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  <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_EnablePartnershipInterestAbstract" name="EnablePartnershipInterestAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_EnableUnitsAbstract" name="EnableUnitsAbstract" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" 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_EquityMethodInvestmentIncreaseinCarryingValue" name="EquityMethodInvestmentIncreaseinCarryingValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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 id="cnp_Excessdeferredincometaxesonsecuritizedassets" name="Excessdeferredincometaxesonsecuritizedassets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_FirstMortgageBondsMember" name="FirstMortgageBondsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FirstQuarter2018Member" name="FirstQuarter2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FirstQuarter2019Member" name="FirstQuarter2019Member" 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_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_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 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 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_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_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 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_LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember" name="LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <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_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" name="ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" 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_MinnesotaServiceTerritoryMember" name="MinnesotaServiceTerritoryMember" 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_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_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 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_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_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 abstract="true" id="cnp_OperationsandMaintenanceandOtherMember" name="OperationsandMaintenanceandOtherMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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 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_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" name="PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <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 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 id="cnp_PreferredUnitsHeld" name="PreferredUnitsHeld" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ProlianceHoldingsLLCMember" name="ProlianceHoldingsLLCMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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_RestorationCostExpectedCost" name="RestorationCostExpectedCost" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" 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_ScheduleofMoneyPoolInvestmentandBorrowingTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofMoneyPoolInvestmentandBorrowingTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleofallowedequityreturnrecognizedTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleofallowedequityreturnrecognizedTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SecondQuarter2018Member" name="SecondQuarter2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SecondQuarter2019Member" name="SecondQuarter2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" name="SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" 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_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_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_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" name="SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" name="SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TargetAnnualYieldOnReferenceShares" name="TargetAnnualYieldOnReferenceShares" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TaxbenefitexpenseonOtherComprehensivelncomelossfromunconsolidatedaffiliates" name="TaxbenefitexpenseonOtherComprehensivelncomelossfromunconsolidatedaffiliates" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ThirdQuarter2018Member" name="ThirdQuarter2018Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_ThirdQuarter2019Member" name="ThirdQuarter2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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_TransactionswithEnableAbstract" name="TransactionswithEnableAbstract" 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_TransitionalServiceMember" name="TransitionalServiceMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_UnrecognizedEquityReturn" name="UnrecognizedEquityReturn" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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:schema>
