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  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccruedUnbilledRevenues" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccruedUnbilledRevenues" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationMaterialsandSupplies" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationMaterialsandSupplies" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeassets" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeassets" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeassetsnoncurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeassetsnoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeliabilitiesnoncurrent" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNontradingderivativeliabilitiesnoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperationandMaintenanceExpense" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationOperationandMaintenanceExpense" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTaxesOtherthanIncomeTaxes" name="DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTaxesOtherthanIncomeTaxes" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" name="DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsBalanceSheetTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCashFlowTableTextBlock" name="DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCashFlowTableTextBlock" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:textBlockItemType" 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 abstract="true" id="cnp_DividendsDistributionsChangeAxis" name="DividendsDistributionsChangeAxis" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrldt:dimensionItem" type="xbrli:stringItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_DividendsDistributionsChangeDomain" name="DividendsDistributionsChangeDomain" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ERCOTLoanCOVID19ERP" name="ERCOTLoanCOVID19ERP" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ERCOTLoanCOVID19ERPOutstanding" name="ERCOTLoanCOVID19ERPOutstanding" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EffectOfAdoptionOfNewAccountingStandard" name="EffectOfAdoptionOfNewAccountingStandard" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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_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_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_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationPreferredEquity" name="EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationPreferredEquity" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_EstimatedRemainingExposure" name="EstimatedRemainingExposure" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <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_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities" name="FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_FairValueOfDisposalGroup" name="FairValueOfDisposalGroup" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FirstQuarter2019Member" name="FirstQuarter2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_FirstQuarter2020Member" name="FirstQuarter2020Member" 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_GeneralMortgageBondsDue2050Member" name="GeneralMortgageBondsDue2050Member" 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 id="cnp_Goodwillimpairmentandlossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" name="Goodwillimpairmentandlossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" 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 id="cnp_IncreaseDecreaseChangeInDefinedBenefitPlanAssetsPercentage" name="IncreaseDecreaseChangeInDefinedBenefitPlanAssetsPercentage" 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_IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAssetOtherAccruedUnbilledReceivables" name="IncreaseDecreaseInContractWithCustomerAssetOtherAccruedUnbilledReceivables" 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_IncrementalUncollectibleReceivablesRegulatoryAsset" name="IncrementalUncollectibleReceivablesRegulatoryAsset" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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_IndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" name="IndianaGasServiceTerritoryMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_InfrastructureServicesDisposalGroupMember" name="InfrastructureServicesDisposalGroupMember" 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_InterestIncomeonTransitionandSystemRestorationBonds" name="InterestIncomeonTransitionandSystemRestorationBonds" 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_InventoryWritedowndiscontinuedoperations" name="InventoryWritedowndiscontinuedoperations" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Lettersofcreditswinglinesublimit" name="Lettersofcreditswinglinesublimit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Lossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" name="Lossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" 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 abstract="true" id="cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember" name="MidstreamInvestmentsMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_MinnesotaandIndianaGasServiceTerritoriesMember" name="MinnesotaandIndianaGasServiceTerritoriesMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <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 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_Noncashtransactionbeneficialconversionfeature" name="Noncashtransactionbeneficialconversionfeature" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_NumberofStatesinwhichtheEntityPerformsGasDeliveryServices" name="NumberofStatesinwhichtheEntityPerformsGasDeliveryServices" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType" 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 id="cnp_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationToRegulatoryAssetAfterTax" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCashFlowHedgeGainLossReclassificationToRegulatoryAssetAfterTax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_PercentageReductionofDividendorDistributionAmount" name="PercentageReductionofDividendorDistributionAmount" 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_PreferredStockConvertibleConversionLimit" name="PreferredStockConvertibleConversionLimit" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:percentItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" name="PreferredStockConvertibleConversionPrice" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="num:perShareItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_PreferredStockConvertiblePercentOutstandingSharesToAmend" name="PreferredStockConvertiblePercentOutstandingSharesToAmend" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType" 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_Preferredstockdividendexcluded" name="Preferredstockdividendexcluded" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_PreviousDividendorDistributionMember" name="PreviousDividendorDistributionMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" 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 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 abstract="true" id="cnp_RatecaseexpenseMember" name="RatecaseexpenseMember" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Receivablefromsaleofdisposalgroup" name="Receivablefromsaleofdisposalgroup" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Reclassificationofnetdeferredlossfromcashflowhedges3" name="Reclassificationofnetdeferredlossfromcashflowhedges3" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Recognizedtaxbenefitfromchangesintaxlaws" name="Recognizedtaxbenefitfromchangesintaxlaws" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_Reductionoflossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" name="Reductionoflossfromreclassificationtoheldforsale" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" 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_RevisedDividendorDistributionMember" name="RevisedDividendorDistributionMember" 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="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" name="ScheduleOfIndexedDebtSecuritiesAndMarketableSecuritiesTableTextBlock" 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_SecondQuarter2019Member" name="SecondQuarter2019Member" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="nonnum:domainItemType" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element abstract="true" id="cnp_SecondQuarter2020Member" name="SecondQuarter2020Member" 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_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_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 id="cnp_Taxexpensebenefitonreclassificationofnetdeferredlossesfromcashflowhedges" name="Taxexpensebenefitonreclassificationofnetdeferredlossesfromcashflowhedges" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="duration" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TotalAssetsClassifiedasHeldForSaleCurrentandNoncurrent" name="TotalAssetsClassifiedasHeldForSaleCurrentandNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TotalAssetsClassifiedasHeldForUseCurrentandNoncurrent" name="TotalAssetsClassifiedasHeldForUseCurrentandNoncurrent" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="debit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <xsd:element id="cnp_TotaldistributionsreceivedfromEnable" name="TotaldistributionsreceivedfromEnable" 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 id="cnp_Unprotectedexcessdeferredincometax" name="Unprotectedexcessdeferredincometax" nillable="true" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType" xbrli:balance="credit" xbrli:periodType="instant" />
  <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_VectrenMember" name="VectrenMember" 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>
