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  <xs:element id="cnp_PaymentDueToPartnerUponTerminationOfPartnership" abstract="false" name="PaymentDueToPartnerUponTerminationOfPartnership" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_BasisDifferenceAccretionGain" abstract="false" name="BasisDifferenceAccretionGain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AnnualizedfeereceivedforretainedCESobligationguarantees" abstract="false" name="AnnualizedfeereceivedforretainedCESobligationguarantees" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_RetailGasSalesMember" abstract="true" name="RetailGasSalesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PreferredStockSharesToBeConvertedToCommonStock" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockSharesToBeConvertedToCommonStock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OtherInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="OtherInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CustomerRelationshipsAndTradeNamesMember" abstract="true" name="CustomerRelationshipsAndTradeNamesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan" abstract="false" name="NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SIGECOFirstMortgageBonds0875To672Due2022To2055Member" abstract="true" name="SIGECOFirstMortgageBonds0875To672Due2022To2055Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsContractWithCustomerAssetCurrent" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsContractWithCustomerAssetCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_RegulatoryAssetTypeAxis" abstract="true" name="RegulatoryAssetTypeAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsRegulatoryAssetsCurrent" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsRegulatoryAssetsCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Noncashtransactionbeneficialconversionfeature" abstract="false" name="Noncashtransactionbeneficialconversionfeature" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="cnp_RetailElectricSalesMember" abstract="true" name="RetailElectricSalesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ChangeinContractLiabilityRollForward" abstract="true" name="ChangeinContractLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_USEquityMember" abstract="true" name="USEquityMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_EnergyTransferSeriesGPreferredUnitsMember" abstract="true" name="EnergyTransferSeriesGPreferredUnitsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_GasRecoveryMember" abstract="true" name="GasRecoveryMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CashPaymentsTowardsOutstandingShareBasedAwards" abstract="false" name="CashPaymentsTowardsOutstandingShareBasedAwards" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisclosureofStockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansandEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" abstract="true" name="DisclosureofStockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansandEmployeeBenefitPlansAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByAwardWeightedaverageGrantDateFairValueGrantDateIntrinsicValueandVestedGrantDateFairValueTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementByAwardWeightedaverageGrantDateFairValueGrantDateIntrinsicValueandVestedGrantDateFairValueTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentOfEquityMethodInvestment" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsImpairmentOfEquityMethodInvestment" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_FBCulleyMember" abstract="true" name="FBCulleyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Percentageofworkyettobecompletedonprojectswithopensuretybonds" abstract="false" name="Percentageofworkyettobecompletedonprojectswithopensuretybonds" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_FixedIncomeMember" abstract="true" name="FixedIncomeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ArkansasAndOklahomaNaturalGasBusinessesMember" abstract="true" name="ArkansasAndOklahomaNaturalGasBusinessesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency" abstract="false" name="SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="SupplementalBalanceSheetInformationRelatedToLeasesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_HoustonElectricMember" abstract="true" name="HoustonElectricMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" abstract="false" name="DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Percentageofpropertyadditions" abstract="false" name="Percentageofpropertyadditions" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_IndianaElectricIntegratedMember" abstract="true" name="IndianaElectricIntegratedMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_TWSecuritiesMember" abstract="true" name="TWSecuritiesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DividendsDistributionsChangeDomain" abstract="true" name="DividendsDistributionsChangeDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_GuarantorObligationsMaximumPaymentReceivable" abstract="false" name="GuarantorObligationsMaximumPaymentReceivable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxes" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTaxesOtherThanIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_RegulatoryAssetTypeDomain" abstract="true" name="RegulatoryAssetTypeDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_NumberOfOwnedCoalAshPonds" abstract="false" name="NumberOfOwnedCoalAshPonds" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote" abstract="false" name="SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DepreciationAndAmortizationTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="DepreciationAndAmortizationTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperationAndMaintenanceExpense" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperationAndMaintenanceExpense" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxBeforePreferredStockDividends" abstract="false" name="ComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxBeforePreferredStockDividends" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AdditionalDebtIssuable" abstract="false" name="AdditionalDebtIssuable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OtherEmployeeMattersTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="OtherEmployeeMattersTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" abstract="false" name="InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationToRegulatoryAssetAfterTax" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationToRegulatoryAssetAfterTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCashReceived" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCashReceived" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits" abstract="false" name="MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DepartmentOfCommerceMember" abstract="true" name="DepartmentOfCommerceMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_BuildTransferAgreementDomain" abstract="true" name="BuildTransferAgreementDomain" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PublicUtilityCommissionofTexasMember" abstract="true" name="PublicUtilityCommissionofTexasMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_WeatherHedgeTerm" abstract="false" name="WeatherHedgeTerm" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:durationItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_GeneralMortgageBondsMember" abstract="true" name="GeneralMortgageBondsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_InventoryWriteDownDiscontinuedOperations" abstract="false" name="InventoryWriteDownDiscontinuedOperations" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DebtComponentOfZENSMember" abstract="true" name="DebtComponentOfZENSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OtherInformationRelatedtoLeasesAbstract" abstract="true" name="OtherInformationRelatedtoLeasesAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNaturalGasInventoryCurrent" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNaturalGasInventoryCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_IndianaElectricMember" abstract="true" name="IndianaElectricMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_BenefitPlanContributionsTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="BenefitPlanContributionsTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" abstract="false" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CNPSeniorNote145Due2026Member" abstract="true" name="CNPSeniorNote145Due2026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AmortizationofBeneficialConversionFeature" abstract="false" name="AmortizationofBeneficialConversionFeature" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_WorkforceSubjectToCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringDecember2023Member" abstract="true" name="WorkforceSubjectToCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringDecember2023Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_IncrementalUncollectibleReceivablesRegulatoryAsset" abstract="false" name="IncrementalUncollectibleReceivablesRegulatoryAsset" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_NaturalGasAndCoalMember" abstract="true" name="NaturalGasAndCoalMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss" abstract="false" name="IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AmountsDeferredForFutureRecoveryMember" abstract="true" name="AmountsDeferredForFutureRecoveryMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AuditInformationAbstract" abstract="true" name="AuditInformationAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ExtraordinaryGasCostsMember" abstract="true" name="ExtraordinaryGasCostsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OtherRevenueExcludingAssessedTax" abstract="false" name="OtherRevenueExcludingAssessedTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ShellEnergySolutionsAmericaMember" abstract="true" name="ShellEnergySolutionsAmericaMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PreferredStockRedemptionPercentageofLiquidationValue" abstract="false" name="PreferredStockRedemptionPercentageofLiquidationValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SaleOfStockSharesReceived" abstract="false" name="SaleOfStockSharesReceived" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SIGECOMember" abstract="true" name="SIGECOMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance" abstract="false" name="PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ROUAssetObtainedInExchangeforOperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingTransitionImpactofASC842Adoption" abstract="false" name="ROUAssetObtainedInExchangeforOperatingLeaseLiabilityIncludingTransitionImpactofASC842Adoption" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DepositaryShareMember" abstract="true" name="DepositaryShareMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_VUHIMember" abstract="true" name="VUHIMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SiteContingencyLossExposure" abstract="false" name="SiteContingencyLossExposure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_FinancingCommitments" abstract="false" name="FinancingCommitments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CNPFloatingSeniorNoteMember" abstract="true" name="CNPFloatingSeniorNoteMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ThirdPartyAMAsMember" abstract="true" name="ThirdPartyAMAsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PercentageReductionofDividendorDistributionAmount" abstract="false" name="PercentageReductionofDividendorDistributionAmount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SeriesBAndSeriesCPreferredStockMember" abstract="true" name="SeriesBAndSeriesCPreferredStockMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ContractBalancesTable" abstract="true" name="ContractBalancesTable" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:hypercubeItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsRemainingSharesAvailableForGrant" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsRemainingSharesAvailableForGrant" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_QuarterlyincreaseoffeereceivedforretainedCESguaranteeexposure" abstract="false" name="QuarterlyincreaseoffeereceivedforretainedCESguaranteeexposure" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ReceivableFromSaleOfDisposalGroup" abstract="false" name="ReceivableFromSaleOfDisposalGroup" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsPaymentForExtinguishmentOfLiability" abstract="false" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsPaymentForExtinguishmentOfLiability" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Performanceguaranteeobligationsoutstandingfaceamount" abstract="false" name="Performanceguaranteeobligationsoutstandingfaceamount" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" abstract="false" name="SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_NumberOfWarrantyObligationsOutstanding" abstract="false" name="NumberOfWarrantyObligationsOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CNPSeniorNotes250Member" abstract="true" name="CNPSeniorNotes250Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_EnableSeriesADistributionRate" abstract="false" name="EnableSeriesADistributionRate" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationEarlyRetireeReinsuranceProgram" abstract="false" name="DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationEarlyRetireeReinsuranceProgram" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
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  <xs:element id="cnp_LossFromReclassificationToHeldForSale" abstract="false" name="LossFromReclassificationToHeldForSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" abstract="false" name="ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:pureItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_OperatingLossCarrybackCARESAct" abstract="false" name="OperatingLossCarrybackCARESAct" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountNoncurrent" abstract="false" name="EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueAmountNoncurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_LongTermLeaseNumberOfMegawattsOfMobileGeneration" abstract="false" name="LongTermLeaseNumberOfMegawattsOfMobileGeneration" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:powerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_GoodwillImpairmentAndLossFromReclassificationToHeldForSale" abstract="false" name="GoodwillImpairmentAndLossFromReclassificationToHeldForSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DividendsDistributionsChangeAxis" abstract="true" name="DividendsDistributionsChangeAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" abstract="false" name="Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_CNPSeniorNote385Member" abstract="true" name="CNPSeniorNote385Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_LeaseRightToTerminatePercentageOfPrepaidLeaseCostsRefunded" abstract="false" name="LeaseRightToTerminatePercentageOfPrepaidLeaseCostsRefunded" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther" abstract="false" name="DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_WholesaleElectricSalesMember" abstract="true" name="WholesaleElectricSalesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_AccruedUnbilledRevenuesAllowanceforCreditLossesCurrent" abstract="false" name="AccruedUnbilledRevenuesAllowanceforCreditLossesCurrent" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_COVID19IncrementalCostsMember" abstract="true" name="COVID19IncrementalCostsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member" abstract="true" name="BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_VectrenProxyStatementMateriallyIncompleteRelatedToMergerMember" abstract="true" name="VectrenProxyStatementMateriallyIncompleteRelatedToMergerMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" abstract="false" name="ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:textBlockItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_TaxBenefitFromRemeasurementofDeferredTaxesDuetoTaxReform" abstract="false" name="TaxBenefitFromRemeasurementofDeferredTaxesDuetoTaxReform" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodAxis" abstract="true" name="PreferredStockRedemptionPeriodAxis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_NaturalGasSegmentMember" abstract="true" name="NaturalGasSegmentMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_FirstMortgageBondsMember" abstract="true" name="FirstMortgageBondsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_RevisedDividendorDistributionMember" abstract="true" name="RevisedDividendorDistributionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_PoseySolarMember" abstract="true" name="PoseySolarMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" abstract="true" name="SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="cnp_Distributionpershareofcommonunits" abstract="false" name="Distributionpershareofcommonunits" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:perShareItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
