CenterPoint Energy 2009 Annual Report Download - page 56

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34
within its service territory. Likewise, incentives to conserve energy or use energy sources other than natural gas
could result in a decrease in demand for our services.
Climate changes could result in more frequent severe weather events and warmer temperatures which could
adversely affect the results of operations of our businesses.
To the extent climate changes occur, our businesses may be adversely impacted, though we believe any such
impacts are likely to occur very gradually and hence would be difficult to quantify with specificity. To the extent
global climate change results in warmer temperatures in our service territories, financial results from our natural gas
distribution businesses could be adversely affected through lower gas sales, and our gas transmission and field
services businesses could experience lower revenues. Another possible climate change that has been widely
discussed in recent years is the possibility of more frequent and more severe weather events, such as hurricanes or
tornadoes. Since many of our facilities are located along or near the Gulf Coast, increased or more severe hurricanes
or tornadoes can increase our costs to repair damaged facilities and restore service to our customers. When we
cannot deliver electricity or natural gas to customers or our customers cannot receive our services, our financial
results can be impacted by lost revenues, and we generally must seek approval from regulators to recover restoration
costs. To the extent we are unable to recover those costs, or if higher rates resulting from our recovery of such costs
result in reduced demand for our services, our future financial results may be adversely impacted.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
Character of Ownership
We own or lease our principal properties in fee, including our corporate office space and various real property.
Most of our electric lines and gas mains are located, pursuant to easements and other rights, on public roads or on
land owned by others.
Electric Transmission & Distribution
For information regarding the properties of our Electric Transmission & Distribution business segment, please
read “Business — Our Business — Electric Transmission & Distribution — Properties” in Item 1 of this report,
which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Natural Gas Distribution
For information regarding the properties of our Natural Gas Distribution business segment, please read
“Business — Our Business — Natural Gas Distribution — Assets” in Item 1 of this report, which information is
incorporated herein by reference.
Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services
For information regarding the properties of our Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services business segment,
please read “Business — Our Business — Competitive Natural Gas Sales and Services — Assets” in Item 1 of this
report, which information is incorporated herein by reference.
Interstate Pipelines
For information regarding the properties of our Interstate Pipelines business segment, please read “Business —
Our Business — Interstate Pipelines — Assets” in Item 1 of this report, which information is incorporated herein by
reference.