServicesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_InterestIncomeExpenseNetRelatedParty" name="InterestIncomeExpenseNetRelatedParty" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_InterestOnTransitionAndSystemRestorationBonds" name="InterestOnTransitionAndSystemRestorationBonds" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" name="InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_InternationalDevelopedMarketEquityMember" name="InternationalDevelopedMarketEquityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_InternationalEquityMember" name="InternationalEquityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LaborersCombinedFundofWesternPennsylvaniaMember" name="LaborersCombinedFundofWesternPennsylvaniaMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LaborersDistrictFundofOhioMember" name="LaborersDistrictFundofOhioMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LeaseDisclosureLineItems" name="LeaseDisclosureLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LeaseDisclosureTable" name="LeaseDisclosureTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_LeaseRightOfUseAsset" name="LeaseRightOfUseAsset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_LesseeOperatingLeaseNotYetCommenced" name="LesseeOperatingLeaseNotYetCommenced" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Lettersofcreditswinglinesublimit" name="Lettersofcreditswinglinesublimit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LimitedPartnerInterestinEnableAbstract" name="LimitedPartnerInterestinEnableAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember" name="LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_LongtermDebtGrossCurrent" name="LongtermDebtGrossCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_LongtermDebtGrossNoncurrent" name="LongtermDebtGrossNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MISOTransactionsPolicyTextBlock" name="MISOTransactionsPolicyTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Makewholepremium" name="Makewholepremium" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" name="ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits" name="MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MaximumnumberofdaysuntilmaturityofcommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" name="MaximumnumberofdaysuntilmaturityofcommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MergerwithVectrenAbstract" name="MergerwithVectrenAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember" name="MidstreamInvestmentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsTableTextBlock" name="MidstreamInvestmentsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MinnesotaLaborersPensionFundMember" name="MinnesotaLaborersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MinnesotaandIndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" name="MinnesotaandIndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MoneyPoolBorrowings" name="MoneyPoolBorrowings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MoneyPoolInvestments" name="MoneyPoolInvestments" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MoneyPoolInvestmentsWeightedAverageInterestRate" name="MoneyPoolInvestmentsWeightedAverageInterestRate" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MultiemployerPlanAbstract" name="MultiemployerPlanAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MultiemployerPlansAverageContributions" name="MultiemployerPlansAverageContributions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_MultiemployerPlansLargestContribution" name="MultiemployerPlansLargestContribution" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember" name="NaturalGasDistributionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NaturalGasExpensesMember" name="NaturalGasExpensesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NaturalgasinventoryMember" name="NaturalgasinventoryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Naturalgassales" name="Naturalgassales" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Netaffiliateservicechargesbillings" name="Netaffiliateservicechargesbillings" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NewYorkStockExchangeMember" name="NewYorkStockExchangeMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract" name="NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NonutilityInvestmentsMember" name="NonutilityInvestmentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_NonutilityrevenueMember" name="NonutilityrevenueMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan" name="NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_NumberOfSharesReferencedInExchangeableSubordinatedNote" name="NumberOfSharesReferencedInExchangeableSubordinatedNote" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:decimalItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Numberofdaysuntilcommercialpapermaturity" name="Numberofdaysuntilcommercialpapermaturity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Numberofmultiemployerplanscontributedto" name="Numberofmultiemployerplanscontributedto" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_NumberofplansinredzonestatusconsideredsignificantbytheCompany" name="NumberofplansinredzonestatusconsideredsignificantbytheCompany" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Numberofsuretybondobligationsoutstanding" name="Numberofsuretybondobligationsoutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OGEMember" name="OGEMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OhioOperatingEngineersPensionFundMember" name="OhioOperatingEngineersPensionFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OperatingEng.Local324FundMember" name="OperatingEng.Local324FundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OperationAndMaintenanceExpenseMember" name="OperationAndMaintenanceExpenseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OperationandmaintenanceagreementsMember" name="OperationandmaintenanceagreementsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OperationandmaintenanceagreementsandconstructionbacklogMember" name="OperationandmaintenanceagreementsandconstructionbacklogMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_OtherBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" name="OtherBenefitPlansTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_OtherEmployeeMattersTableTextBlock" name="OtherEmployeeMattersTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_OtherInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" name="OtherInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OtherInformationRelatedtoLeasesAbstract" name="OtherInformationRelatedtoLeasesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract" name="OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_OtherPensionFundsMember" name="OtherPensionFundsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_OtherRevenueExcludingAssessedTax" name="OtherRevenueExcludingAssessedTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Othercomprehensivelossfromunconsolidatedaffiliatesnetoftax" name="Othercomprehensivelossfromunconsolidatedaffiliatesnetoftax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance" name="PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAndShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTextBlock" name="PensionAndPostretirementBenefitsAndShareBasedPaymentsDisclosureTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PercentageOfInvestmentInCompanyCommonStock" name="PercentageOfInvestmentInCompanyCommonStock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" name="PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Percentageofpropertyadditions" name="Percentageofpropertyadditions" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Percentageofworkyettobecompletedonprojectswithopensuretybonds" name="Percentageofworkyettobecompletedonprojectswithopensuretybonds" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" name="Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PerformanceGuaranteesProductWarrantiesAbstract" name="PerformanceGuaranteesProductWarrantiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PerformanceandStockAwardsMember" name="PerformanceandStockAwardsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Performanceguaranteeobligationsoutstandingfaceamount" name="Performanceguaranteeobligationsoutstandingfaceamount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PeriodAxis" name="PeriodAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PeriodDomain" name="PeriodDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PipelineIndustryBenefitFundMember" name="PipelineIndustryBenefitFundMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Pipelineconstructionandrepairservicecharges" name="Pipelineconstructionandrepairservicecharges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" name="PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockConvertibleStockPriceTrigger" name="PreferredStockConvertibleStockPriceTrigger" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveCalendarDays" name="PreferredStockConvertibleThresholdConsecutiveCalendarDays" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockRedemptionPercentageofLiquidationValue" name="PreferredStockRedemptionPercentageofLiquidationValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodAxis" name="PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodDomain" name="PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredUnitsHeld" name="PreferredUnitsHeld" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Preferredstockconvertiblethresholdindays" name="Preferredstockconvertiblethresholdindays" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ProductAndServiceAbstract" name="ProductAndServiceAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ProlianceHoldingsLLCMember" name="ProlianceHoldingsLLCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ProvisionfordoubtfulaccountsTableTextBlock" name="ProvisionfordoubtfulaccountsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PublicUtilitiesRateBase" name="PublicUtilitiesRateBase" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PublicUtilityCommissionofTexasMember" name="PublicUtilityCommissionofTexasMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PublicunitholdersMember" name="PublicunitholdersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_QuarterlyincreaseoffeereceivedforretainedCESguaranteeexposure" name="QuarterlyincreaseoffeereceivedforretainedCESguaranteeexposure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ROUAssetObtainedInExchangeforOperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingTransitionImpactofASC842Adoption" name="ROUAssetObtainedInExchangeforOperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingTransitionImpactofASC842Adoption" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_RateCaseExpenseMember" name="RateCaseExpenseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ReplacementFundRequirements" name="ReplacementFundRequirements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost" name="RestorationCostExpectedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_RetailElectricSalesMember" name="RetailElectricSalesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_RetailEndUsersMember" name="RetailEndUsersMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_RetailGasSalesMember" name="RetailGasSalesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SIGECOMember" name="SIGECOMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SaleofUnitsPercentageTriggerRightofFirstRefusal" name="SaleofUnitsPercentageTriggerRightofFirstRefusal" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Salespriceofoutstandingequityinterests" name="Salespriceofoutstandingequityinterests" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract" name="SavingsPlanAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByAwardWeightedaverageGrantDateFairValueGrantDateIntrinsicValueandVestedGrantDateFairValueTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByAwardWeightedaverageGrantDateFairValueGrantDateIntrinsicValueandVestedGrantDateFairValueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleofMoneyPoolInvestmentandBorrowingTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofMoneyPoolInvestmentandBorrowingTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesDue2024Member" name="SeniorNotesDue2024Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesDue2030Member" name="SeniorNotesDue2030Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesDue2049Member" name="SeniorNotesDue2049Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" name="SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" name="SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesdue2022Member" name="SeniorNotesdue2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesdue2022and2025Member" name="SeniorNotesdue2022and2025Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeniorNotesdue2025Member" name="SeniorNotesdue2025Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" name="SeriesAPreferredUnitsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable" name="ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ShortTermDebtAbstract" name="ShortTermDebtAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" name="SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SinkingFundRequirements" name="SinkingFundRequirements" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SiteContingencyLossExposure" name="SiteContingencyLossExposure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency" name="SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_StateValuationAllowancenetofFederalIncomeTaxesMember" name="StateValuationAllowancenetofFederalIncomeTaxesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_StockAwardsMember" name="StockAwardsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_StubperiodMember" name="StubperiodMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember" name="SubordinatedDebtZENSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote" name="SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" name="SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable" name="SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" name="SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TWSecuritiesMember" name="TWSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TargetAllocationofPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" name="TargetAllocationofPlanAssetsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TargetAnnualYieldOnReferencedSharesBeforeIncreaseOrDecreaseOfPrincipalAmountOfSubordinatedNote" name="TargetAnnualYieldOnReferencedSharesBeforeIncreaseOrDecreaseOfPrincipalAmountOfSubordinatedNote" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TaxBasisBalanceSheetAdjustmentMember" name="TaxBasisBalanceSheetAdjustmentMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TaxBenefitFromRemeasurementofDeferredTaxesDuetoTaxReform" name="TaxBenefitFromRemeasurementofDeferredTaxesDuetoTaxReform" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TotaldistributionsreceivedfromEnable" name="TotaldistributionsreceivedfromEnable" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TransactioncostsassociatedwiththeMerger" name="TransactioncostsassociatedwiththeMerger" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TransactionwithEnableAbstract" name="TransactionwithEnableAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtCurrent" name="TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtNonCurrent" name="TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtNonCurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsMember" name="TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TransitionalServiceMember" name="TransitionalServiceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract" name="TwSecuritiesAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_USEquityMember" name="USEquityMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_UnprotectedExcessDeferredIncomeTax" name="UnprotectedExcessDeferredIncomeTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_UnrecognizedEquityReturn" name="UnrecognizedEquityReturn" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitincludingpenaltiesandinterest" name="UnrecognizedTaxBenefitincludingpenaltiesandinterest" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_UnrecognizedTaxbenefitimpactingETRifrecognized" name="UnrecognizedTaxbenefitimpactingETRifrecognized" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_UtilitypipelineconstructioncompanyMember" name="UtilitypipelineconstructioncompanyMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_VCCMember" name="VCCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_VUHIMember" name="VUHIMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipShares" name="VariableInterestEntityOwnershipShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_VariableratetermloanMember" name="VariableratetermloanMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_Variabletermrateloan2Member" name="Variabletermrateloan2Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_VectrenMember" name="VectrenMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_VectrenacquisitionMember" name="VectrenacquisitionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount" name="WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WeatherHedgeSwapsMember" name="WeatherHedgeSwapsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis" name="WeatherHedgeTermAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain" name="WeatherHedgeTermDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_WeatherHedgesTerm" name="WeatherHedgesTerm" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="us-types:durationStringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_WeightedaverageinterestrateofcommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" name="WeightedaverageinterestrateofcommercialpaperissuedinconnectionwiththeMerger" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WholesaleElectricSalesMember" name="WholesaleElectricSalesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WholesaleGasSalesMember" name="WholesaleGasSalesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringVariousDatesin2020to2022Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringVariousDatesin2020to2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinApril2020Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinApril2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinDecember2020Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinDecember2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinJuneandJuly2022Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinJuneandJuly2022Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinMarchandMay2021Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinMarchandMay2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinMay2020Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinMay2020Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinOctober2021Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinOctober2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinSeptember2021Member" name="WorkforceSubjecttoCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringinSeptember2021Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
</xsd:schema>
