We believe that participation in the public policy and regulatory process is essential to supporting the energy interests of our customers and the communities we are privileged to serve.
CenterPoint Energy and its employees participate in the public policy process through:
- Outreach to government officials to educate them on key issues related to the company’s business
- Employee participation in company or industry political action committees (PACs)
- Membership in trade associations that provide business, technical and industry benefits to the company
These efforts focus on issues that affect the company, its operations, employees and local communities.
CenterPoint Energy has decision-making and oversight processes in place for political and lobbying activities and contributions that are designed so that activities and contributions comply with legal requirements and are supportive of and consistent with our business strategy, goals and priorities. All employees are required to adhere to company policies and procedures concerning political and lobbying activities and contributions, as well as to all applicable federal, state and local laws. All company political contributions require the oversight of CenterPoint Energy’s employee-led PAC council.
Key issues, lobbying activities, lobbying expenses and trade association dues are overseen and evaluated by senior management. These expenses and dues are also included in the company’s annual budget, which is reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
Our political engagement activities, including contributions, employee PAC memberships, trade association memberships and federal lobbying, are disclosed in compliance with applicable law.