Our Ethics and Compliance Code forms the foundation for who we are and how we conduct business. Values-based conduct, in addition to being the right way, is simply good business.
Ethics and Values
Our reputation, our relationships and our future depend on a commitment to ethics, values and compliance.
The Ethics and Compliance Code (the Code) serves as a roadmap that incorporates our values into the decisions we make every day.
By investing in and empowering our greatest assets – our employees, living our values and maintaining the highest ethical standards, we help ensure our company’s future success.
CenterPoint Energy’s Code provides that all directors, executive officers and employees should avoid actual conflicts of interest, as well as the appearance of a conflict of interest. According to our Corporate Governance Guidelines; Governance, Environmental and Sustainability Committee Charter; and Related-Party Transaction Approval Policy, the Board has delegated to the Governance, Environmental and Sustainability Committee the responsibility for reviewing and resolving any issues with respect to related-party transactions and conflicts of interest involving executive officers or directors of the company or other related individuals under the applicable disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Oversight
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for assisting the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility for compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our systems of disclosure and internal controls.
CenterPoint Energy’s Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers obligates our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Controller to address actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships in an ethical manner.
Our Ethics and Compliance Code of Conduct for Consultants, Contractors, Suppliers and Vendors describes expectations for our suppliers to embody CenterPoint Energy’s values by promoting and maintaining a safe environment free from discrimination; complying with all applicable labor, employment and human rights laws; and upholding a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence.
Our Values
CenterPoint Energy’s core values of Safety, Integrity, Accountability, Initiative and Respect provide the foundation for our business practices and standards.
We work consistently to develop and enhance a culture based on our values through our ethics and compliance policies, workforce and supplier diversity programs, environmental and energy conservation initiatives, and our community relations activities.
Safety
We Provide a Safe and Healthy Work Environment
We remain committed to safety. We strive to instill a culture of safety excellence at all levels of our company. We will perform our duties safely or we won’t do them.
Integrity
We Act with Integrity and Lead by Example
We do what is right for our customers, our communities, our shareholders, our business partners and each other. Without fail, we follow our values, our rules and policies, and the law.
Accountability
We Protect Company Assets and Preserve Resources
We are straightforward in our actions and truthful in our relationships. When we say we will do something, we follow through and keep our commitments. We accept personal responsibility for our decisions. We are all accountable for making sure our own conduct reflects and supports our values-based culture.
Initiative
We Honor our Community and Make a Difference
We are not afraid to take bold and innovative action. We make hard decisions and tackle tough choices. We speak up. We use our resources and assets wisely.
Respect
We Value Everyone and Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We show respect to everyone. How we treat our fellow employees and customers is just as important as the results that we achieve. We are considerate and show appreciation for diverse thinking. Every individual with whom we work deserves our best efforts. We are responsible to our stakeholders and work to earn their trust every day.
Ethics and Compliance
CenterPoint Energy expects every employee to act with personal and professional integrity, follow all applicable laws and regulations, and adhere to any additional policies and procedures that may apply to an employee’s role.
Detailed policies and procedures on topics throughout the Code are available to all employees through CenterPoint Energy’s Policy Center on our intranet site.
We promote diversity, equity and inclusion and strive to maintain a culture where all employees are free from discrimination. We respect our employees by following all labor, employment, and human rights laws applicable to our business.
Reporting or Raising Concerns
Employees are encouraged to talk with their supervisors openly about business ethics and compliance concerns and grievances, but confidential and anonymous resources are available via the Concerns Helpline. Employees, customers, contractors and vendors can reach the Helpline at 888-888-3155, online at https://centerpointenergy.ethicspoint.com or via mobile.
Our Code provides an overview of the laws, regulations and policies applicable to all directors, officers and employees.
Training
Annually, our officers, Board members and employees complete Ethics and Compliance training, which includes anti-corruption and anti-trust policies and procedures, among other subjects.
100% of active employees and Board members received training on our Code in 2020.