<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Background" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#Background" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/BackgroundDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#BackgroundDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeFairValuesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#DerivativeFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsDerivativesAndHedgingDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsDerivativesAndHedgingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Equity" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#Equity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EquityDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#EquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Goodwill" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#Goodwill" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/GoodwillDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#GoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/GoodwillTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#GoodwillTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensIndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensNotes" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensIndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccounting" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#RegulatoryAccounting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccountingRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#RegulatoryAccountingRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccountingTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#RegulatoryAccountingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegments" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ReportableBusinessSegments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ReportableBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsRevenuesByProductsAndServicesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ReportableBusinessSegmentsRevenuesByProductsAndServicesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ReportableBusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompany" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompany" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyNoteDisclosuresDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyNoteDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyParentheticalsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyParentheticalsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebt" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedCashFlows" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalStatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalStatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedIncome" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquity" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansChangeInControlAgreementsAndOtherEmployeeMattersDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansChangeInControlAgreementsAndOtherEmployeeMattersDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPensionAndPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPensionAndPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansStockBasedIncentiveCompensationDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansStockBasedIncentiveCompensationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformation" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformationDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformationTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnauditedQuarterlyInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnconsolidatedAffiliatesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesFinancialDataDetails" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnconsolidatedAffiliatesFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesNotes" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnconsolidatedAffiliatesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesTables" xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#UnconsolidatedAffiliatesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Background" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/BackgroundDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C80F2CD8A1E2BCC31B31FBEE63EC3FFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_12335CF1F4975E703D43FBEE63EC3CDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C80F2CD8A1E2BCC31B31FBEE63EC3FFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_12335CF1F4975E703D43FBEE63EC3CDF" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_57F5C67077F9EC5B0E8CFBEE63ECB9E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_12335CF1F4975E703D43FBEE63EC3CDF" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_57F5C67077F9EC5B0E8CFBEE63ECB9E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C29DE799C057F0344086FBEE63EC6703_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_57F5C67077F9EC5B0E8CFBEE63ECB9E6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C29DE799C057F0344086FBEE63EC6703_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C29DE799C057F0344086FBEE63EC6703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_57F5C67077F9EC5B0E8CFBEE63ECB9E6" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C29DE799C057F0344086FBEE63EC6703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_B1B964703C8844F90A38FBEE63EC1E40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_C29DE799C057F0344086FBEE63EC6703" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_B1B964703C8844F90A38FBEE63EC1E40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A1ED5F5B1CD974E8C3EDFBEE63EC9F0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_12335CF1F4975E703D43FBEE63EC3CDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A1ED5F5B1CD974E8C3EDFBEE63EC9F0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A203C98D63D3DBA7F70BFBEE63ECD15C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A1ED5F5B1CD974E8C3EDFBEE63EC9F0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A203C98D63D3DBA7F70BFBEE63ECD15C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A203C98D63D3DBA7F70BFBEE63ECD15C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_A1ED5F5B1CD974E8C3EDFBEE63EC9F0D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A203C98D63D3DBA7F70BFBEE63ECD15C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_591442D92FDE211D5135FBEE63ECC125" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_A203C98D63D3DBA7F70BFBEE63ECD15C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_591442D92FDE211D5135FBEE63ECC125" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_730367C503AC79166408FBEE63EC8B89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C80F2CD8A1E2BCC31B31FBEE63EC3FFA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_730367C503AC79166408FBEE63EC8B89" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8E373992A0212D5F1ED9D1E89336DEDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8E373992A0212D5F1ED9D1E89336DEDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8E373992A0212D5F1ED9D1E89336DEDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_8E373992A0212D5F1ED9D1E89336DEDF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_43CC32B6448181E7AB91D1E89336C417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_43CC32B6448181E7AB91D1E89336C417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_83525DD318A039C5F5B6D1E89336B84C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_BD04AE011430D1582B9AD1E89336583D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_83525DD318A039C5F5B6D1E89336B84C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_84283391AD4ADEBDCED9D1E89336BA26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_84283391AD4ADEBDCED9D1E89336BA26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_97401B2DA2100D3E99BED1E893365949_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_84283391AD4ADEBDCED9D1E89336BA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_97401B2DA2100D3E99BED1E893365949_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_97401B2DA2100D3E99BED1E893365949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentByCategoryOfItemPurchasedAxis_84283391AD4ADEBDCED9D1E89336BA26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_97401B2DA2100D3E99BED1E893365949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasSupplyCommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasSupplyCommitmentsMember_C1FEAF6D44B310B2F01FD1E8933669D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentCategoryOfItemPurchasedDomain_97401B2DA2100D3E99BED1E893365949" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasSupplyCommitmentsMember_C1FEAF6D44B310B2F01FD1E8933669D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_4217A764B2C8478C0FA2D1E89336F67C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_4217A764B2C8478C0FA2D1E89336F67C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_6D8E0CF023A21CE8E9C1D1E893370426_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_4217A764B2C8478C0FA2D1E89336F67C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_6D8E0CF023A21CE8E9C1D1E893370426_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_6D8E0CF023A21CE8E9C1D1E893370426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteAxis_4217A764B2C8478C0FA2D1E89336F67C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_6D8E0CF023A21CE8E9C1D1E893370426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MinnesotaServiceTerritoryMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MinnesotaServiceTerritoryMember_926974A196B8D6408E83D1E893370A8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationSiteDomain_6D8E0CF023A21CE8E9C1D1E893370426" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MinnesotaServiceTerritoryMember_926974A196B8D6408E83D1E893370A8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9E0384340B50AA284749D1E893372FAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9E0384340B50AA284749D1E893372FAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9E0384340B50AA284749D1E893372FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_9E0384340B50AA284749D1E893372FAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GenOnDemandChargesTransportationContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GenOnDemandChargesTransportationContractsMember_A68FE70C0605BAE626A1D1E8933771AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GenOnDemandChargesTransportationContractsMember_A68FE70C0605BAE626A1D1E8933771AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember_B54332D917963A3DCC30D1E89337BFC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember_B54332D917963A3DCC30D1E89337BFC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember_51DE3B7D6FC111C15584D1E893374F96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_A9C0B97FF0742F17D9B3D1E89337E1E3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember_51DE3B7D6FC111C15584D1E893374F96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_43F71CEF2CE21C7B0486D1E8933798BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_43F71CEF2CE21C7B0486D1E8933798BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_9EB319483F4ADED33150D1E89337EE1A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_43F71CEF2CE21C7B0486D1E8933798BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_9EB319483F4ADED33150D1E89337EE1A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_9EB319483F4ADED33150D1E89337EE1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_43F71CEF2CE21C7B0486D1E8933798BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_9EB319483F4ADED33150D1E89337EE1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GasMarketManipulationCasesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GasMarketManipulationCasesMember_5485BFA940E9AC9133F6D1E8933783E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_9EB319483F4ADED33150D1E89337EE1A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GasMarketManipulationCasesMember_5485BFA940E9AC9133F6D1E8933783E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86B7983E1113A618F7B8D1E89337A6EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentTable_56860A587A4C5C204EDCD1E8933632FC" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86B7983E1113A618F7B8D1E89337A6EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_49DAAFBDA17346AEF622D1E89337EF9F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86B7983E1113A618F7B8D1E89337A6EE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_49DAAFBDA17346AEF622D1E89337EF9F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_49DAAFBDA17346AEF622D1E89337EF9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_86B7983E1113A618F7B8D1E89337A6EE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_49DAAFBDA17346AEF622D1E89337EF9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_BDD8E1A5B80075F413DDD1E8933744F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_49DAAFBDA17346AEF622D1E89337EF9F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_BDD8E1A5B80075F413DDD1E8933744F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_2CEDA7ABBD4A83FEE704D1E8933863E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInNextTwelveMonths_2CEDA7ABBD4A83FEE704D1E8933863E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear_EF057084F2BCC22F3347D1E893382298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInSecondYear_EF057084F2BCC22F3347D1E893382298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInThirdYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInThirdYear_14223D746E2C4C262233D1E893381539" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInThirdYear_14223D746E2C4C262233D1E893381539" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFourthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFourthYear_DE89158F06BA6D706A56D1E8933859ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFourthYear_DE89158F06BA6D706A56D1E8933859ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFifthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFifthYear_CCEB9A3358976BFDF16ED1E893380ED2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueInFifthYear_CCEB9A3358976BFDF16ED1E893380ED2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueAfterFifthYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueAfterFifthYear_A7505F306DB7F80D4076D1E893381606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PurchaseObligationDueAfterFifthYear_A7505F306DB7F80D4076D1E893381606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_EC1E4D7D6EAC4E69C53BD1E893382771" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueCurrent_EC1E4D7D6EAC4E69C53BD1E893382771" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_6326DB9B273BFBA5CF68D1E893381D22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInTwoYears_6326DB9B273BFBA5CF68D1E893381D22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_76EF91D9C700CCEBB066D1E893386AAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInThreeYears_76EF91D9C700CCEBB066D1E893386AAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_4713EB517955B19FED8BD1E893388F70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFourYears_4713EB517955B19FED8BD1E893388F70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_93538EE78CAD703A47F9D1E8933845CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueInFiveYears_93538EE78CAD703A47F9D1E8933845CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_C1E277CEC1FBF1427AFAD1E89338EA58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueThereafter_C1E277CEC1FBF1427AFAD1E89338EA58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_A1B0C44A028EDB1DA99ED1E893383B9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDueAbstract_81E322A656E3B44C6A34D1E89338DB72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue_A1B0C44A028EDB1DA99ED1E893383B9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_C6988A7FEE3BCC66A15AD1E89338ECCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense_C6988A7FEE3BCC66A15AD1E89338ECCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentLineItems_C62AC8E107681A0B4BA7D1E8933712C3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_264A1C7C3F0BF9616C6BD1E8933875E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_264A1C7C3F0BF9616C6BD1E8933875E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_3CE89E324636B4C24993D1E893397085" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies_3CE89E324636B4C24993D1E893397085" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SiteContingencyLossExposure" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SiteContingencyLossExposure_7B7CB46C76219C488B73D1E893392C82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SiteContingencyLossExposure_7B7CB46C76219C488B73D1E893392C82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency_E46E9290DC92F18CCD48D1E89339FD28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SiteContingencyYearstoResolveContingency_E46E9290DC92F18CCD48D1E89339FD28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_67CFF7B57074A02C65DED1E89339A48D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyInformationAboutLitigationMattersAbstract_DF30382761F047891A18D1E893386DCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_67CFF7B57074A02C65DED1E89339A48D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_400077FF1695D506CD25012D683F4B39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B7EF1F6AA7EF57AF554F012D683F2FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_400077FF1695D506CD25012D683F4B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B7EF1F6AA7EF57AF554F012D683F2FD0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_178E8C391C4E462C37BD012D683FF433" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B7EF1F6AA7EF57AF554F012D683F2FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_178E8C391C4E462C37BD012D683FF433" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_52D470F555F217289B77012D683F0AC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_178E8C391C4E462C37BD012D683FF433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_52D470F555F217289B77012D683F0AC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_52D470F555F217289B77012D683F0AC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_178E8C391C4E462C37BD012D683FF433" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_52D470F555F217289B77012D683F0AC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_AE431CEBCF2BEDA27144012D683F6568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_400077FF1695D506CD25012D683F4B39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_AE431CEBCF2BEDA27144012D683F6568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_AE431CEBCF2BEDA27144012D683F6568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0EBC4F29DADBD736AB03012D683FB745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0EBC4F29DADBD736AB03012D683FB745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_9B1DE1932FAFD162214D012D683FACA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_9B1DE1932FAFD162214D012D683FACA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_2A44A947D8CD8FC346EE012D683F82FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_2A44A947D8CD8FC346EE012D683F82FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_1C01021C8D5091614D05012D683FE50C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnbilledReceivablesCurrent_1C01021C8D5091614D05012D683FE50C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory_58C225107344C79A7161012D6AB2D4A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory_58C225107344C79A7161012D6AB2D4A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_32DC294EF67F5744D60E012D683F88AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsCurrent_32DC294EF67F5744D60E012D683F88AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_105564EE28E9D676F30D012D683FB822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_105564EE28E9D676F30D012D683FB822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_2C0D8A15E959A9F9543D012D683F2251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_2C0D8A15E959A9F9543D012D683F2251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_EF222220A112F1503C8E012D683FF337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F010154C07713D9CE2EE012D683F124F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_EF222220A112F1503C8E012D683FF337" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0CC90AFFCE0F57AF8051012D683F5003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_0CC90AFFCE0F57AF8051012D683F5003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_32A577A71DF311EFE3B5012D683F9827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_32A577A71DF311EFE3B5012D683F9827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_90A026C394ED575AB1CA012D683F6BB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_90A026C394ED575AB1CA012D683F6BB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_C03EDE597049C1E7C28F012D683FCA35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesNoncurrent_C03EDE597049C1E7C28F012D683FCA35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_D9825EF8AE2802EA42F4012D683F64AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsNoncurrent_D9825EF8AE2802EA42F4012D683F64AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_75F363A164270A42E67C012D683F8A94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_75F363A164270A42E67C012D683F8A94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_99BE6BCC84202C48AFBE012D683F3B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_99BE6BCC84202C48AFBE012D683F3B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment_FADCA7B6EB76442CDF65012D683F0A26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_6E3D2DE116706B6A8C59012D683F74D0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment_FADCA7B6EB76442CDF65012D683F0A26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_61EE6EA37B1613D7EA42012D683F428A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_2F9F171990113410162C012D683F4A5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_61EE6EA37B1613D7EA42012D683F428A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfFinancialPositionAbstract_AE431CEBCF2BEDA27144012D683F6568" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_40C4DC2BF51E5933B690012D683F4B78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_40C4DC2BF51E5933B690012D683F4B78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtCurrent_0D55ACE8A5242F5DD535012D683FDBCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtCurrent_0D55ACE8A5242F5DD535012D683FDBCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_D9AB2682A759E9E70221012D683F0D45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_D9AB2682A759E9E70221012D683F0D45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent_9CAFD7B1E3BB2B900006012D683F61DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent_9CAFD7B1E3BB2B900006012D683F61DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_EB0BE2BC3C7DB102FDF3012D683F26AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_EB0BE2BC3C7DB102FDF3012D683F26AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_5234DA6BC8E2D0761302012D683FF347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrent_5234DA6BC8E2D0761302012D683FF347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_5F7E97006BCF372EC27F012D683F8968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrent_5F7E97006BCF372EC27F012D683F8968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_41247DD3E49FF37F4503012D683F6224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_41247DD3E49FF37F4503012D683F6224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_D926B212E3F9E2AEB2E8012D683FF181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesCurrent_D926B212E3F9E2AEB2E8012D683FF181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_8121A0EF5999F17DE9AF012D683FB077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_8121A0EF5999F17DE9AF012D683FB077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_28737959BFE3D4408E7E012D683F9F52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_385DEFAB168918F30C1F012D683F292B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_28737959BFE3D4408E7E012D683F9F52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F1C5A41149A3864A61B0012D683F7E91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F1C5A41149A3864A61B0012D683F7E91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_EE5ADF4F5231F690F461012D683FC794" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_EE5ADF4F5231F690F461012D683FC794" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_5D022C70EC04967DB4A2012D683F666C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_5D022C70EC04967DB4A2012D683F666C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_350AF2141FA4E54D7A7F012D683FF941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_350AF2141FA4E54D7A7F012D683FF941" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A8585927458DCB00749D012D683FAE4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_A8585927458DCB00749D012D683FAE4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_47B08EDB1DCE43844F46012D683F6CDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_531B51B168FB9C3EAD83012D683F808C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_47B08EDB1DCE43844F46012D683F6CDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_5B0E8846E0F1155B53B3012D683F7DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_5B0E8846E0F1155B53B3012D683F7DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtNonCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtNonCurrent_B74C46E022564059D8B4012D683F80F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_5B0E8846E0F1155B53B3012D683F7DB3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsLongTermDebtNonCurrent_B74C46E022564059D8B4012D683F80F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtNoncurrent_E81C4DFC162CC0061472012D683F2F64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_5B0E8846E0F1155B53B3012D683F7DB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtNoncurrent_E81C4DFC162CC0061472012D683F2F64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_525E436E6845628BE045012D683F00C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_5B0E8846E0F1155B53B3012D683F7DB3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_525E436E6845628BE045012D683F00C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_BAC3CC3ECAC13088A1AA012D683F4468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_BAC3CC3ECAC13088A1AA012D683F4468" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_105891507388920EAED7012D683F030D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_105891507388920EAED7012D683F030D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3F239099F3B536D03B28012D683F4026" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_3D25A43B0164A6A44B1E012D683FA92D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_3F239099F3B536D03B28012D683F4026" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB0BEF9656505A83916B7FC9CE8D789D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A94DD23E4643C07E6BA17FC9CE8D961B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB0BEF9656505A83916B7FC9CE8D789D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A94DD23E4643C07E6BA17FC9CE8D961B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE3E86D27353055965057FC9CE8D1AFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A94DD23E4643C07E6BA17FC9CE8D961B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE3E86D27353055965057FC9CE8D1AFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_35FE25A58B61B556E26E7FC9CE8D71AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE3E86D27353055965057FC9CE8D1AFE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_35FE25A58B61B556E26E7FC9CE8D71AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_35FE25A58B61B556E26E7FC9CE8D71AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_FE3E86D27353055965057FC9CE8D1AFE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_35FE25A58B61B556E26E7FC9CE8D71AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_84C824F2DE21A34F69897FC9CE8DBD9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_35FE25A58B61B556E26E7FC9CE8D71AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_84C824F2DE21A34F69897FC9CE8DBD9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB0BEF9656505A83916B7FC9CE8D789D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4B3904AC08E25F50CB907FC9CE8DEC79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_4B3904AC08E25F50CB907FC9CE8DEC79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_913677A4B21B60F18C797FC9CE8D24E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent_913677A4B21B60F18C797FC9CE8D24E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6706E1A94FBD9A1D37267FC9CE8D0CD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_6706E1A94FBD9A1D37267FC9CE8D0CD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_7E95DC14ED6FA1ADF5C37FC9CE8D4FB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_F64815745B27E4AF55497FC9CE8DD0D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseAndOtherAssetsCurrent_7E95DC14ED6FA1ADF5C37FC9CE8D4FB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_00A40A7C8B174F8C66727FC9CE8D961E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_AB0BEF9656505A83916B7FC9CE8D789D" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_00A40A7C8B174F8C66727FC9CE8D961E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_96830D181DACC2084A0D7FC9CE8DF9BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NoncurrentAssetsOtherThanPropertyPlantandEquipmentAbstract_00A40A7C8B174F8C66727FC9CE8D961E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_96830D181DACC2084A0D7FC9CE8DF9BE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeFairValuesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1BF55CD7FF8A4D1736D3CCFDC91E18C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1BF55CD7FF8A4D1736D3CCFDC91E18C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_784C1D4DB09A85FC2B7ACCFDC91E3502_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1BF55CD7FF8A4D1736D3CCFDC91E18C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_784C1D4DB09A85FC2B7ACCFDC91E3502_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_784C1D4DB09A85FC2B7ACCFDC91E3502" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_1BF55CD7FF8A4D1736D3CCFDC91E18C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_784C1D4DB09A85FC2B7ACCFDC91E3502" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_B706AD62B17040E5C390CCFDC91E921D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_784C1D4DB09A85FC2B7ACCFDC91E3502" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_B706AD62B17040E5C390CCFDC91E921D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_AA4B7A1AFEC3D55D73C4CCFDC91EE16F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_AA4B7A1AFEC3D55D73C4CCFDC91EE16F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_BBD898A55FBD9FC511A3CCFDC91EFC95_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_AA4B7A1AFEC3D55D73C4CCFDC91EE16F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_BBD898A55FBD9FC511A3CCFDC91EFC95_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_BBD898A55FBD9FC511A3CCFDC91EFC95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingAxis_AA4B7A1AFEC3D55D73C4CCFDC91EE16F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_BBD898A55FBD9FC511A3CCFDC91EFC95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_31BFFD7DC32992054ED1CCFDC91E4DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingByGroupingDomain_BBD898A55FBD9FC511A3CCFDC91EFC95" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingInvestmentGradeMember_31BFFD7DC32992054ED1CCFDC91E4DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_83B357A3C9AE9E99580ECCFDC91E84DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_83B357A3C9AE9E99580ECCFDC91E84DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_83B357A3C9AE9E99580ECCFDC91E84DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_83B357A3C9AE9E99580ECCFDC91E84DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SwapMember_7360E5ADAF0CEB6E2DA2CCFDC91ED0D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SwapMember_7360E5ADAF0CEB6E2DA2CCFDC91ED0D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_D02D87A656C93E86A06FCCFDC91E7793" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_27B32FC5A1A66C02BA34CCFDC91E2583" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_D02D87A656C93E86A06FCCFDC91E7793" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_AF5E5D5D19E9883A3BF1CCFDC91F055B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_AF5E5D5D19E9883A3BF1CCFDC91F055B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_AF5E5D5D19E9883A3BF1CCFDC91F055B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_AF5E5D5D19E9883A3BF1CCFDC91F055B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnergyMarketersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnergyMarketersMember_65A51826789529D0F13BCCFDC91F0CBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnergyMarketersMember_65A51826789529D0F13BCCFDC91F0CBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RetailEndUsersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RetailEndUsersMember_38B059EC3D2856D9DD5ECCFDC91FB7B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_7B4B1DD117BA023E7094CCFDC91F96D2" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RetailEndUsersMember_38B059EC3D2856D9DD5ECCFDC91FB7B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_ACEDB754BDDC124240A4CCFDC91FE0E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_ACEDB754BDDC124240A4CCFDC91FE0E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_720E87D43B371EB28D70CCFDC91FF15F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_ACEDB754BDDC124240A4CCFDC91FE0E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_720E87D43B371EB28D70CCFDC91FF15F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PositionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_720E87D43B371EB28D70CCFDC91FF15F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionAxis_ACEDB754BDDC124240A4CCFDC91FE0E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_720E87D43B371EB28D70CCFDC91FF15F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongMember_751068135AF8863D7450CCFDC91FBDD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PositionDomain_720E87D43B371EB28D70CCFDC91FF15F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongMember_751068135AF8863D7450CCFDC91FBDD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6555ECC0D42488615857CCFDC91F7753" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6555ECC0D42488615857CCFDC91F7753" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6555ECC0D42488615857CCFDC91F7753" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_6555ECC0D42488615857CCFDC91F7753" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_CBE1FECBF70C4FE1E9F5CCFDC91F9691" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_CBE1FECBF70C4FE1E9F5CCFDC91F9691" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IDSDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IDSDerivativeMember_E13D710761E3561B137BCCFDC91F850C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_B554D7FB7F55081DE2A3CCFDC91F93CA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IDSDerivativeMember_E13D710761E3561B137BCCFDC91F850C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_D8E122B7229050970985CCFDC91F0ECE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_D8E122B7229050970985CCFDC91F0ECE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_CBF11CC2F815D6A75C78CCFDC91FF758_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_D8E122B7229050970985CCFDC91F0ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_CBF11CC2F815D6A75C78CCFDC91FF758_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_CBF11CC2F815D6A75C78CCFDC91FF758" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis_D8E122B7229050970985CCFDC91F0ECE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_CBF11CC2F815D6A75C78CCFDC91FF758" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NondesignatedMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_878815667E6FC4000152CCFDC91F034E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_HedgingDesignationDomain_CBF11CC2F815D6A75C78CCFDC91FF758" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NondesignatedMember_878815667E6FC4000152CCFDC91F034E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_473C2C9EDE4C7F5B56F0CCFDC920F8C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_473C2C9EDE4C7F5B56F0CCFDC920F8C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_473C2C9EDE4C7F5B56F0CCFDC920F8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_473C2C9EDE4C7F5B56F0CCFDC920F8C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CurrentAssetsMember_5739524882A8E3AED8CACCFDC920D3D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CurrentAssetsMember_5739524882A8E3AED8CACCFDC920D3D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_43405F3E5A09A410F498CCFDC920E9A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_43405F3E5A09A410F498CCFDC920E9A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CurrentLiabilitiesMember_7F936FB78165F6C37198CCFDC9202C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CurrentLiabilitiesMember_7F936FB78165F6C37198CCFDC9202C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_4BF4E43780E59E0A4821CCFDC920D8CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_EE36BD980A82D7A38E50CCFDC920BE8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentLiabilitiesMember_4BF4E43780E59E0A4821CCFDC920D8CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_C5AEBC596ADDE38E40D9CCFDC92046FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_3B71F168C02B9B99406ECCFDC91E0627" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_C5AEBC596ADDE38E40D9CCFDC92046FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_C5AEBC596ADDE38E40D9CCFDC92046FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_C5AEBC596ADDE38E40D9CCFDC92046FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_48B7B7CCBA742A043C2DCCFDC92002E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_48B7B7CCBA742A043C2DCCFDC92002E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_6BB018A22016DB6E4284CCFDC9208371" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember_6BB018A22016DB6E4284CCFDC9208371" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_54E556FD7BAB7EB6A763CCFDC920B9E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_10A96ED07CDB8D0A74E7CCFDC920C13C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseMember_54E556FD7BAB7EB6A763CCFDC920B9E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount_713A77F4128EB316AE6ACCFDC9201A5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount_713A77F4128EB316AE6ACCFDC9201A5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_78DE57B59ABEDE57355FCCFDC9215D1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_78DE57B59ABEDE57355FCCFDC9215D1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_2C6B6BCC6396D03263FFCCFDC921C074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_2C6B6BCC6396D03263FFCCFDC921C074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_D49D4DE91D7DBB129C57CCFDC921BE9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNonmonetaryNotionalAmountVolume_D49D4DE91D7DBB129C57CCFDC921BE9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_00F1348A010E4BC9E06BCCFDC921FE8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_00F1348A010E4BC9E06BCCFDC921FE8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_8B09A0D0F52E30D017E6CCFDC9216762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_8B09A0D0F52E30D017E6CCFDC9216762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_A98DFF1AA316A63D66CCCCFDC92199B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_A98DFF1AA316A63D66CCCCFDC92199B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_31E52F78B7FE8F4B2967CCFDC921A242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_31E52F78B7FE8F4B2967CCFDC921A242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_69F9BA6F22BD0D3AEF78CCFDC9210C7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_69F9BA6F22BD0D3AEF78CCFDC9210C7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_51097C5411CE240EB81ACCFDC9217BDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_51097C5411CE240EB81ACCFDC9217BDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_0108914B25B6DAF308BDCCFDC92198AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNet_0108914B25B6DAF308BDCCFDC92198AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CollateralNetting" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CollateralNetting_9079852439777179B63ECCFDC921081E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CollateralNetting_9079852439777179B63ECCFDC921081E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_62F207B5740693D95441CCFDC92132D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet_62F207B5740693D95441CCFDC92132D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DerivativeFairValueOffsetsNet" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DerivativeFairValueOffsetsNet_5430135F3A90A2F7B68ACCFDC921CCDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetsLiabilitiesAtFairValueNetByBalanceSheetClassificationAbstract_C5A3F093564C400FBF09CCFDC920ED10" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DerivativeFairValueOffsetsNet_5430135F3A90A2F7B68ACCFDC921CCDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract_406AAE695E1A702CC386CCFDC9218C33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract_406AAE695E1A702CC386CCFDC9218C33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_BE0B71FC3E9E36D85480CCFDC921C94E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_IncomeStatementImpactOfDerivativeActivityAbstract_406AAE695E1A702CC386CCFDC9218C33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet_BE0B71FC3E9E36D85480CCFDC921C94E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract_66B0FF33202F1CE4E05CCCFDC922631E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract_66B0FF33202F1CE4E05CCCFDC922631E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_7A1F9ED8AC0BA63AC0BFCCFDC9228A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract_66B0FF33202F1CE4E05CCCFDC922631E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_7A1F9ED8AC0BA63AC0BFCCFDC9228A17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_5E8759B8EC37C10A7EB2CCFDC9220E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract_66B0FF33202F1CE4E05CCCFDC922631E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_5E8759B8EC37C10A7EB2CCFDC9220E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_5533ED6E67ECD6F6103ECCFDC92260C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesAbstract_66B0FF33202F1CE4E05CCCFDC922631E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalCollateralAggregateFairValue_5533ED6E67ECD6F6103ECCFDC92260C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_FD8293A520444A87F402CCFDC922A39E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems_4F69D3E9544240A2C470CCFDC920D236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_FD8293A520444A87F402CCFDC922A39E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_4535C307B7D0F63A202FCCFDC92223F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_FD8293A520444A87F402CCFDC922A39E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativeAssetsAtFairValue_4535C307B7D0F63A202FCCFDC92223F9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsDerivativesAndHedgingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5C5993666A5D4CED2036D157337C7D0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5C5993666A5D4CED2036D157337C7D0B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_98C89456069D0F775568D157337B034D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_98C89456069D0F775568D157337B034D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13198D6B564D5A842F13D157337B68FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_98C89456069D0F775568D157337B034D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13198D6B564D5A842F13D157337B68FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13198D6B564D5A842F13D157337B68FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_98C89456069D0F775568D157337B034D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13198D6B564D5A842F13D157337B68FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_78E6955973430EDCB849D157337BC0D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_13198D6B564D5A842F13D157337B68FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesMember_78E6955973430EDCB849D157337BC0D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B2210F4CAC36E482FFA1D157337B3AD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B2210F4CAC36E482FFA1D157337B3AD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FD959940B7ED199C103D157337BF390_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B2210F4CAC36E482FFA1D157337B3AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FD959940B7ED199C103D157337BF390_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FD959940B7ED199C103D157337BF390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_B2210F4CAC36E482FFA1D157337B3AD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FD959940B7ED199C103D157337BF390" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeSwapsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeSwapsMember_D01BEA669D1413E5DF5CD157337B02B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_5FD959940B7ED199C103D157337BF390" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeSwapsMember_D01BEA669D1413E5DF5CD157337B02B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis_8D90C9C8D682D5D02EB7D157337BFD42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis_8D90C9C8D682D5D02EB7D157337BFD42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis_8D90C9C8D682D5D02EB7D157337BFD42" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermAxis_8D90C9C8D682D5D02EB7D157337BFD42" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_A2013To2014Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_A2013To2014Member_90FBC15BAA419C3FD149D19D2C887C6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_A2013To2014Member_90FBC15BAA419C3FD149D19D2C887C6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_A2014To2015Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_A2014To2015Member_223DF214DB99749F0287D157337B9C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_A2014To2015Member_223DF214DB99749F0287D157337B9C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_A2015To2016Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_A2015To2016Member_9A81EFBEB4B0257A1B9FD157337B0D5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeTermDomain_3615B12D3BAAF7E2DAECD157337B30E7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_A2015To2016Member_9A81EFBEB4B0257A1B9FD157337B0D5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3083A4D7AB16F973D831D157337C188B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A9E23B5144A9FBD30659D157337B1B00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3083A4D7AB16F973D831D157337C188B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3083A4D7AB16F973D831D157337C188B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_3083A4D7AB16F973D831D157337C188B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_E14BF2DDBFF421016E10D157337CA036" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_E14BF2DDBFF421016E10D157337CA036" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_FC79B9C4DC134D470779D157337CBB11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_467A911370BFD863CE5ED157337C05CD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_FC79B9C4DC134D470779D157337CBB11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract_4F476C8BD6F82CD076E9D157337CF401" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5C5993666A5D4CED2036D157337C7D0B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract_4F476C8BD6F82CD076E9D157337CF401" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount_A8F6A6324E0FB8CF6C77D157337C8067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract_4F476C8BD6F82CD076E9D157337CF401" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgeBilateralCapAmount_A8F6A6324E0FB8CF6C77D157337C8067" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WeatherHedgesTerm" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesTerm_842BAA66EAB33E9233DCD157337C3671" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract_4F476C8BD6F82CD076E9D157337CF401" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesTerm_842BAA66EAB33E9233DCD157337C3671" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_7CFFA047F058586DAD2FD157337CAAEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_WeatherHedgesAbstract_4F476C8BD6F82CD076E9D157337CF401" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_7CFFA047F058586DAD2FD157337CAAEB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_53119E073A42115335B184D9ED89E829" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_53119E073A42115335B184D9ED89E829" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_64E622C84408A7C74D3784D9ED890616" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_53119E073A42115335B184D9ED89E829" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_64E622C84408A7C74D3784D9ED890616" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_64E622C84408A7C74D3784D9ED890616" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_64E622C84408A7C74D3784D9ED890616" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_521B2DBE9AD3519941A784D9ED899158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_521B2DBE9AD3519941A784D9ED899158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_CBA4DB94B68068E3862984D9ED8A3CBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_BE875BA9EF61C27BE6F784D9ED89E588" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_CBA4DB94B68068E3862984D9ED8A3CBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_B292C79143F3FA20BCF384D9ED8A10EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_B292C79143F3FA20BCF384D9ED8A10EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_6ADFABE39BCDC5E1E5B584D9ED8AED51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_6ADFABE39BCDC5E1E5B584D9ED8AED51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_017E27F95C06E6882DB784D9ED8A1ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_6ADFABE39BCDC5E1E5B584D9ED8AED51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_017E27F95C06E6882DB784D9ED8A1ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_814B40FE6D9A01397F9984D9ED8A5383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_017E27F95C06E6882DB784D9ED8A1ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToShareBasedPaymentArrangements_814B40FE6D9A01397F9984D9ED8A5383" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_213A0A9535D41D44CBAB84D9ED8A92A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_017E27F95C06E6882DB784D9ED8A1ED9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_213A0A9535D41D44CBAB84D9ED8A92A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_03A0244B1392D14FDFB484D9ED8AFD6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_03A0244B1392D14FDFB484D9ED8AFD6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_5BEF579A1EC8898FD6D984D9ED8A4280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_03A0244B1392D14FDFB484D9ED8AFD6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_5BEF579A1EC8898FD6D984D9ED8A4280" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_6491762805CEDB5BD47484D9ED8AE4C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_6491762805CEDB5BD47484D9ED8AE4C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_03DFC56F6E526D0B2A9284D9ED8A8C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_6491762805CEDB5BD47484D9ED8AE4C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_03DFC56F6E526D0B2A9284D9ED8A8C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_4FDFF5BA613CAD32F53284D9ED8A2842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_58835A51510AC0002F6E84D9ED8A39BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_4FDFF5BA613CAD32F53284D9ED8A2842" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Equity" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/EquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68004E1EAD96ECF7C158FBEE65334B81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68004E1EAD96ECF7C158FBEE65334B81" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B0036416E6616FD10C01FBEE65333B17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68004E1EAD96ECF7C158FBEE65334B81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B0036416E6616FD10C01FBEE65333B17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_544269B08BD139E07A56FBEE65333FF9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B0036416E6616FD10C01FBEE65333B17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_544269B08BD139E07A56FBEE65333FF9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_544269B08BD139E07A56FBEE65333FF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_B0036416E6616FD10C01FBEE65333B17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_544269B08BD139E07A56FBEE65333FF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_509EA7A3E9D6CBB9B740FBEE65338050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_544269B08BD139E07A56FBEE65333FF9" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_509EA7A3E9D6CBB9B740FBEE65338050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized_305E99B82561253846AAFBEE65339AFF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CapitalStockSharesAuthorized_305E99B82561253846AAFBEE65339AFF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_0C40063D540368D66371FBEE6533577D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_0C40063D540368D66371FBEE6533577D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_D74ED2E4F017F5C497FFFBEE6533728E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_D74ED2E4F017F5C497FFFBEE6533728E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_40A1DDAB58C2883E45FFFBEE65332431" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_40A1DDAB58C2883E45FFFBEE65332431" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_04AE94E0C027ED1E4DAAFBEE65333F4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_04AE94E0C027ED1E4DAAFBEE65333F4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_95ACAEFB7002E5A00818FBEE6533F634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_95ACAEFB7002E5A00818FBEE6533F634" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_C446EC33A6499D86CB2EFBEE6533D280" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5BDFACC1409FAF535EBAFBEE6533ED94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsUndistributedEarningsFromEquityMethodInvestees_C446EC33A6499D86CB2EFBEE6533D280" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_12508A088A074D2B3A431A212BF4F072" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_12508A088A074D2B3A431A212BF4F072" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26875E3CE6481EF7933E1A212BF4C495_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_12508A088A074D2B3A431A212BF4F072" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26875E3CE6481EF7933E1A212BF4C495_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26875E3CE6481EF7933E1A212BF4C495" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_12508A088A074D2B3A431A212BF4F072" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26875E3CE6481EF7933E1A212BF4C495" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_3D009D787E509BC2F2771A212BF48AEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_26875E3CE6481EF7933E1A212BF4C495" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_3D009D787E509BC2F2771A212BF48AEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3CAEFF2BA097FB23BC731A212BF4C3B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3CAEFF2BA097FB23BC731A212BF4C3B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3CAEFF2BA097FB23BC731A212BF4C3B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_3CAEFF2BA097FB23BC731A212BF4C3B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_6ADFEE292B1890AE3CB61A212BF4460D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_6ADFEE292B1890AE3CB61A212BF4460D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_7A36EC5A046A3902B3A61A212BF42DC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_F155C014CDA4BB9BF48B1A212BF4678F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_7A36EC5A046A3902B3A61A212BF42DC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_F78C88B5C56AA9A3C4731A212BF45EDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_F78C88B5C56AA9A3C4731A212BF45EDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_F78C88B5C56AA9A3C4731A212BF45EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_F78C88B5C56AA9A3C4731A212BF45EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_1A816B21889708D875721A212BF44268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember_1A816B21889708D875721A212BF44268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OptionMember_569740743E0DE5CCB9A31A212BF4E881" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_627A5058268147B9897C1A212BF4E239" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OptionMember_569740743E0DE5CCB9A31A212BF4E881" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1BD38ED9BB09E21839E71A212BF473B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1BD38ED9BB09E21839E71A212BF473B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1BD38ED9BB09E21839E71A212BF473B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_1BD38ED9BB09E21839E71A212BF473B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_100C219D8AFCD6E946031A212BF407B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember_100C219D8AFCD6E946031A212BF407B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IDSDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IDSDerivativeMember_C4F239F47BEC01A2D7DA1A212BF48D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_F72D13B9B45ECD447C101A212BF4A2E2" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IDSDerivativeMember_C4F239F47BEC01A2D7DA1A212BF48D8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_C4A6ADDD906EF735E6541A212BF4E001" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_C4A6ADDD906EF735E6541A212BF4E001" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_76AD6324B6831BCCEE191A212BF4868C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_C4A6ADDD906EF735E6541A212BF4E001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_76AD6324B6831BCCEE191A212BF4868C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_76AD6324B6831BCCEE191A212BF4868C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis_C4A6ADDD906EF735E6541A212BF4E001" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_76AD6324B6831BCCEE191A212BF4868C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_5B4BBF3E0D65D97C73EA1A212BF46118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_76AD6324B6831BCCEE191A212BF4868C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember_5B4BBF3E0D65D97C73EA1A212BF46118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01BBDDF2CB6B48DDD52B1A212BF44074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01BBDDF2CB6B48DDD52B1A212BF44074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01BBDDF2CB6B48DDD52B1A212BF44074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_01BBDDF2CB6B48DDD52B1A212BF44074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_4C0B1DEC32211BC286641A212BF48716" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_4C0B1DEC32211BC286641A212BF48716" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_266AE9067D3DF6628E0F1A212BF43BB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_266AE9067D3DF6628E0F1A212BF43BB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_2A92630764A46F199B091A212BF43D73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_1237104B16734EF317D11A212BF49B3F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_2A92630764A46F199B091A212BF43D73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_BC4C975143F7A58512F21A212BF42659" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisDisclosureItemsTable_4772F29284BBC6C9D2AB1A212BF42DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_BC4C975143F7A58512F21A212BF42659" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_BC4C975143F7A58512F21A212BF42659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7F8E15A14C2AF23FBE421A212BF41B45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_BC4C975143F7A58512F21A212BF42659" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7F8E15A14C2AF23FBE421A212BF41B45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_7F8E15A14C2AF23FBE421A212BF41B45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F5B9591BFC36A61FD3C01A212BF4ADBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_F5B9591BFC36A61FD3C01A212BF4ADBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_6EA7A043B9833080E1B21A212BF45BB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_339028936410AEF99A401A212BF44EBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_6EA7A043B9833080E1B21A212BF45BB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FairValueInputsPricePerMMBtu" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FairValueInputsPricePerMMBtu_30AA4F267A0BD1C212A11A212BF42A03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_cnp_FairValueInputsPricePerMMBtu_30AA4F267A0BD1C212A11A212BF42A03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_4556FB805430BF796E131A212BF4B4C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_4556FB805430BF796E131A212BF4B4C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount_7998B7076022CA260BA21A212BF4E89F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount_7998B7076022CA260BA21A212BF4E89F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount_F242629E6213298FFDDC1A212BF4754A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount_F242629E6213298FFDDC1A212BF4754A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount_E9E0691A9416A83266A11A212BF47681" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel1ToLevel2TransfersAmount_E9E0691A9416A83266A11A212BF47681" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount_9E0031B81B52FF56F67E1A212BF4BF33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesLevel2ToLevel1TransfersAmount_9E0031B81B52FF56F67E1A212BF4BF33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities_BE63E9CF08969B3423351A212BF450BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisCorporateEquities_BE63E9CF08969B3423351A212BF450BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_22B46505EC69C964A26F1A212BF4CDE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_22B46505EC69C964A26F1A212BF4CDE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_8DE872C7F19CCBB869A41A212BF45332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossAssetIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_8DE872C7F19CCBB869A41A212BF45332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_F1B348A9382A2FE09EE11A212BF48AE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiabilityAndObligationToReturnCashOffset_F1B348A9382A2FE09EE11A212BF48AE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_F817E20A366BF98B272E1A212BF4A03C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_F817E20A366BF98B272E1A212BF4A03C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_6B9C422A6052E9C126031A212BF457AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_6B9C422A6052E9C126031A212BF457AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring_48503406B92EBAA8F9701A212BF4D930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C837AFE4F66B358F5B781A212BF4AF91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureRecurring_48503406B92EBAA8F9701A212BF4D930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_F5261423DCAECDF8568F1A212BF40A02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossLiabilityIncludingNotSubjectToMasterNettingArrangement_F5261423DCAECDF8568F1A212BF40A02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_49C09402B811C757D5DC1A212BF48837" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAssetAndRightToReclaimCashOffset_49C09402B811C757D5DC1A212BF48837" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_74D1FF1F2FB8C902F2401A212BF4DA12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_74D1FF1F2FB8C902F2401A212BF4DA12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_3E74512621E52BAAE87D1A212BF4216E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_3E74512621E52BAAE87D1A212BF4216E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring_74AB26252CF62677F7AD1A212BF424E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FDD78C6AB8B09EF385C51A212BF418F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureRecurring_74AB26252CF62677F7AD1A212BF424E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CashCollateralPostedWithCounterparties" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CashCollateralPostedWithCounterparties_1DC055D817714CF899081A212BF448C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CashCollateralPostedWithCounterparties_1DC055D817714CF899081A212BF448C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_D9EE7B8BBBF7D821F1E21A212BF40E83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisWithUnobservableInputs_D9EE7B8BBBF7D821F1E21A212BF40E83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_89DD24FDC26367B549971A212BF456EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationGainLossIncludedInEarnings_89DD24FDC26367B549971A212BF456EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_3ADD19C86B039EC549121A212BF4C8B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationSettlements_3ADD19C86B039EC549121A212BF4C8B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_2E09D83E46084D7493C21A212BF49A79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersOutOfLevel3_2E09D83E46084D7493C21A212BF49A79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_8C147810E7D6A67DC2F11A212BF4CCDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputsReconciliationTransfersIntoLevel3_8C147810E7D6A67DC2F11A212BF4CCDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_C75CDBDFDF5EF0A032B21A212BF42D71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_B9DEAE2CDC96EC2F491C1A212BF493A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLoss_C75CDBDFDF5EF0A032B21A212BF42D71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_C7E584F9F9A3A6578C091A212BF48D27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_C7E584F9F9A3A6578C091A212BF48D27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_2DBA7B6EF7EA5AD8789B1A212BF40D95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_2DBA7B6EF7EA5AD8789B1A212BF40D95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure_F0349232073E4A22C24F1A212BF4A985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableFairValueDisclosure_F0349232073E4A22C24F1A212BF4A985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_481DE9E7AE1349ADD6E31A212BF45991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems_B59F010D265B767E2E051A212BF4AD92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_481DE9E7AE1349ADD6E31A212BF45991" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/Goodwill" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/GoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_23A1870399AA0E6292DE0177BC9A9444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E3EB585A629120CDE4810177BC99DBD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_23A1870399AA0E6292DE0177BC9A9444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E3EB585A629120CDE4810177BC99DBD7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6B1B23CFCADEA54A15400177BC998C19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_E3EB585A629120CDE4810177BC99DBD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6B1B23CFCADEA54A15400177BC998C19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6B1B23CFCADEA54A15400177BC998C19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_6B1B23CFCADEA54A15400177BC998C19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_4D8410B9A3CB2169B4810177BC99AA18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_4D8410B9A3CB2169B4810177BC99AA18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnergyServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_6BBBAD82F5EBF591696F0177BC9A546E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_6BBBAD82F5EBF591696F0177BC9A546E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_A1C27776D2D8E62A65A30177BC9A4418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_7FAF211C9D3909C53F160177BC9904ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_A1C27776D2D8E62A65A30177BC9A4418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_B15FEF5ED9F779D3F8D00177BC9A546E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_23A1870399AA0E6292DE0177BC9A9444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_B15FEF5ED9F779D3F8D00177BC9A546E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_FC65F2ED87D7D2A9E2040177BFF7C7F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_23A1870399AA0E6292DE0177BC9A9444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairedAccumulatedImpairmentLoss_FC65F2ED87D7D2A9E2040177BFF7C7F5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/GoodwillTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_A9AE1685B082981679481507C83DDB02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_A9AE1685B082981679481507C83DDB02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_A9AE1685B082981679481507C83DDB02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodAxis_A9AE1685B082981679481507C83DDB02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember_F7F978FEC82A63BE4FBA1507C83D465A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LatestTaxYearMember_F7F978FEC82A63BE4FBA1507C83D465A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember_045EE5099A572B3077651507C83D7FA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxPeriodDomain_CE32989523293A5032AC1507C83DA057" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarliestTaxYearMember_045EE5099A572B3077651507C83D7FA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C520BBB3B0BE392CE8F1507C83D4176" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C520BBB3B0BE392CE8F1507C83D4176" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5D43016EC6996FB01C21507C83DCB6B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C520BBB3B0BE392CE8F1507C83D4176" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5D43016EC6996FB01C21507C83DCB6B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5D43016EC6996FB01C21507C83DCB6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6C520BBB3B0BE392CE8F1507C83D4176" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5D43016EC6996FB01C21507C83DCB6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_5FED2FB8871ACA18A5151507C83DAB77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E5D43016EC6996FB01C21507C83DCB6B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_5FED2FB8871ACA18A5151507C83DAB77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_88B2B2A00D6A4800D23E1507C83DDA38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_88B2B2A00D6A4800D23E1507C83DDA38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_88B2B2A00D6A4800D23E1507C83DDA38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_88B2B2A00D6A4800D23E1507C83DDA38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_E1395542F13B132C71FE1507C83E07AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalRevenueServiceIRSMember_E1395542F13B132C71FE1507C83E07AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_D261B15D2BB0B5B05E731507C83E945F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_EF7F6F5232140372E49D1507C83D8315" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember_D261B15D2BB0B5B05E731507C83E945F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_25D44E49817DDA70E9CF1507C83EE696" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_27533A70492AB2FD6B141507C83D6510" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_25D44E49817DDA70E9CF1507C83EE696" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_25D44E49817DDA70E9CF1507C83EE696" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_25D44E49817DDA70E9CF1507C83EE696" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AlternativeMinimumTaxCreditCarryforwardMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AlternativeMinimumTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_5CD29D7E6931FBB2B7D71507C83E278E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AlternativeMinimumTaxCreditCarryforwardMember_5CD29D7E6931FBB2B7D71507C83E278E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember_AD766E15DC410CC2F7E51507C83EE42C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLossCarryforwardMember_AD766E15DC410CC2F7E51507C83EE42C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CharitableContributionCarryforwardMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CharitableContributionCarryforwardMember_C5DFF88B86799F29D0971507C83EF123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CharitableContributionCarryforwardMember_C5DFF88B86799F29D0971507C83EF123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember_A58DD152E23ECE5E9D6E1507C83EAEE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_1D2810A1A5E75F2BAE981507C83E223C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GeneralBusinessMember_A58DD152E23ECE5E9D6E1507C83EAEE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_6EC292FFE2995FB1E9D61507C83EADB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber_6EC292FFE2995FB1E9D61507C83EADB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_9D1A8A162650C106376B1507C83E438B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_9D1A8A162650C106376B1507C83E438B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_4F842AA9395DBBD849EC1507C83E7214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_9D1A8A162650C106376B1507C83E438B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit_4F842AA9395DBBD849EC1507C83E7214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_375DF280DCF526C075B61507C83E37F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_9D1A8A162650C106376B1507C83E438B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentStateAndLocalTaxExpenseBenefit_375DF280DCF526C075B61507C83E37F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5A7DE0C7DDC5EE03F0CB1507C83E1630" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_9D1A8A162650C106376B1507C83E438B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5A7DE0C7DDC5EE03F0CB1507C83E1630" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_5CBF086492AB18DD82871507C83E0930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_5CBF086492AB18DD82871507C83E0930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_D5891936107370C227A61507C83F01FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_5CBF086492AB18DD82871507C83E0930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_D5891936107370C227A61507C83F01FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_833E30F5648145F857B21507C83F004F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_5CBF086492AB18DD82871507C83E0930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredStateAndLocalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_833E30F5648145F857B21507C83F004F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7C22B3BD41C6B175AF5C1507C83F52E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAbstract_5CBF086492AB18DD82871507C83E0930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7C22B3BD41C6B175AF5C1507C83F52E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7DA45FD249578143E5611507C83F625E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_7DA45FD249578143E5611507C83F625E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F64B7BFD5785D27DB8CC1507C83F19DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_F64B7BFD5785D27DB8CC1507C83F19DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_1767A175843D83D0C7211507C83F1329" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_1767A175843D83D0C7211507C83F1329" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_B2445071D5D44142312F1507C83F36FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_B2445071D5D44142312F1507C83F36FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_505C384E31E7B05377E51507C83F0BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationStateAndLocalIncomeTaxes_505C384E31E7B05377E51507C83F0BA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_Increasedecreaseintaxexpenseduetoformationofmidstreampartnership" xlink:label="loc_cnp_Increasedecreaseintaxexpenseduetoformationofmidstreampartnership_767A460A1221951CEFAF1507C83F50C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_Increasedecreaseintaxexpenseduetoformationofmidstreampartnership_767A460A1221951CEFAF1507C83F50C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsAndUncertainIncomeTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsAndUncertainIncomeTaxPositions_09E4771BE3D9E65E552D1507C83FB0C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlementsAndUncertainIncomeTaxPositions_09E4771BE3D9E65E552D1507C83FB0C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_01094CE4005F3CBD52EA1507C83F3FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_01094CE4005F3CBD52EA1507C83F3FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems_9A63431E4156C21DA0521507C83FA1B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherReconcilingItems_9A63431E4156C21DA0521507C83FA1B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInTaxExpense_6E3BA0FD86AC1534C0871507C83F6EC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangeInTaxExpenseAbstract_F73C81C406B4F0AD62481507C83F2CDE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInTaxExpense_6E3BA0FD86AC1534C0871507C83F6EC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_BDA09CAA3BA064C5C9681507C840481F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsIncomeTaxReconciliationAbstract_BFEB3FD1ED8D1B466A651507C83FE9C8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_BDA09CAA3BA064C5C9681507C840481F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_86EC1C16339C2D281CBB1507C840D3AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_86EC1C16339C2D281CBB1507C840D3AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_9BC327A9F98F4F9D88981507C840DCDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_9BC327A9F98F4F9D88981507C840DCDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_13A19A3399A8E44921B21507C840C3D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxes_13A19A3399A8E44921B21507C840C3D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets_3E5B7319B7006B25D37D1507C840912C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssets_3E5B7319B7006B25D37D1507C840912C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions_F7156FEFF623BCD546801507C840352C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxAdjustmentsSettlementsAndUnusualProvisions_F7156FEFF623BCD546801507C840352C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits_D5D9E1EB614371CD703E1507C840E851" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefits_D5D9E1EB614371CD703E1507C840E851" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsLossAndCreditTaxCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsLossAndCreditTaxCarryforwards_2A05175F930F309BA9261507C8405B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsLossAndCreditTaxCarryforwards_2A05175F930F309BA9261507C8405B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAssetRetirementObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAssetRetirementObligations_4EB7878A17DB8F3C0AB61507C840F1F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsAssetRetirementObligations_4EB7878A17DB8F3C0AB61507C840F1F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther_DB942D1BDA1F4DFA84571507C840E636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxAssetsNoncurrentOther_DB942D1BDA1F4DFA84571507C840E636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_2E4FC2C5B6BDCCEDC24E1507C840BE0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_2E4FC2C5B6BDCCEDC24E1507C840BE0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_EE5C66D29A65476E48F91507C8400537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_B74D3632482C26A8B7BC1507C8401A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_EE5C66D29A65476E48F91507C8400537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0E5DD2E3809E7801097D1507C841CA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesPropertyPlantAndEquipment_0E5DD2E3809E7801097D1507C841CA9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates_2E0C9B195FE6638439741507C8415316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestmentInNoncontrolledAffiliates_2E0C9B195FE6638439741507C8415316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_E1B3226FBD50F5FEBF2F1507C84133BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_E1B3226FBD50F5FEBF2F1507C84133BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments_2B969D94376B415850FA1507C84180F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments_2B969D94376B415850FA1507C84180F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesIndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesIndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_E56BD3584618F56879B51507C8419816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesIndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_E56BD3584618F56879B51507C8419816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentOther" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentOther_DE4E1BE9FF9B5FC643C01507C84169E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentOther_DE4E1BE9FF9B5FC643C01507C84169E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_169E04623B916B59E65A1507C841FF34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilities_169E04623B916B59E65A1507C841FF34" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_6BCE24FF8A269D28DE541507C84118E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstract_4DBC258E078DDCE059EA1507C8408A38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_6BCE24FF8A269D28DE541507C84118E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_3FD931D6A6425CFDB2831507C8419428" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_3FD931D6A6425CFDB2831507C8419428" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_C7528ADBCCF8F818734D1507C841CDA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwardsExpirationDate_C7528ADBCCF8F818734D1507C841CDA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_1A70218A079662A337EA1507C841B770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAmount_1A70218A079662A337EA1507C841B770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardExpirationDate_74CD5B1F051A9F7F58B71507C8413B47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardExpirationDate_74CD5B1F051A9F7F58B71507C8413B47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowanceNetOfFederalTax" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowanceNetOfFederalTax_4F338BA57493230374561507C84152AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OperatingLossCarryforwardsValuationAllowanceNetOfFederalTax_4F338BA57493230374561507C84152AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_UnrecognizedTaxExpense" xlink:label="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxExpense_234EECFC7667216CBD641507C8418DC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxExpense_234EECFC7667216CBD641507C8418DC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPriorYearTaxPositionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPriorYearTaxPositionsAbstract_577E4495508ED741BCD71507C8414086" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPriorYearTaxPositionsAbstract_577E4495508ED741BCD71507C8414086" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_27A44729567D2F822EF01507C8411435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsPriorYearTaxPositionsAbstract_577E4495508ED741BCD71507C8414086" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_27A44729567D2F822EF01507C8411435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositionsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositionsAbstract_EE589480D9B77D12DAC31507C8422971" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositionsAbstract_EE589480D9B77D12DAC31507C8422971" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities_2CB1A6CBB91B43698B5E1507C8423AE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsCurrentYearTaxPositionsAbstract_EE589480D9B77D12DAC31507C8422971" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities_2CB1A6CBB91B43698B5E1507C8423AE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_F373A0F7FC345167136B1507C842CDE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_F373A0F7FC345167136B1507C842CDE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRelatedToInterestOnIncomeTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRelatedToInterestOnIncomeTaxPositions_FE34273577E3AD0CE9ED1507C842B375" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_E9BF7A3CF3914D99E84A1507C83E6F3A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRelatedToInterestOnIncomeTaxPositions_FE34273577E3AD0CE9ED1507C842B375" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_D10E2711BA7DF00C32B414DE3BA28A98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_D10E2711BA7DF00C32B414DE3BA28A98" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1F50073EC932B9EA45C114DE3BA284AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_D10E2711BA7DF00C32B414DE3BA28A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1F50073EC932B9EA45C114DE3BA284AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_39D5553AD372E210819414DE3BACE1AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1F50073EC932B9EA45C114DE3BA284AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_39D5553AD372E210819414DE3BACE1AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_39D5553AD372E210819414DE3BACE1AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_1F50073EC932B9EA45C114DE3BA284AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_39D5553AD372E210819414DE3BACE1AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember_677288FCE07C1A051FC414DE3BAC0D8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_39D5553AD372E210819414DE3BACE1AD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember_677288FCE07C1A051FC414DE3BAC0D8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_2361D9012DD95639DA6C14DE3BAC6AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_D10E2711BA7DF00C32B414DE3BA28A98" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_2361D9012DD95639DA6C14DE3BAC6AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_2361D9012DD95639DA6C14DE3BAC6AEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_2361D9012DD95639DA6C14DE3BAC6AEF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TWCommonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TWCommonMember_5A827ED3E07672E3BEF614DE3BAC4720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TWCommonMember_5A827ED3E07672E3BEF614DE3BAC4720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TWCCommonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TWCCommonMember_716666BF32050F50E11214DE3BAC814E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TWCCommonMember_716666BF32050F50E11214DE3BAC814E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AOLCommonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AOLCommonMember_F4B0B40CC47199DF229114DE3BACE234" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AOLCommonMember_F4B0B40CC47199DF229114DE3BACE234" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TimeCommonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TimeCommonMember_87ECBF8FC1F864337DE014DE3BACD25B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TimeCommonMember_87ECBF8FC1F864337DE014DE3BACD25B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TWSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TWSecuritiesMember_6F47AD6DB35BF4C382F414DE3BAC8AEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TWSecuritiesMember_6F47AD6DB35BF4C382F414DE3BAC8AEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DebtComponentOfZENSMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZENSMember_EF69C5F21CD957085DBF14DE3BACD88F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZENSMember_EF69C5F21CD957085DBF14DE3BACD88F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZENSMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZENSMember_CC12106DF9662EACA44E14DE3BAC5537" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_66F129F50E96AC034B5114DE3BACC5FA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZENSMember_CC12106DF9662EACA44E14DE3BAC5537" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares_FF42A5523031EA235D5514DE3BAC9053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedBalanceShares_FF42A5523031EA235D5514DE3BAC9053" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_1F9EC4E5EA112BE808CE14DE3BAC1411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_1F9EC4E5EA112BE808CE14DE3BAC1411" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A4A2B054246840D2488B14DE3BAC6572" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A4A2B054246840D2488B14DE3BAC6572" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue_6ED36DBD715BCCA30F1D14DE3BACC715" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeablePercentageOfFairValue_6ED36DBD715BCCA30F1D14DE3BACC715" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NumberOfSharesReferencedInExchangeableSubordinatedNote" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NumberOfSharesReferencedInExchangeableSubordinatedNote_2E6119365AC63D76A89214DE3BAC3509" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NumberOfSharesReferencedInExchangeableSubordinatedNote_2E6119365AC63D76A89214DE3BAC3509" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_6BF012FD52C387D7F11914DE3BAC5482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionSharePrice_6BF012FD52C387D7F11914DE3BAC5482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment_4DD8805EE974B46F220614DE3BAC1DCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfTradingSecuritiesHeldforinvestment_4DD8805EE974B46F220614DE3BAC1DCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ReductionInZENSDebt" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ReductionInZENSDebt_16E31A1FFF91B14C0F8A14DE3BAC7BA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ReductionInZENSDebt_16E31A1FFF91B14C0F8A14DE3BAC7BA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B376D4F904274BC5FD9114DE3BACF943" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ZeroPremiumExchangeableSubordinatedNotesAbstract_13512CB563F6B0C8732414DE3BACF7B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_B376D4F904274BC5FD9114DE3BACF943" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DebtInstrumentContingentPrincipalAmountOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DebtInstrumentContingentPrincipalAmountOutstanding_6AE724C1B1D4509F5D9D14DE3BAC41F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DebtInstrumentContingentPrincipalAmountOutstanding_6AE724C1B1D4509F5D9D14DE3BAC41F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TargetAnnualYieldOnReferencedSharesBeforeIncreaseOrDecreaseOfPrincipalAmountOfSubordinatedNote" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TargetAnnualYieldOnReferencedSharesBeforeIncreaseOrDecreaseOfPrincipalAmountOfSubordinatedNote_6B8E5560B8EFD5A2D5B014DE3BAC9015" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TargetAnnualYieldOnReferencedSharesBeforeIncreaseOrDecreaseOfPrincipalAmountOfSubordinatedNote_6B8E5560B8EFD5A2D5B014DE3BAC9015" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote_DA560C17EBB423226A7C14DE3BACA6E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SubordinatedNoteCashExchangeAmountPerEach1000OfOriginalNote_DA560C17EBB423226A7C14DE3BACA6E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DollarFaceAmountOfIndividualNote" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DollarFaceAmountOfIndividualNote_49AA400979F98E03C1D914DE3BAC8ADF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DollarFaceAmountOfIndividualNote_49AA400979F98E03C1D914DE3BAC8ADF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BifurcatedDebtAnnualAccretionRate" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BifurcatedDebtAnnualAccretionRate_53495F2F6ADAB1DE088714DE3BACFC94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ReferencedCommonSharesAbstract_2EB1BDA1BB1FAAB87D3D14DE3BAC9BC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BifurcatedDebtAnnualAccretionRate_53495F2F6ADAB1DE088714DE3BACFC94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract_4A7720410DCD11CC86B314DE3BAC47D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract_4A7720410DCD11CC86B314DE3BAC47D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_EA2E5198F74C415DC4E414DE3BACB6B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract_4A7720410DCD11CC86B314DE3BAC47D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesCurrent_EA2E5198F74C415DC4E414DE3BACB6B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_294145E1E340BE50B4BA14DE3BAC611C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract_4A7720410DCD11CC86B314DE3BAC47D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_294145E1E340BE50B4BA14DE3BAC611C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_12BCC13A4C128667DB6E14DE3BAC11FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_TwSecuritiesAbstract_4A7720410DCD11CC86B314DE3BAC47D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_12BCC13A4C128667DB6E14DE3BAC11FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_FD1E0BE034318183D9ED14DE3BACFC9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_FD1E0BE034318183D9ED14DE3BACFC9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AccretionOfDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AccretionOfDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities_B099715062468156DD8C14DE3BAC0864" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AccretionOfDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities_B099715062468156DD8C14DE3BAC0864" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities_00884E8D33C116ACCC3014DE3BAC21E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InterestPaidDebtComponentIndexedDebtSecurities_00884E8D33C116ACCC3014DE3BAC21E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RedemptionOfCurrentIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RedemptionOfCurrentIndexedDebtSecurities_55959AA75652CD29963A14DE3BACB9C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RedemptionOfCurrentIndexedDebtSecurities_55959AA75652CD29963A14DE3BACB9C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RealizedLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RealizedLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_F375B35A07C78E27082D14DE3BAC60D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RealizedLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_F375B35A07C78E27082D14DE3BAC60D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_B6D4D13A38446CB6600414DE3BACF5A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DebtComponentOfZensAbstract_24AEF023AD6B1F44C9DB14DE3BAC9F55" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_B6D4D13A38446CB6600414DE3BACF5A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_EFB905D9B8487A7FE4C014DE3BAC5E39" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_9A52557B828FBB73C86714DE3BAC9CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_9A52557B828FBB73C86714DE3BAC9CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RedemptionOfDerivativeIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RedemptionOfDerivativeIndexedDebtSecurities_89D8E84B832E83C5256214DE3BACB123" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RedemptionOfDerivativeIndexedDebtSecurities_89D8E84B832E83C5256214DE3BACB123" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ReductionInZENSDerivativeObligation" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ReductionInZENSDerivativeObligation_647814B008546B3E54FC14DE3BACCB16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ReductionInZENSDerivativeObligation_647814B008546B3E54FC14DE3BACCB16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_2F099338CE5B775DDFC914DE3BAC1682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_2F099338CE5B775DDFC914DE3BAC1682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GainonIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GainonIndexedDebtSecurities_211896D807C384C67ECE14DE3BAC79A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_DerivativeComponentOfZensAbstract_C05015A2D72A6C007E0B14DE3BACC07C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GainonIndexedDebtSecurities_211896D807C384C67ECE14DE3BAC79A2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensIndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/IndexedDebtSecuritiesZensAndSecuritiesRelatedToZensTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_F9FE8AD36337B3F41CB57EF0A7C30901" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_0755344D29667F3F41777EF0A7C37181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_F9FE8AD36337B3F41CB57EF0A7C30901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_0755344D29667F3F41777EF0A7C37181" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_751D80BF3586CD019BB87EF0A7C3B06E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_0755344D29667F3F41777EF0A7C37181" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_751D80BF3586CD019BB87EF0A7C3B06E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6EB282AAB8A9B30A52E67EF0A7C30C9A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_751D80BF3586CD019BB87EF0A7C3B06E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6EB282AAB8A9B30A52E67EF0A7C30C9A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6EB282AAB8A9B30A52E67EF0A7C30C9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_751D80BF3586CD019BB87EF0A7C3B06E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6EB282AAB8A9B30A52E67EF0A7C30C9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_4C11774953455C5098F27EF0A7C316CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_6EB282AAB8A9B30A52E67EF0A7C30C9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageMember_4C11774953455C5098F27EF0A7C316CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_94183F74C549745C9F827EF0A7C3D831" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable_0755344D29667F3F41777EF0A7C37181" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_94183F74C549745C9F827EF0A7C3D831" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_94183F74C549745C9F827EF0A7C3D831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_94183F74C549745C9F827EF0A7C3D831" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_622135164122EED317B77EF0A7C36AC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_622135164122EED317B77EF0A7C36AC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_B6F5C5077CFA88EC52A37EF0A7C3B3FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_B6F5C5077CFA88EC52A37EF0A7C3B3FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnergyServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_14B22C59C18C67A768A57EF0A7C320FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_14B22C59C18C67A768A57EF0A7C320FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_FCCDC8FEFF2DB2F8D4557EF0A7C35DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B4AC0E03C7EE143333277EF0A7C39E28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_FCCDC8FEFF2DB2F8D4557EF0A7C35DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_F9FE8AD36337B3F41CB57EF0A7C30901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_2B1B280CD650D920AA2B7EF0A7C3A25E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_2B1B280CD650D920AA2B7EF0A7C3A25E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_C488D90CCCE3BCD449FC7EF0A7C31EA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_C488D90CCCE3BCD449FC7EF0A7C31EA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CE21CB32D4A0AE13D5E27EF0A7C3C4F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_CE21CB32D4A0AE13D5E27EF0A7C3C4F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_E864D083BCE1FE8A21D87EF0A7C313CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetByTypeAbstract_7ABFD02226C04909FBB37EF0A7C3D2A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife_E864D083BCE1FE8A21D87EF0A7C313CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_D229E5ECBEF9A5B3FEEE7EF0A7C3383B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_F9FE8AD36337B3F41CB57EF0A7C30901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_D229E5ECBEF9A5B3FEEE7EF0A7C3383B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Depreciation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_FF721206D8B9642EAF527EF0A7C38400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_D229E5ECBEF9A5B3FEEE7EF0A7C3383B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Depreciation_FF721206D8B9642EAF527EF0A7C38400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_8F8659311CC80ACAFF4E7EF0A7C3C5BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_D229E5ECBEF9A5B3FEEE7EF0A7C3383B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentForAmortization_8F8659311CC80ACAFF4E7EF0A7C3C5BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_59F64713A85F934671A27EF0A7C3E749" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortizationAbstract_D229E5ECBEF9A5B3FEEE7EF0A7C3383B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_59F64713A85F934671A27EF0A7C3E749" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3900FEDF2D854D9D6A677EF0A7C3F417" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems_F9FE8AD36337B3F41CB57EF0A7C30901" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3900FEDF2D854D9D6A677EF0A7C3F417" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_0803D69EE049D1F63FE97EF0A7C394FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3900FEDF2D854D9D6A677EF0A7C3F417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligation_0803D69EE049D1F63FE97EF0A7C394FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_CD8E488CCAE2909D4E1D7EF0A7C3EBB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3900FEDF2D854D9D6A677EF0A7C3F417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationAccretionExpense_CD8E488CCAE2909D4E1D7EF0A7C3EBB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_D4356B836BADE06613247EF0A7C3BBEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRollForwardAnalysisRollForward_3900FEDF2D854D9D6A677EF0A7C3F417" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetRetirementObligationRevisionOfEstimate_D4356B836BADE06613247EF0A7C3BBEB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccounting" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccountingRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_7BA9D074B7AEC24C38157EEFD3A73785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_7BA9D074B7AEC24C38157EEFD3A73785" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_ED90447FC2194A5F1D557EEFD3A7BCF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_7BA9D074B7AEC24C38157EEFD3A73785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_ED90447FC2194A5F1D557EEFD3A7BCF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_ED90447FC2194A5F1D557EEFD3A7BCF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_ED90447FC2194A5F1D557EEFD3A7BCF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_0D4E22435B09997993DA7EEFD3A714EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_0D4E22435B09997993DA7EEFD3A714EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SecuritizedRegulatoryAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SecuritizedRegulatoryAssetMember_5E9331051033537BC8D37EEFD3A728FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SecuritizedRegulatoryAssetMember_5E9331051033537BC8D37EEFD3A728FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossOnReacquiredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossOnReacquiredDebtMember_FB78EE1AB7047998107E7EEFD3A751E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossOnReacquiredDebtMember_FB78EE1AB7047998107E7EEFD3A751E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PensionAndPostretirementRelatedRegulatoryAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PensionAndPostretirementRelatedRegulatoryAssetMember_1983A33D4682CB5CF77E7EEFD3A73C04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PensionAndPostretirementRelatedRegulatoryAssetMember_1983A33D4682CB5CF77E7EEFD3A73C04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_DDC06B25BE1D2A80FE607EEFD3A770F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_2E2AF5310F8E961E093B7EEFD3A75D4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_DDC06B25BE1D2A80FE607EEFD3A770F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_915B9B543AF127F80EA57EEFD3A70029" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable_7BA9D074B7AEC24C38157EEFD3A73785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_915B9B543AF127F80EA57EEFD3A70029" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_915B9B543AF127F80EA57EEFD3A70029" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_915B9B543AF127F80EA57EEFD3A70029" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_A4FED8A73001C9D56A437EEFD3A743CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_A4FED8A73001C9D56A437EEFD3A743CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_427E02CD410A4E59EC537EEFD3A764C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_2E90AF31588C5F7349087EEFD3A7FF50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherRegulatoryAssetsLiabilitiesMember_427E02CD410A4E59EC537EEFD3A764C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_UnrecognizedEquityReturn" xlink:label="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedEquityReturn_4739240A10098A38FB5F7EEFD3A7BDB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_cnp_UnrecognizedEquityReturn_4739240A10098A38FB5F7EEFD3A7BDB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_4E001C66FA8B692825EE7EEFD3A72AEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetsNoncurrent_4E001C66FA8B692825EE7EEFD3A72AEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_79C885FB1C9343324C987EEFD3A72205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_79C885FB1C9343324C987EEFD3A72205" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets_822B85454051FCB64FC77EEFD3A7DB0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetRegulatoryAssets_822B85454051FCB64FC77EEFD3A7DB0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AmountOfAllowedEquityReturnRecognizedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AmountOfAllowedEquityReturnRecognizedInPeriod_9809011AB4B40E32D32B7EEFD3A7A4FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AmountOfAllowedEquityReturnRecognizedInPeriod_9809011AB4B40E32D32B7EEFD3A7A4FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided_EB74EC35538DBB39FD1B7EEFD3A70AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ScheduleOfRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems_D45D482D6534349224477EEFD3A71841" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RemainingAmountsOfRegulatoryAssetsForWhichNoReturnOnInvestmentDuringRecoveryPeriodIsProvided_EB74EC35538DBB39FD1B7EEFD3A70AA1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/RegulatoryAccountingTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_03283E1798C530373434103DDCB77904" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_03283E1798C530373434103DDCB77904" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB0FFD6A4418C2B869AF103DDCB7A2BE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_03283E1798C530373434103DDCB77904" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB0FFD6A4418C2B869AF103DDCB7A2BE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB0FFD6A4418C2B869AF103DDCB7A2BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_03283E1798C530373434103DDCB77904" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB0FFD6A4418C2B869AF103DDCB7A2BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_6A14833CFEB51FECA77C103DDCB70917" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_BB0FFD6A4418C2B869AF103DDCB7A2BE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_6A14833CFEB51FECA77C103DDCB70917" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_D268D7E007994C442AE8103DDCB76E59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_D268D7E007994C442AE8103DDCB76E59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_29F267BADC9491BE9CA9103DDCB7F0DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_D268D7E007994C442AE8103DDCB76E59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_29F267BADC9491BE9CA9103DDCB7F0DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_29F267BADC9491BE9CA9103DDCB7F0DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetAxis_D268D7E007994C442AE8103DDCB76E59" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_29F267BADC9491BE9CA9103DDCB7F0DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_A37F8F9994DEF6F0C75D103DDCB7B6AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssetDomain_29F267BADC9491BE9CA9103DDCB7F0DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansCostsMember_A37F8F9994DEF6F0C75D103DDCB7B6AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3BE96F87B275E1BF3A42103DDCB8AE80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3BE96F87B275E1BF3A42103DDCB8AE80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3BE96F87B275E1BF3A42103DDCB8AE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_3BE96F87B275E1BF3A42103DDCB8AE80" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_8D6A97941A002FCD0EA7103DDCB8F31E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_8D6A97941A002FCD0EA7103DDCB8F31E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_E9EEE351A2C2340BD04C103DDCB85E7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_68993896B6F0F2169A98103DDCB82BA6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_E9EEE351A2C2340BD04C103DDCB85E7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_974C2AB5DB63CB239511103DDCB882D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_974C2AB5DB63CB239511103DDCB882D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_974C2AB5DB63CB239511103DDCB882D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_974C2AB5DB63CB239511103DDCB882D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_39DDC00FA95094CCF1B9103DDCB86BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ElectricTransmissionDistributionMember_39DDC00FA95094CCF1B9103DDCB86BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_A7302632F295ABA60BE7103DDCB83F71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasDistributionMember_A7302632F295ABA60BE7103DDCB83F71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnergyServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_829E05ED387E2E12733E103DDCB82E2C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnergyServicesMember_829E05ED387E2E12733E103DDCB82E2C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InterstatePipelinesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InterstatePipelinesMember_8420D27EB833BB9F6EB1103DDCB8648C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InterstatePipelinesMember_8420D27EB833BB9F6EB1103DDCB8648C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FieldServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FieldServicesMember_8C120A837D4905298C27103DDCB8752C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_FieldServicesMember_8C120A837D4905298C27103DDCB8752C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember_7D361800830DA358A886103DDCB8F113" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember_7D361800830DA358A886103DDCB8F113" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_C82EC042E2DB0715E380103DDCB8CAA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateAndOtherMember_C82EC042E2DB0715E380103DDCB8CAA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_878E3EA8DAC76B30A52A103DDCB81144" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_5B62C61C5CC2B7D4F684103DDCB8620A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_878E3EA8DAC76B30A52A103DDCB81144" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_00E36C8BD64C49DB30E6103DDCB8FAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_00E36C8BD64C49DB30E6103DDCB8FAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_00E36C8BD64C49DB30E6103DDCB8FAF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_00E36C8BD64C49DB30E6103DDCB8FAF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AffiliatesOfNrgEnergyIncMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AffiliatesOfNrgEnergyIncMember_FA30CD8554E1BAB759A6103DDCB8F8C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AffiliatesOfNrgEnergyIncMember_FA30CD8554E1BAB759A6103DDCB8F8C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AffiliatesOfEnergyFutureHoldingsCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AffiliatesOfEnergyFutureHoldingsCorpMember_B442A0C8DBDBCC7F37C9103DDCB99325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_6327781C3D48BDA8AEE9103DDCB86FDD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AffiliatesOfEnergyFutureHoldingsCorpMember_B442A0C8DBDBCC7F37C9103DDCB99325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_86CBC2C7859D3D4B6592103DDCB96553" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_637377E4A9F295BB8021103DDCB73DF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_86CBC2C7859D3D4B6592103DDCB96553" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_86CBC2C7859D3D4B6592103DDCB96553" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_86CBC2C7859D3D4B6592103DDCB96553" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_9160465CA8BE91CC17C2103DDCB91D54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_9160465CA8BE91CC17C2103DDCB91D54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_99DF88A4B0ACB2A97DFF103DDCB90B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_99DF88A4B0ACB2A97DFF103DDCB90B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember_CB3113753D7897D7EDF2103DDCB92BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FA86C991EA10D189895E103DDCB92991" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsMember_CB3113753D7897D7EDF2103DDCB92BB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2F564EE50E558E1C7A33103DDCB9E7DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_2F564EE50E558E1C7A33103DDCB9E7DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_A75E551AE363EDCE82CE103DDCB9A6C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_A75E551AE363EDCE82CE103DDCB9A6C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_09340F53C866DA8F84C6103DDCB92608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_09340F53C866DA8F84C6103DDCB92608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BA0E9BECCDAAD1530447103DDCB9A9E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BA0E9BECCDAAD1530447103DDCB9A9E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets_B1A061F3B8125B040BCF103DDCB9B09A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CapitalExpendituresforLongLivedAssets_B1A061F3B8125B040BCF103DDCB9B09A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_E4ABB51CD0161091D950103DDCB9FB16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_E4ABB51CD0161091D950103DDCB9FB16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_E7CDB21B3409EF5B6B57103DDCB9A0D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_E7CDB21B3409EF5B6B57103DDCB9A0D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge_E9C8BC5CDE9A6FC6B616103DDCB94D3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge_E9C8BC5CDE9A6FC6B616103DDCB94D3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_721CC9EE60E7E1A12223103DDCB9665A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_721CC9EE60E7E1A12223103DDCB9665A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_87908F10B62695770075103DDCB95C78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_D2B7F8C0D6F838E8299D103DDCB9EBAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryAssets_87908F10B62695770075103DDCB95C78" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsRevenuesByProductsAndServicesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7DAFBDAEED53EE7FBC301046F361D393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DDF35BF6C2B632BE741046F361E74E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7DAFBDAEED53EE7FBC301046F361D393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DDF35BF6C2B632BE741046F361E74E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AC785F0CB3108A8028DD1046F361CC6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DDF35BF6C2B632BE741046F361E74E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AC785F0CB3108A8028DD1046F361CC6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B54B087072F7FE453D7B1046F3618FF0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AC785F0CB3108A8028DD1046F361CC6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B54B087072F7FE453D7B1046F3618FF0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B54B087072F7FE453D7B1046F3618FF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AC785F0CB3108A8028DD1046F361CC6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B54B087072F7FE453D7B1046F3618FF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DBF84EFA2C13F35AA6821046F3619B27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_03DDF35BF6C2B632BE741046F361E74E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DBF84EFA2C13F35AA6821046F3619B27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DBF84EFA2C13F35AA6821046F3619B27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_DBF84EFA2C13F35AA6821046F3619B27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ElectricDeliveryMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ElectricDeliveryMember_C6F5EA1B006A8A347ABD1046F361A4D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ElectricDeliveryMember_C6F5EA1B006A8A347ABD1046F361A4D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RetailGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RetailGasSalesMember_0F73DF52432C76DD9ADC1046F3612D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RetailGasSalesMember_0F73DF52432C76DD9ADC1046F3612D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_WholesaleGasSalesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_WholesaleGasSalesMember_3263D43B8F9063A5E6BB1046F3615531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_WholesaleGasSalesMember_3263D43B8F9063A5E6BB1046F3615531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GasTransportationandProcessingMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GasTransportationandProcessingMember_5AF44A8F5F6F3446FE421046F361E339" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GasTransportationandProcessingMember_5AF44A8F5F6F3446FE421046F361E339" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnergyProductsOrServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnergyProductsOrServicesMember_928DE7F32404E2B290641046F361A574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_E473373F22F2F3A49DD31046F3617C4F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnergyProductsOrServicesMember_928DE7F32404E2B290641046F361A574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ProductAndServiceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ProductAndServiceAbstract_4E0B087E5E57D5C05D5B1046F361D571" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7DAFBDAEED53EE7FBC301046F361D393" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ProductAndServiceAbstract_4E0B087E5E57D5C05D5B1046F361D571" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F57DDFF0D56BCDA505C01046F3611F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ProductAndServiceAbstract_4E0B087E5E57D5C05D5B1046F361D571" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F57DDFF0D56BCDA505C01046F3611F40" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ReportableBusinessSegmentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_43AD563985367F6E8C1F10401F11A044" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_43AD563985367F6E8C1F10401F11A044" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_53056AF3AE49FEF4AFC210401F113874_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_43AD563985367F6E8C1F10401F11A044" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_53056AF3AE49FEF4AFC210401F113874_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_53056AF3AE49FEF4AFC210401F113874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_43AD563985367F6E8C1F10401F11A044" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_53056AF3AE49FEF4AFC210401F113874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_F80D975DBB66BDE631A110401F118009" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_F80D975DBB66BDE631A110401F118009" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_79C713F8B2AC62F085CD10401F117B16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_F80D975DBB66BDE631A110401F118009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_79C713F8B2AC62F085CD10401F117B16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_79C713F8B2AC62F085CD10401F117B16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_F80D975DBB66BDE631A110401F118009" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_79C713F8B2AC62F085CD10401F117B16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B81EE3D6EA465B9361F610401F11BC9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B81EE3D6EA465B9361F610401F11BC9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C624D7A7E2CFC77437B010401F11041F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B81EE3D6EA465B9361F610401F11BC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C624D7A7E2CFC77437B010401F11041F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C624D7A7E2CFC77437B010401F11041F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_B81EE3D6EA465B9361F610401F11BC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_C624D7A7E2CFC77437B010401F11041F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_3D155E3BB01B35F1760010401F114E82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_3D155E3BB01B35F1760010401F114E82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_955D7AA670AF379CD06410401F11BA0E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_3D155E3BB01B35F1760010401F114E82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_955D7AA670AF379CD06410401F11BA0E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_955D7AA670AF379CD06410401F11BA0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_3D155E3BB01B35F1760010401F114E82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_955D7AA670AF379CD06410401F11BA0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AF701C56970AC0E7651310401F1152E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AF701C56970AC0E7651310401F1152E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_198F7657AAD254EC9E7810401F1174B4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AF701C56970AC0E7651310401F1152E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_198F7657AAD254EC9E7810401F1174B4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_198F7657AAD254EC9E7810401F1174B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_AF701C56970AC0E7651310401F1152E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_198F7657AAD254EC9E7810401F1174B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_9D18CACBD53EFF953DFA10401F111548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_9D18CACBD53EFF953DFA10401F111548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_570217FF058C672E7B3210401F117370_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_9D18CACBD53EFF953DFA10401F111548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_570217FF058C672E7B3210401F117370_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_570217FF058C672E7B3210401F117370" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsAxis_9D18CACBD53EFF953DFA10401F111548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsDomain_570217FF058C672E7B3210401F117370" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_CAB18F3B41E4DCBF49BF10401F118488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_84AA08F5615022745B1810401F11EA6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_CAB18F3B41E4DCBF49BF10401F118488" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_13EE3B68D1A87754E0EE10401F11C9A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_CAB18F3B41E4DCBF49BF10401F118488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_13EE3B68D1A87754E0EE10401F11C9A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_13EE3B68D1A87754E0EE10401F11C9A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsAxis_CAB18F3B41E4DCBF49BF10401F118488" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsegmentsConsolidationItemsDomain_13EE3B68D1A87754E0EE10401F11C9A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_16B9A1462F9081C89FEA10401F127762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTextBlock_16B9A1462F9081C89FEA10401F127762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock_F369F5ECAD4D7C751CA610401F12E2D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTextBlock_F369F5ECAD4D7C751CA610401F12E2D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock_76DF559CE7BA35C964C110401F12C24D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTableTextBlock_76DF559CE7BA35C964C110401F12C24D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsTableTextBlock_8074D03983FC222EE47A10401F120C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_374D915D549E2BABBCAA10401F118390" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MidstreamInvestmentsTableTextBlock_8074D03983FC222EE47A10401F120C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompany" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyBalanceSheetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_37B2F4F9A0F4B78A2A41069315871656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_ECCDA0EA649F32B797EE069315871A83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_37B2F4F9A0F4B78A2A41069315871656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_ECCDA0EA649F32B797EE069315871A83" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DE7607E2A706C0AE7F31069315872963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementTable_ECCDA0EA649F32B797EE069315871A83" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DE7607E2A706C0AE7F31069315872963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CC30BE2F399AE585275206931587F4ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DE7607E2A706C0AE7F31069315872963" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CC30BE2F399AE585275206931587F4ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CC30BE2F399AE585275206931587F4ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_DE7607E2A706C0AE7F31069315872963" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CC30BE2F399AE585275206931587F4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_976943A8E6693412F26606931587A59A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_CC30BE2F399AE585275206931587F4ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_976943A8E6693412F26606931587A59A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C56E614FD178F9AC848F06931587C626" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_37B2F4F9A0F4B78A2A41069315871656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C56E614FD178F9AC848F06931587C626" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C56E614FD178F9AC848F06931587C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5FE6DEA12B11CE6DDA3F069315875756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_5FE6DEA12B11CE6DDA3F069315875756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_42DC30459A4D92CC7027069315874A32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_42DC30459A4D92CC7027069315874A32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_8917724735774B42FDE406931587B781" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent_8917724735774B42FDE406931587B781" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_064CEC0F0A10780C54CE069315878104" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsCurrent_064CEC0F0A10780C54CE069315878104" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_50CD713A1B4A29BF4421069315874F0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_CA27C666A96563297243069315870367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_50CD713A1B4A29BF4421069315874F0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_9BF34BD6EB83F515A9BA069315871F16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C56E614FD178F9AC848F06931587C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_9BF34BD6EB83F515A9BA069315871F16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InvestmentInSubsidiary" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InvestmentInSubsidiary_B9E22E0366B9AD77BBA906931587412E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_9BF34BD6EB83F515A9BA069315871F16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InvestmentInSubsidiary_B9E22E0366B9AD77BBA906931587412E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_7190581E7A35E5D7A49206931587D809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_9BF34BD6EB83F515A9BA069315871F16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_7190581E7A35E5D7A49206931587D809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment_96DDE770599B7E71607E069315872724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_9BF34BD6EB83F515A9BA069315871F16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AssetsNoncurrentOtherThanPropertyPlantAndEquipment_96DDE770599B7E71607E069315872724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BDED7657B0B53023140E0693158775BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_C56E614FD178F9AC848F06931587C626" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_BDED7657B0B53023140E0693158775BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedBalanceSheetStatementsCaptionsLineItems_37B2F4F9A0F4B78A2A41069315871656" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesClassifiedCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesClassifiedCurrent_FE877F8A0D6D90A358B106931587B0C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableRelatedPartiesClassifiedCurrent_FE877F8A0D6D90A358B106931587B0C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_1985FA8B075AC31AF87E06931587C93C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtCurrent_1985FA8B075AC31AF87E06931587C93C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent_76D9B72DFFC4AF69851606931587A67B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebtCurrent_76D9B72DFFC4AF69851606931587A67B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_47532EEB1E1AFC5194550693158749F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesDerivative_47532EEB1E1AFC5194550693158749F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_B2824EB84753C4DE8685069315877DED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_B2824EB84753C4DE8685069315877DED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_A5199B815A35DF9B81C90693158790C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_B2824EB84753C4DE8685069315877DED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_A5199B815A35DF9B81C90693158790C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableOtherCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableOtherCurrent_226B428C7408B516294E069315876002" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_B2824EB84753C4DE8685069315877DED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableOtherCurrent_226B428C7408B516294E069315876002" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_6925DECCF140125F3CD5069315872845" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrent_6925DECCF140125F3CD5069315872845" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_B431F2E850387BBBD12F069315878C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesCurrent_B431F2E850387BBBD12F069315878C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_9023A34F3FABCC38DCD606931587C695" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_8F5FC31543C325632374069315873FCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_9023A34F3FABCC38DCD606931587C695" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4D35C098E1F22EFA3EFE06931587C3EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrent_4D35C098E1F22EFA3EFE06931587C3EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F98FE4BE5A6B698AEC8E06931587E77E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_F98FE4BE5A6B698AEC8E06931587E77E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_FBADBDA96220A7696ECB06931587A464" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent_FBADBDA96220A7696ECB06931587A464" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_D80653AB6D5FCDAC25A106931587173C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongTermDebtNoncurrentAbstract_8E19D32A37ABF44C7365069315873D0C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesOtherThanLongtermDebtNoncurrent_D80653AB6D5FCDAC25A106931587173C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_7A0CC7FB3A7B4EBB16B706931587F255" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_7A0CC7FB3A7B4EBB16B706931587F255" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_1F8F59EF433AD98423EA069315872BA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_1F8F59EF433AD98423EA069315872BA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_5487C9247E7D81E6D62506931587166A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_5487C9247E7D81E6D62506931587166A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_B33F575CB997ED1F2E4B06931587E14C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_B33F575CB997ED1F2E4B06931587E14C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_85CB3E76C26EBA8CFF49069315879661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_85CB3E76C26EBA8CFF49069315879661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_CF7772FF2DF681FEB3E5069315871EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_D9B5D3109DA420946C9F069315871747" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_CF7772FF2DF681FEB3E5069315871EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A5C4C70B3F55AC45554E069315871551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_A364C2D57C494AE7B88D06931587B096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_A5C4C70B3F55AC45554E069315871551" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyNoteDisclosuresDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_7BD8A33C18F78330344214709151BD25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_7BD8A33C18F78330344214709151BD25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5716EE09B09A40921FF414709151170E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_7BD8A33C18F78330344214709151BD25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5716EE09B09A40921FF414709151170E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5716EE09B09A40921FF414709151170E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_7BD8A33C18F78330344214709151BD25" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5716EE09B09A40921FF414709151170E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_59A8E3A22FD467AECEA814709151EB74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_5716EE09B09A40921FF414709151170E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_59A8E3A22FD467AECEA814709151EB74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A1D4DEC176766615DF7414709151544E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A1D4DEC176766615DF7414709151544E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A1D4DEC176766615DF7414709151544E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A1D4DEC176766615DF7414709151544E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_76646F83CB122B9AC4A11470915155E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_76646F83CB122B9AC4A11470915155E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingIndexedDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingIndexedDebtSecuritiesMember_6EDF835CA5027248B57B147091518129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingIndexedDebtSecuritiesMember_6EDF835CA5027248B57B147091518129" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_3AA8C0AD0F0271506D671470915180C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_3AA8C0AD0F0271506D671470915180C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_47BABDF0F06193436143147091512F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_95C9EC5509AC50411CA61470915158AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_47BABDF0F06193436143147091512F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_FC31F5105A02ADCF8745147091511EF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_FC31F5105A02ADCF8745147091511EF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_075074407E5199FBA4D714709151BDF3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_FC31F5105A02ADCF8745147091511EF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_075074407E5199FBA4D714709151BDF3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_075074407E5199FBA4D714709151BDF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_FC31F5105A02ADCF8745147091511EF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_075074407E5199FBA4D714709151BDF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember_9BB21B50E8EB47DAA66C1470915170DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_075074407E5199FBA4D714709151BDF3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterPointMidstreamGuaranteesMember_9BB21B50E8EB47DAA66C1470915170DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_507254E164A0774227E914709151C7BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_507254E164A0774227E914709151C7BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_F4ED07E866862E4BA11E1470915199F7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_507254E164A0774227E914709151C7BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_F4ED07E866862E4BA11E1470915199F7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_F4ED07E866862E4BA11E1470915199F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_507254E164A0774227E914709151C7BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_F4ED07E866862E4BA11E1470915199F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_28F4BBAA04EEB8D8CBAC1470915134A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_F4ED07E866862E4BA11E1470915199F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_28F4BBAA04EEB8D8CBAC1470915134A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_07949AB1F69CA8FFEEAA147091517194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_07949AB1F69CA8FFEEAA147091517194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_07949AB1F69CA8FFEEAA147091517194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_07949AB1F69CA8FFEEAA147091517194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_717892E45DD5A1B183471470915167E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_717892E45DD5A1B183471470915167E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_901CB772969905C266C714709151D7B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_901CB772969905C266C714709151D7B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_F6E132C1957F52085610147091514220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_F6E132C1957F52085610147091514220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_D217C7CDE71A306EB9F21470915192A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_8D7D8E3BE9BF11B1C78114709151D2ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_D217C7CDE71A306EB9F21470915192A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60D580E071A390F1E56314709151C535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfCondensedFinancialStatementsTable_32AEAAEF2D28BCA3A4DC14709151BF73" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60D580E071A390F1E56314709151C535" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60D580E071A390F1E56314709151C535" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_60D580E071A390F1E56314709151C535" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_51B033B668A4782F4791147091510BDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_51B033B668A4782F4791147091510BDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_26C1A9D82DD101BCF2B2147091517096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_26C1A9D82DD101BCF2B2147091517096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_7490BCEA1E01D539DF2614709151B8C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A40DE75391E852ECBD314709151B5A4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_7490BCEA1E01D539DF2614709151B8C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths_3015DB194C99BE8E5EE7147091519948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths_3015DB194C99BE8E5EE7147091519948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_C9A7C7E4ED13E185F94814709151A14B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_C9A7C7E4ED13E185F94814709151A14B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent_844BE898A380FDC5CD4A147091518400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent_844BE898A380FDC5CD4A147091518400" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_8275053715F885F1DB9814709151CA15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_8275053715F885F1DB9814709151CA15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_89FBE5E9B7ABE5C97AB71476A2A25DCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_89FBE5E9B7ABE5C97AB71476A2A25DCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_D138E303D380BCE1FF0E14709151E5CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_D138E303D380BCE1FF0E14709151E5CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_B6F69FC60ABEF769052A147091512FC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_B6F69FC60ABEF769052A147091512FC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing_3B168E0FB95995A8A1FE14709151508C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing_3B168E0FB95995A8A1FE14709151508C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_C1B0A5A11F11B7428413147091518479" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_C1B0A5A11F11B7428413147091518479" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_DD41044B0417A3138AC514709151476F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_DD41044B0417A3138AC514709151476F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_EEFF98449A9BCDC20FC8147091517050" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_EEFF98449A9BCDC20FC8147091517050" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_7A95ACE001596FB02E701470915165F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_7A95ACE001596FB02E701470915165F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6B82C53FE9E102518061147091512B27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6B82C53FE9E102518061147091512B27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_088590E6040A22972534147091519D04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_088590E6040A22972534147091519D04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_D715D3A82B6C631C734D14709151F934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_NotesToFinancialStatementsOfParentLongTermDebtAbstract_9B232DFD145B44EDF6EF14709151A229" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_D715D3A82B6C631C734D14709151F934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_09C2AB5F2FDC57852F15147091518226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_09C2AB5F2FDC57852F15147091518226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_E468ADC00FF81F03E5CC14709151F8B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_E468ADC00FF81F03E5CC14709151F8B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths_41BF2725D8FA8230A44214709151F49D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths_41BF2725D8FA8230A44214709151F49D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost_B4C6C7D19339670DC69A14709151457C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost_B4C6C7D19339670DC69A14709151457C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths_FBFD7C8860AE7553011A14709151E8CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths_FBFD7C8860AE7553011A14709151E8CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_969676D3BC2EC99FCE1B147091512EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems_CF279F356271A805696314709151CA61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_969676D3BC2EC99FCE1B147091512EF2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyParentheticalsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_2545AB9D0184097A36AAF7FCA9F5F39D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_6CD9C98CEB78635B3B7EF7FCA9F52777" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_2545AB9D0184097A36AAF7FCA9F5F39D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_6CD9C98CEB78635B3B7EF7FCA9F52777" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B555BF2EFD12EAFA07ECF7FCA9F51AF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_6CD9C98CEB78635B3B7EF7FCA9F52777" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B555BF2EFD12EAFA07ECF7FCA9F51AF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D94EAB1EEF1FB027C8DEF7FCA9F5BFD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B555BF2EFD12EAFA07ECF7FCA9F51AF0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D94EAB1EEF1FB027C8DEF7FCA9F5BFD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D94EAB1EEF1FB027C8DEF7FCA9F5BFD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B555BF2EFD12EAFA07ECF7FCA9F51AF0" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D94EAB1EEF1FB027C8DEF7FCA9F5BFD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_A650CF63F951377CF958F7FCA9F5CA46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_D94EAB1EEF1FB027C8DEF7FCA9F5BFD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_A650CF63F951377CF958F7FCA9F5CA46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_9E317E9FA6EC5833588EF7FCA9F5558E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_2545AB9D0184097A36AAF7FCA9F5F39D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansTax_9E317E9FA6EC5833588EF7FCA9F5558E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfCashFlowsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_641C11B73AD2D29421550693182EF267" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_641C11B73AD2D29421550693182EF267" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_61D6FCC41AB221BDAA5B0693183DD6A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementTable_641C11B73AD2D29421550693182EF267" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_61D6FCC41AB221BDAA5B0693183DD6A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FD4FDFCCA74200C7A7820693183D0F5B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_61D6FCC41AB221BDAA5B0693183DD6A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FD4FDFCCA74200C7A7820693183D0F5B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FD4FDFCCA74200C7A7820693183D0F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_61D6FCC41AB221BDAA5B0693183DD6A5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FD4FDFCCA74200C7A7820693183D0F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_F1E37F061032AD4C70010693183D498C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FD4FDFCCA74200C7A7820693183D0F5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_F1E37F061032AD4C70010693183D498C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_92760FE4F0F8BD93EC630693183D6607" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_92760FE4F0F8BD93EC630693183D6607" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F289F0B6F7FD146CE7EC0693183DC806" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_92760FE4F0F8BD93EC630693183D6607" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F289F0B6F7FD146CE7EC0693183DC806" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_92760FE4F0F8BD93EC630693183D6607" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_81CD7D19EF56BFAC899D0693183DDE32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_81CD7D19EF56BFAC899D0693183DDE32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5A11DB84CBAE6F61EB220693183D0A45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_5A11DB84CBAE6F61EB220693183D0A45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_CA973A1DD0BFAFA00C350693183D96A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_CA973A1DD0BFAFA00C350693183D96A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_UnrealizedLossGainonIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_UnrealizedLossGainonIndexedDebtSecurities_B82AB36DF2D8835FD3740693183D88CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsNoncashItemsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_8069E002AB8E498E3F140693183DBC87" xlink:to="loc_cnp_UnrealizedLossGainonIndexedDebtSecurities_B82AB36DF2D8835FD3740693183D88CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_92760FE4F0F8BD93EC630693183D6607" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NetChangeInAccountsReceivablePayableFromSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NetChangeInAccountsReceivablePayableFromSubsidiaries_6544AE8EE951DE3A9A680693183DE186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NetChangeInAccountsReceivablePayableFromSubsidiaries_6544AE8EE951DE3A9A680693183DE186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_7172065D0188CF6CC6170693183D6B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_7172065D0188CF6CC6170693183D6B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_E770DF696107D15FDDA00693183DE4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_E770DF696107D15FDDA00693183DE4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_C4A9D82CE539B768878E0693183DB8C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_C4A9D82CE539B768878E0693183DB8C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries_449BA9F603F58D8911990693183D3709" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashDividendsPaidToParentCompanyByConsolidatedSubsidiaries_449BA9F603F58D8911990693183D3709" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_F4E151DA652A2481B57D0693183D8961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_F4E151DA652A2481B57D0693183D8961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_B8B807A267D5A382B74D0693183D0949" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_DD0C200CF576760092850693183D18F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_B8B807A267D5A382B74D0693183D0949" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_9F5DE75EFEF8CFE0A0190693183D8194" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_9F5DE75EFEF8CFE0A0190693183D8194" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties_28909C57EA94A35A9CBB0693183D07EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_9F5DE75EFEF8CFE0A0190693183D8194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForLongTermLoansForRelatedParties_28909C57EA94A35A9CBB0693183D07EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_0BA924096D5807EB89AA0693183D1693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_9F5DE75EFEF8CFE0A0190693183D8194" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_0BA924096D5807EB89AA0693183D1693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_B482B3AC311B6BFA41630693183D447D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_B482B3AC311B6BFA41630693183D447D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_B758F423B7D1BF98804F0693183DE4F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_B758F423B7D1BF98804F0693183DE4F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_9949B87959B0E82CFE870693183D835A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_9949B87959B0E82CFE870693183D835A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_F9166ECF4D77D14886960693183D8066" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_F9166ECF4D77D14886960693183D8066" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_535A9944F3CB539536CE0693183DB5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_535A9944F3CB539536CE0693183DB5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_99FAEAF25872E50050CE0693183DCB02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfRelatedPartyDebt_99FAEAF25872E50050CE0693183DCB02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities_7B81F747E3FFDC0766D20693183DF2CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities_7B81F747E3FFDC0766D20693183DF2CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_24426B8ECAC88D3D3D1D0693183DBB4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_24426B8ECAC88D3D3D1D0693183DBB4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_DEB6020B352C4FFAEE350693183DD8C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_DEB6020B352C4FFAEE350693183DD8C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_75B043FC69D006C04D710693183DF4C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_C9C4621F6936BBB17E2D0693183DB6B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_75B043FC69D006C04D710693183DF4C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FD11E8F40A016ADFED800693183DDD25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FD11E8F40A016ADFED800693183DDD25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B11C093CAE3B177634CB0693183D10E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedCashFlowStatementsCaptionsLineItems_800CFDF2D125F44C02B00693183D4C65" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_B11C093CAE3B177634CB0693183D10E8" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_9459ADC5EFAF0E71CA6D14EEDC2E20E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_9459ADC5EFAF0E71CA6D14EEDC2E20E2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0930FA9CF7F2724C52BB14EEDC2EF3A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfComprehensiveIncomeTable_9459ADC5EFAF0E71CA6D14EEDC2E20E2" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0930FA9CF7F2724C52BB14EEDC2EF3A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E8E5502A5CCEF77EB89F14EEDC2EF914_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0930FA9CF7F2724C52BB14EEDC2EF3A3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E8E5502A5CCEF77EB89F14EEDC2EF914_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E8E5502A5CCEF77EB89F14EEDC2EF914" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_0930FA9CF7F2724C52BB14EEDC2EF3A3" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E8E5502A5CCEF77EB89F14EEDC2EF914" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_AEA496A1EC88642C716114EEDC2E9682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E8E5502A5CCEF77EB89F14EEDC2EF914" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_AEA496A1EC88642C716114EEDC2E9682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_B434D7BB2AB94D629AF314EEDC2F37B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_B434D7BB2AB94D629AF314EEDC2F37B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_57D14C615838381AAF7514EEDC2F2F50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_57D14C615838381AAF7514EEDC2F2F50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_A49B5927A007F99C23BD14EEDC2F24FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_A49B5927A007F99C23BD14EEDC2F24FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_FD78ED13FA5E8AF01BAE14EEDC2FEBDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_FD78ED13FA5E8AF01BAE14EEDC2FEBDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_AA09EA4685ADF0B29DAE14EEDC2F5776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedStatementOfIncomeCaptionsLineItems_DF9D608BD9D24B22BB1E14EEDC2E9775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_AA09EA4685ADF0B29DAE14EEDC2F5776" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIFinancialInformationOfCenterpointEnergyIncParentCompanyStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_D9DE9CC9610887B6E66206930F0EBA8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_D9DE9CC9610887B6E66206930F0EBA8B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69C50CC0726B9E645B4D06930F0EC325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementTable_D9DE9CC9610887B6E66206930F0EBA8B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69C50CC0726B9E645B4D06930F0EC325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_224AAF69608C64406D4C06930F0E6B22_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69C50CC0726B9E645B4D06930F0EC325" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_224AAF69608C64406D4C06930F0E6B22_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_224AAF69608C64406D4C06930F0E6B22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_69C50CC0726B9E645B4D06930F0EC325" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_224AAF69608C64406D4C06930F0E6B22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_D6BF153D169AEE7D092306930F0E00BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_224AAF69608C64406D4C06930F0E6B22" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_D6BF153D169AEE7D092306930F0E00BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_139FEAAC996A20D2B92406930F0EFF33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_139FEAAC996A20D2B92406930F0EFF33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_8391F9EA70AD359A2BB006930F0E567E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_139FEAAC996A20D2B92406930F0EFF33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_8391F9EA70AD359A2BB006930F0E567E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OperationAndMaintenance" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OperationAndMaintenance_2F3D8976E13AB8FBE09306930F0EA9FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_8391F9EA70AD359A2BB006930F0E567E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OperationAndMaintenance_2F3D8976E13AB8FBE09306930F0EA9FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_6A2C4B6BA8634327FC1706930F0F66EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_8391F9EA70AD359A2BB006930F0E567E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpenses_6A2C4B6BA8634327FC1706930F0F66EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_139FEAAC996A20D2B92406930F0EFF33" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InterestIncomeFromSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InterestIncomeFromSubsidiaries_B4E56773D1CE7228559706930F0F41BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InterestIncomeFromSubsidiaries_B4E56773D1CE7228559706930F0F41BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_4852405D2818D91315F706930F0FA489" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_4852405D2818D91315F706930F0FA489" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_58451DC1B38C0A9390DC06930F0FEF1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_58451DC1B38C0A9390DC06930F0FEF1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InterestExpenseToSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InterestExpenseToSubsidiaries_0E1829188DA1EBB5106506930F0FBEB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InterestExpenseToSubsidiaries_0E1829188DA1EBB5106506930F0FBEB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_F4B8E45E412E38DF482706930F0F2A65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_F4B8E45E412E38DF482706930F0F2A65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_10BB9F90471E952EE0E906930F0FDFE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_E3DA2308BBA2A97A16A006930F0F2A24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_10BB9F90471E952EE0E906930F0FDFE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3AE4174810453DFF5D5C06930F0FF3F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_3AE4174810453DFF5D5C06930F0FF3F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B827858E7EC45E61554606930F0FA9B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_B827858E7EC45E61554606930F0FA9B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeLossBeforeEquityInSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeLossBeforeEquityInSubsidiaries_7D3282120C46A23CECD306930F0FDD2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeLossBeforeEquityInSubsidiaries_7D3282120C46A23CECD306930F0FDD2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_6635D73B2D0D6C5FFAE006930F0FD313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromSubsidiariesNetOfTax_6635D73B2D0D6C5FFAE006930F0FD313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_9BE24396BBF1DE3C130B06930F0FC415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CondensedIncomeStatementsCaptionsLineItems_20396BA8004ECAEC18CA06930F0E99F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_9BE24396BBF1DE3C130B06930F0FC415" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccounts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ScheduleIiValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_80B25235C93F77210C30F8326666A1ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_252B2355DB0ED3AD134DF832666654D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_80B25235C93F77210C30F8326666A1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_252B2355DB0ED3AD134DF832666654D6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_B5479AB6E7667B99E7D5F83266660D3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureTable_252B2355DB0ED3AD134DF832666654D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_B5479AB6E7667B99E7D5F83266660D3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_B5479AB6E7667B99E7D5F83266660D3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesTypeAxis_B5479AB6E7667B99E7D5F83266660D3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForTradeReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForTradeReceivablesMember_3E4316A9547B7D5F5251F8326666ED69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForTradeReceivablesMember_3E4316A9547B7D5F5251F8326666ED69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_9CD262B1ECE294FE23E6F832666612D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDomain_56B7EE8FBEF93D3B0F41F83266662350" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceOfDeferredTaxAssetsMember_9CD262B1ECE294FE23E6F832666612D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAndQualifyingAccountsDisclosureLineItems_80B25235C93F77210C30F8326666A1ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6F222EBA0C9FBF55755CF8326666055E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesBalance_6F222EBA0C9FBF55755CF8326666055E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_25CF75E849F439407F42F8326666939B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToCostAndExpense_25CF75E849F439407F42F8326666939B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ValuationAllowancesandReservesAdditiontoOtherAccounts" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ValuationAllowancesandReservesAdditiontoOtherAccounts_44C06E321981808A489FF832699F1039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ValuationAllowancesandReservesAdditiontoOtherAccounts_44C06E321981808A489FF832699F1039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts_6BE069A597C3D21592DFF832666645F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToOtherAccounts_6BE069A597C3D21592DFF832666645F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_AAEDB2399C02DDEFA4AFF832666632F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MovementInValuationAllowancesAndReservesRollForward_8CBD649BE2672EE9473FF8326666C21C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesDeductions_AAEDB2399C02DDEFA4AFF832666632F0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_8114B66885B5FB0FDAF715075C54152A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_8114B66885B5FB0FDAF715075C54152A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8CC602AAE2C73B03001515075C541BC0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_8114B66885B5FB0FDAF715075C54152A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8CC602AAE2C73B03001515075C541BC0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8CC602AAE2C73B03001515075C541BC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_8114B66885B5FB0FDAF715075C54152A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_8CC602AAE2C73B03001515075C541BC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F25EA08E6E6C651A735015075C541B83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F25EA08E6E6C651A735015075C541B83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F25EA08E6E6C651A735015075C541B83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis_F25EA08E6E6C651A735015075C541B83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_CE4819C3BC71E2839A0B15075C54B688" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_CE4819C3BC71E2839A0B15075C54B688" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_FFDF1E6D3A64BD1ED79D15075C5458CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditMember_FFDF1E6D3A64BD1ED79D15075C5458CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_CA5A0A8AC28C4D51BB1F15075C557666" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember_CA5A0A8AC28C4D51BB1F15075C557666" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_87890AEDC7DB1000E70C15075C5556F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_9AB6B91F1D095EC7085215075C546AFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_87890AEDC7DB1000E70C15075C5556F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6935120883CCD96DC6A915075C551C44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6935120883CCD96DC6A915075C551C44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_504F6CD746CEEF40BF5A15075C558429_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6935120883CCD96DC6A915075C551C44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_504F6CD746CEEF40BF5A15075C558429_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_504F6CD746CEEF40BF5A15075C558429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_6935120883CCD96DC6A915075C551C44" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_504F6CD746CEEF40BF5A15075C558429" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_99F5682C06FA9505FF5615075C554523" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_504F6CD746CEEF40BF5A15075C558429" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_99F5682C06FA9505FF5615075C554523" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CAD2359AA4C9638871A15075C550EDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CAD2359AA4C9638871A15075C550EDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_93D35F9D2D376DF8816115075C559031_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CAD2359AA4C9638871A15075C550EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_93D35F9D2D376DF8816115075C559031_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_93D35F9D2D376DF8816115075C559031" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_8CAD2359AA4C9638871A15075C550EDC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_93D35F9D2D376DF8816115075C559031" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4047B1CCA5F8E4776F2A15075C552F18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4047B1CCA5F8E4776F2A15075C552F18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4047B1CCA5F8E4776F2A15075C552F18" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4047B1CCA5F8E4776F2A15075C552F18" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_FF5032D32945A2C98F0415075C5537E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_FF5032D32945A2C98F0415075C5537E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_4CADF5D99D78A5A9951015075C558F1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_4CADF5D99D78A5A9951015075C558F1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_8329BFD7E6C5A94AD1FD15075C550E26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_04846880B657910EB78B15075C55BBCD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_8329BFD7E6C5A94AD1FD15075C550E26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_045E3881CB5B5499018F15075C551B6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_834BE4D521008B4F527C15075C5465B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_045E3881CB5B5499018F15075C551B6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_045E3881CB5B5499018F15075C551B6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_045E3881CB5B5499018F15075C551B6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_B8E02A3CD430C5DAA35D15075C56A6A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_B8E02A3CD430C5DAA35D15075C56A6A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_4EC1BE9B7571A45AFB8D15075C56672A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_4EC1BE9B7571A45AFB8D15075C56672A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_FE36B6EEE1E8894452A315075C562120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_FE36B6EEE1E8894452A315075C562120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_12B2704228009006F17F15075C561E88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_12B2704228009006F17F15075C561E88" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember_7B05FECA814867CD626B15075C56EE72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtExcludingZENSMember_7B05FECA814867CD626B15075C56EE72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsMember_E8FBB9AB0237B6E0BB2A15075C5691B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TransitionAndSystemRestorationBondsMember_E8FBB9AB0237B6E0BB2A15075C5691B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member_E00CDE5FBC8D4232E30215075C56C0BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member_E00CDE5FBC8D4232E30215075C56C0BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member_EA7F62E1DB315C01D0DA15075C56080E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_D16576CDBC7A1FA7416115075C555E19" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member_EA7F62E1DB315C01D0DA15075C56080E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_BB342182D6A3250FFBCA15075C563B13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_BB342182D6A3250FFBCA15075C563B13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_011CE91ECB6AC6293DC115075C5610A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_011CE91ECB6AC6293DC115075C5610A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing_821DE3D11E3E6B8628D015075C562A72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RetirementOfBondsHeldForRemarketing_821DE3D11E3E6B8628D015075C562A72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_56DF4E2FFBCCE0C7BA7815075C565F17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_56DF4E2FFBCCE0C7BA7815075C565F17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_1C871610EB3A9A5C5B6E15075C5614D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_56DF4E2FFBCCE0C7BA7815075C565F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_1C871610EB3A9A5C5B6E15075C5614D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_023D9CCC721E4947B07315075C569C0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_56DF4E2FFBCCE0C7BA7815075C565F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_023D9CCC721E4947B07315075C569C0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_663EDBB48C09B866B26015075C575FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAbstract_56DF4E2FFBCCE0C7BA7815075C565F17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate_663EDBB48C09B866B26015075C575FB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_026793C24EB7E7C65F0A15075C57DBC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_026793C24EB7E7C65F0A15075C57DBC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths_609ED6AA5019F25CA77615075C57AC9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PercentageOnLimitationOfDebtToTotalCapitalizationUnderCovenantInHundredths_609ED6AA5019F25CA77615075C57AC9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_E8233A991A5F2853599E15075C57D9E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapital1_E8233A991A5F2853599E15075C57D9E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths_CEB84B0E36919D3FAF9C15075C57514A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_Percentageonlimitationofdebttototalcapitalizationundercovenantamendedinhundredths_CEB84B0E36919D3FAF9C15075C57514A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost_205438608726CFE312C915075C5747A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RestorationCostExpectedCost_205438608726CFE312C915075C5747A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths_E9169FE9E74486CD290815075C577041" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_A410D020F4B3282DB56115075C5624BF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ConsecutivePeriodForSystemRestorationCostsToExceed100MillionInMonths_E9169FE9E74486CD290815075C577041" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_95FAC2CEDE6436BD0E9015075C57C556" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths_95FAC2CEDE6436BD0E9015075C57C556" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_180F50A3CB3FD750956C15075C573764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_180F50A3CB3FD750956C15075C573764" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_BB693F787106295314CE15075C572668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_BB693F787106295314CE15075C572668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1B66C85DABE45ECA9B9C15075C579BAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_1B66C85DABE45ECA9B9C15075C579BAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_43D0B039C1E069CA1DF215075C57BBE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract_833D8C86B400E65C1B9915075C57C866" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_43D0B039C1E069CA1DF215075C57BBE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_58CD5CEFF83CA6CD57B415075C579784" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_58CD5CEFF83CA6CD57B415075C579784" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ReplacementFundRequirements" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ReplacementFundRequirements_BB016335C7217A79563715075C576BCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ReplacementFundRequirements_BB016335C7217A79563715075C576BCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SinkingFundRequirements" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SinkingFundRequirements_0E7C619DF09D7B21D94715075C574BC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_390E3F299376B0B6C15715075C560BB4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SinkingFundRequirements_0E7C619DF09D7B21D94715075C574BC9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtScheduleOfDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_79D4F72F5B56D0A3C5541135B7A25A5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_79D4F72F5B56D0A3C5541135B7A25A5C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_6836A45D88D5413404EC1135B7A2F705" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_79D4F72F5B56D0A3C5541135B7A25A5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_6836A45D88D5413404EC1135B7A2F705" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_17103F7C7066D087190F1135B7A24BAC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_6836A45D88D5413404EC1135B7A2F705" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_17103F7C7066D087190F1135B7A24BAC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_17103F7C7066D087190F1135B7A24BAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeAxis_6836A45D88D5413404EC1135B7A2F705" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_17103F7C7066D087190F1135B7A24BAC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductFinancingArrangementMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductFinancingArrangementMember_B48262C7B758AF0770671135B7A25128" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermDebtTypeDomain_17103F7C7066D087190F1135B7A24BAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductFinancingArrangementMember_B48262C7B758AF0770671135B7A25128" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6FFC12E37CAB7A81B6171135B7A26A3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_79D4F72F5B56D0A3C5541135B7A25A5C" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6FFC12E37CAB7A81B6171135B7A26A3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6FFC12E37CAB7A81B6171135B7A26A3B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6FFC12E37CAB7A81B6171135B7A26A3B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_72D1A33C76C4273CBFDA1135B7A2C362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember_72D1A33C76C4273CBFDA1135B7A2C362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_81FD68E0128289A9371F1135B7B232BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointHoustonMember_81FD68E0128289A9371F1135B7B232BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_3A3C88CB19D74CCDCF941135B7B29B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7E76B69F564EECDC89361135B7A2989F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_3A3C88CB19D74CCDCF941135B7B29B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9E27C4338D8AABC2A3141135B7B2FC12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTable_79D4F72F5B56D0A3C5541135B7A25A5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9E27C4338D8AABC2A3141135B7B2FC12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9E27C4338D8AABC2A3141135B7B2FC12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_9E27C4338D8AABC2A3141135B7B2FC12" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember_ABC7FDDD5BB7D9CB3DC81135B7B289F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SubordinatedDebtZENSMember_ABC7FDDD5BB7D9CB3DC81135B7B289F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_52CAFC7A35AF6D4DF3A91135B7B267C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange1Member_52CAFC7A35AF6D4DF3A91135B7B267C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_CCD4E96062482C910E031135B7B25919" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsPollutionControlDueRange1Member_CCD4E96062482C910E031135B7B25919" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_832844D9092B111EC99C1135B7B28AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember_832844D9092B111EC99C1135B7B28AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankLoanObligationsMember_C68FCAC2CBA8C655AC0B1135B7B2C528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankLoanObligationsMember_C68FCAC2CBA8C655AC0B1135B7B2C528" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member_1EA8EBB9E335FE0C56841135B7B2415B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsFirstMortgageDue2021Member_1EA8EBB9E335FE0C56841135B7B2415B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member_59B6BDA83107B8E778101135B7B2EDA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsGeneralMortgageDueRange1Member_59B6BDA83107B8E778101135B7B2EDA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member_D15C7AD26024FEBE16341135B7B282FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsSystemRestorationDueRange1Member_D15C7AD26024FEBE16341135B7B282FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange1MemberMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange1MemberMember_B6F5728A225A8C22C8E21135B7B2858A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BondsTransitionDueRange1MemberMember_B6F5728A225A8C22C8E21135B7B2858A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member_09CC68C1571B719C44891135B7B2EC14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_94D791384FCB1545865E1135B7B27F8E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SeniorNotesDueRange2Member_09CC68C1571B719C44891135B7B2EC14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_AD4CA86661A982C4F2401135B7B269CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_AD4CA86661A982C4F2401135B7B269CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_5010085232A11FA816A21135B7B2459B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_5010085232A11FA816A21135B7B2459B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7D1FB629B63E2B7150A71135B7B2C8F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_7D1FB629B63E2B7150A71135B7B2C8F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ShortTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ShortTermDebtAbstract_C24757B8300B0F6886151135B7B2CAA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ShortTermDebtAbstract_C24757B8300B0F6886151135B7B2CAA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_88D1463F0B8C3CF5F16C1135B7B2826B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ShortTermDebtAbstract_C24757B8300B0F6886151135B7B2CAA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermBorrowings_88D1463F0B8C3CF5F16C1135B7B2826B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_LongtermDebtGrossNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtGrossNoncurrent_05CBADDEB644D310A68C1135B7B29F03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtGrossNoncurrent_05CBADDEB644D310A68C1135B7B29F03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_LongtermDebtGrossCurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtGrossCurrent_E249E3274171914DD84C1135B7B2D956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_LongtermDebtGrossCurrent_E249E3274171914DD84C1135B7B2D956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_01F8DEE1F5AB185F4D3D1135B7B21915" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsNoncurrent_01F8DEE1F5AB185F4D3D1135B7B21915" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_BF17C60717ECF9A75C051135B7B2F0EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_BF17C60717ECF9A75C051135B7B2F0EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_30E8682255CFD51034141135B7B2A722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet_30E8682255CFD51034141135B7B2A722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_1551609A00879BF1184A1135B7B24CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_1551609A00879BF1184A1135B7B24CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_450D51A1EDD947BF7AA41135B7B274CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_450D51A1EDD947BF7AA41135B7B274CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_AC19ED3422AF6A1B1BD51135B7B22652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtByCurrentAndNoncurrentAbstract_825C293C6079E573A86B1135B7B20DDA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtCurrent_AC19ED3422AF6A1B1BD51135B7B22652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_719930D07C769C4827571135B7B21D72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_6C864D385945C27E76E91135B7B2187D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_719930D07C769C4827571135B7B21D72" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/ShortTermBorrowingsAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98DAE18BD20D06CD60C414DE3D4F53C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_841C299B4127DC27F47814DE3D4F79F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98DAE18BD20D06CD60C414DE3D4F53C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_841C299B4127DC27F47814DE3D4F79F6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_3559672CF29D4D336C6514DE3D4FDC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_841C299B4127DC27F47814DE3D4F79F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_3559672CF29D4D336C6514DE3D4FDC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain_C4ADE6539CC05411009C14DE3D4F27F9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_3559672CF29D4D336C6514DE3D4FDC7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain_C4ADE6539CC05411009C14DE3D4F27F9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain_C4ADE6539CC05411009C14DE3D4F27F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionsByUniqueDescriptionAxis_3559672CF29D4D336C6514DE3D4FDC7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherSignificantNoncashTransactionNameDomain_C4ADE6539CC05411009C14DE3D4F27F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_98DAE18BD20D06CD60C414DE3D4F53C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0BAD3179C17763E9FB2A14DE3D4FD486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_0BAD3179C17763E9FB2A14DE3D4FD486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_846F7B05AA055C283A1014DE3D4F3C9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_846F7B05AA055C283A1014DE3D4F3C9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_D57A07A6807C5E83714314DE3D4F723E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_D57A07A6807C5E83714314DE3D4F723E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_A39D5EE133248377D65114DE3D4FC0C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts_A39D5EE133248377D65114DE3D4FC0C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_880936A2041F5168F4F114DE3D4F45A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_880936A2041F5168F4F114DE3D4F45A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_43AE3A35C24C816F912814DE3D4F4A77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesUnrealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_43AE3A35C24C816F912814DE3D4F4A77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss_822EDFB09D94BF7BB99F14DE3D4FDB64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndexedDebtSecuritiesGainLoss_822EDFB09D94BF7BB99F14DE3D4FDB64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_C40087D0B0342A50DC8214DE3D4F1F7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_C40087D0B0342A50DC8214DE3D4F1F7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_C24F2164307C22CF2F9F14DE3D4FAC61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributions_C24F2164307C22CF2F9F14DE3D4FAC61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionContributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_E32E393D309EDFF0BCCE14DE3D4FC33A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionContributions_E32E393D309EDFF0BCCE14DE3D4FC33A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_1EBB5A006CEA271106D214DE3D4F6C59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsAndOtherReceivables_1EBB5A006CEA271106D214DE3D4F6C59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_7756889E2C3D8D67098814DE3D4F859D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories_7756889E2C3D8D67098814DE3D4F859D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable_4BF9B53D64C74CFF0C1F14DE3D4FEDB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInIncomeTaxesReceivable_4BF9B53D64C74CFF0C1F14DE3D4FEDB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_08E37181D38035BF3EFC14DE3D4FDA00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable_08E37181D38035BF3EFC14DE3D4FDA00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOverUnderEnergyRecovery" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOverUnderEnergyRecovery_8BD16013ACB13BC3D62514DE3D4FAB05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOverUnderEnergyRecovery_8BD16013ACB13BC3D62514DE3D4FAB05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_F43BF96438C7641A7BEF14DE3D4FFD2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities_F43BF96438C7641A7BEF14DE3D4FFD2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarginDepositsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarginDepositsOutstanding_4D1142BA1A29FBCCACB214DE3D4FED83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInMarginDepositsOutstanding_4D1142BA1A29FBCCACB214DE3D4FED83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncreaseDecreaseInterestAndTaxesAccrued" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncreaseDecreaseInterestAndTaxesAccrued_3631317500EC9181C21B14DE3D4FD005" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncreaseDecreaseInterestAndTaxesAccrued_3631317500EC9181C21B14DE3D4FD005" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_D413A1396C9056758F9414DE3D4F0FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRegulatoryAssetsAndLiabilities_D413A1396C9056758F9414DE3D4F0FE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_F34AFFEDEBB63B60B34514DE3D4F2DA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssets_F34AFFEDEBB63B60B34514DE3D4F2DA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_E9BFB58BE381FFB74A7314DE3D4F9F0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentLiabilities_E9BFB58BE381FFB74A7314DE3D4F9F0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_FFCF6C805C58314D8F1114DE3D4F8D37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentAssets_FFCF6C805C58314D8F1114DE3D4F8D37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities_9764186461193A8108BD14DE3D4FF5E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstract_1AAE58477E05D368EC3C14DE3D4FE6E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities_9764186461193A8108BD14DE3D4FF5E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_B3A5C6438AABAF47DEEB14DE3D4F2313" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_C6E663C8E76494A4A35F14DE3D4F2062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingActivitiesCashFlowStatement_B3A5C6438AABAF47DEEB14DE3D4F2313" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_88473F5957AEB74DBE1C14DE3D4F4CF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations_88473F5957AEB74DBE1C14DE3D4F4CF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3C88B0E52077AE8D196014DE3D4FD56E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_3C88B0E52077AE8D196014DE3D4FD56E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_5136F0E80C34EBDF513514DE3D4FC7CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireProductiveAssets_5136F0E80C34EBDF513514DE3D4FC7CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_4BF86019FC5ACC249BE014DE3D4F348B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromEquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributionsReturnOfCapital_4BF86019FC5ACC249BE014DE3D4F348B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_97DD6B91ABDC7B9D85B014DE3D4F2736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInRestrictedCash_97DD6B91ABDC7B9D85B014DE3D4F2736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_2F74E74592EA0B8FC77C14DE3D4F5997" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquityMethodInvestments_2F74E74592EA0B8FC77C14DE3D4F5997" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CashContributed" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CashContributed_4F75FA7287EB2F747F4914DE3D4F55AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CashContributed_4F75FA7287EB2F747F4914DE3D4F55AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_9118FCD83C1D34EE941014DE3D4F4F35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfMarketableSecurities_9118FCD83C1D34EE941014DE3D4F4F35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_B9F4DD11727DB6E8445C14DE3D4FCAEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_B9F4DD11727DB6E8445C14DE3D4FCAEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_501768ADA7729D767F9B14DE3D4F4074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations_501768ADA7729D767F9B14DE3D4F4074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_BC5A10C8BF358D12BF8A14DE3D4F50D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperationsAbstract_BC5A10C8BF358D12BF8A14DE3D4F50D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_831700F96CBBB16D09EF14DE3D4F734F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebt_831700F96CBBB16D09EF14DE3D4F734F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_53C5AF78E1B8A523FCA414DE3D4F1E98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfCommercialPaper_53C5AF78E1B8A523FCA414DE3D4F1E98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_B50F57A83A4C8C5AF04514DE3D4F8D96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebt_B50F57A83A4C8C5AF04514DE3D4F8D96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_7114449A3CD19649DA9A14DE3D4FA558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_7114449A3CD19649DA9A14DE3D4FA558" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_49E5272B6C0D14E53A8B14DE3D4F3435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromLongTermLinesOfCredit_49E5272B6C0D14E53A8B14DE3D4F3435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_7316D9AE10044760DFB414DE3D4F034C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtExtinguishmentCosts_7316D9AE10044760DFB414DE3D4F034C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_CC3D445757B277459C5C14DE3D4FFC4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCosts_CC3D445757B277459C5C14DE3D4FFC4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities_299DB3C8704E5FDA965614DE3D4F7A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_RedemptionofIndexedDebtSecurities_299DB3C8704E5FDA965614DE3D4F7A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_99F9DE8478B7050D808C14DE3D4F8B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock_99F9DE8478B7050D808C14DE3D4F8B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_918B9E749F4EFAB465C214DE3D4F0F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock_918B9E749F4EFAB465C214DE3D4F0F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_7986E9DDDBB6F3B3898C14DE3D4FFA07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DistributionToZENSHolders_7986E9DDDBB6F3B3898C14DE3D4FFA07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_50401F01129F8DF7B5F614DE3D4F3B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities_50401F01129F8DF7B5F614DE3D4F3B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_B3DF8C3A0BD9683E7E4414DE3D4F9C30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations_B3DF8C3A0BD9683E7E4414DE3D4F9C30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_B1A5EB90106443F5C9F714DE3D4FAAA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_B1A5EB90106443F5C9F714DE3D4FAAA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0CB94A7BEBEA25A2A0FE14DE3D4F8452" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_0CB94A7BEBEA25A2A0FE14DE3D4F8452" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_9BC00C066F751B00930314DE3D4F8B13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfCashFlowsAbstract_2F701F4A0D36F24E460414DE3D4F63D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_9BC00C066F751B00930314DE3D4F8B13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CashPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CashPaymentsAbstract_0082C069355FD49CD02814DE3D4FD502" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_9BC00C066F751B00930314DE3D4F8B13" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CashPaymentsAbstract_0082C069355FD49CD02814DE3D4FD502" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_CF368D647FB5C75ADB5514DE3D4F8148" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_CashPaymentsAbstract_0082C069355FD49CD02814DE3D4FD502" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPaidNet_CF368D647FB5C75ADB5514DE3D4F8148" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_DC6BFA8C3230DED6952014DE3D4FD765" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_CashPaymentsAbstract_0082C069355FD49CD02814DE3D4FD502" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidNet_DC6BFA8C3230DED6952014DE3D4FD765" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2D53824BBBBF643F51C314DE3D4F19D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_9BC00C066F751B00930314DE3D4F8B13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2D53824BBBBF643F51C314DE3D4F19D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_02FFBB1EB9651132591814DE3D4FF678" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2D53824BBBBF643F51C314DE3D4F19D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalExpendituresIncurredButNotYetPaid_02FFBB1EB9651132591814DE3D4FF678" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty_82B7FA8E0AB84926DE4214DE3D4FB4BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2D53824BBBBF643F51C314DE3D4F19D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ContributionOfProperty_82B7FA8E0AB84926DE4214DE3D4FB4BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments_8FBF2D3BFA45DADA3CCD14DE3D4F46C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CashFlowNoncashInvestingAndFinancingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract_2D53824BBBBF643F51C314DE3D4F19D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransferOfInvestments_8FBF2D3BFA45DADA3CCD14DE3D4F46C1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB514432C3302CF9B9B7C34105A1A7C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68DC3A66F929AB33004BC34105A1C4A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB514432C3302CF9B9B7C34105A1A7C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68DC3A66F929AB33004BC34105A1C4A8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_94FAAA622E29C323DBFBC34105A127D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_68DC3A66F929AB33004BC34105A1C4A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_94FAAA622E29C323DBFBC34105A127D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_377CFE0FC8395F11861FC34105A1F4C6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_94FAAA622E29C323DBFBC34105A127D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_377CFE0FC8395F11861FC34105A1F4C6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_377CFE0FC8395F11861FC34105A1F4C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_94FAAA622E29C323DBFBC34105A127D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_377CFE0FC8395F11861FC34105A1F4C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5CC228D051D18ADF075AC34105A1AA39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_BB514432C3302CF9B9B7C34105A1A7C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5CC228D051D18ADF075AC34105A1AA39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_18DD935FCE7B32845482C34105A1E582" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5CC228D051D18ADF075AC34105A1AA39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_18DD935FCE7B32845482C34105A1E582" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_D193CED1A89F342EED63C34105A10A6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5CC228D051D18ADF075AC34105A1AA39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_D193CED1A89F342EED63C34105A10A6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_2D5F684E6017D9B117F9C34105A162D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_D193CED1A89F342EED63C34105A10A6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_2D5F684E6017D9B117F9C34105A162D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_994A4E88B7FCCB9304BDC34105A28E7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_D193CED1A89F342EED63C34105A10A6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIOnDerivativesNetOfTax_994A4E88B7FCCB9304BDC34105A28E7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_0086514E6697AAE501E1C34105A21282" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParentAbstract_D193CED1A89F342EED63C34105A10A6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_0086514E6697AAE501E1C34105A21282" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_F5BF2E63CD05ED7B8FEDC34105A28D0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementOfIncomeAndComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_5CC228D051D18ADF075AC34105A1AA39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_F5BF2E63CD05ED7B8FEDC34105A28D0F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticalStatementsOfConsolidatedComprehensiveIncomeParentheticals" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F12B633CE48176F7D36C7FC9CEAC6850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C121B40A6555896BA60A7FC9CEAC3FBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F12B633CE48176F7D36C7FC9CEAC6850" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C121B40A6555896BA60A7FC9CEAC3FBA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_56A6602D745626E0B8B07FC9CEAC7FD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_C121B40A6555896BA60A7FC9CEAC3FBA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_56A6602D745626E0B8B07FC9CEAC7FD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BEF4C3EA8C09722D63B67FC9CEACB781_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_56A6602D745626E0B8B07FC9CEAC7FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BEF4C3EA8C09722D63B67FC9CEACB781_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BEF4C3EA8C09722D63B67FC9CEACB781" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_56A6602D745626E0B8B07FC9CEAC7FD7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BEF4C3EA8C09722D63B67FC9CEACB781" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_F12B633CE48176F7D36C7FC9CEAC6850" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1C32F540962E8CE3396E7FC9CEAC9BD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_1C32F540962E8CE3396E7FC9CEAC9BD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_905A670CD9E81B8E82667FC9CEAC2F7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfNaturalGasPurchases_905A670CD9E81B8E82667FC9CEAC2F7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsAndOtherCostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsAndOtherCostsAndExpenses_A7A8D060B122A40C89AD7FC9CEACC6C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UtilitiesOperatingExpenseMaintenanceOperationsAndOtherCostsAndExpenses_A7A8D060B122A40C89AD7FC9CEACC6C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_0AA09A00433AB24E9A8F7FC9CEAC9FEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization_0AA09A00433AB24E9A8F7FC9CEAC9FEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_751A780C0124A0E5D4B57FC9CEACC483" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxesExcludingIncomeAndExciseTaxes_751A780C0124A0E5D4B57FC9CEACC483" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_FEF3393C4D1332DE14CF7FC9CEACBB13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_349E65C3859939FA7C007FC9CEAC8E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses_FEF3393C4D1332DE14CF7FC9CEACBB13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2FF79ADEF44F848E395A7FC9CEAC2FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_2FF79ADEF44F848E395A7FC9CEAC2FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_8FD5FFCAF3156444CE6F7FC9CEACCB78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesGainLoss_8FD5FFCAF3156444CE6F7FC9CEACCB78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_ECBE1358861806E1CB577FC9CEACC778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GainLossOnIndexedDebtSecurities_ECBE1358861806E1CB577FC9CEACC778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_E7D4EEAD21E94E131E8E7FC9CEACE1D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDebtExpense_E7D4EEAD21E94E131E8E7FC9CEACE1D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InterestOnTransitionAndSystemRestorationBonds" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InterestOnTransitionAndSystemRestorationBonds_5E8452495195ADADF36E7FC9CEACE592" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InterestOnTransitionAndSystemRestorationBonds_5E8452495195ADADF36E7FC9CEACE592" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F4C46484D7EBF62B41C77FC9CEACD816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_F4C46484D7EBF62B41C77FC9CEACD816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2B887820DEFD23350AAC7FC9CEAC53E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNonoperatingIncomeExpense_2B887820DEFD23350AAC7FC9CEAC53E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_3D45AB116A43BD75261D7FC9CEACCC26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpenseAbstract_1096D643FBB4A2A79D947FC9CEACA394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NonoperatingIncomeExpense_3D45AB116A43BD75261D7FC9CEACCC26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_8C6FE2B0A13DAB1514837FC9CEAC4E3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest_8C6FE2B0A13DAB1514837FC9CEAC4E3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2A89B2470C7A21B5CD577FC9CEAC0ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_2A89B2470C7A21B5CD577FC9CEAC0ACC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7F349EF75BEAFE076B927FC9CEACD8B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7F349EF75BEAFE076B927FC9CEACD8B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_25968F2CF3FCC7DC88F97FC9CEAC7DDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_25968F2CF3FCC7DC88F97FC9CEAC7DDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_5B95090EFD588880C6AE7FC9CEACEC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_25968F2CF3FCC7DC88F97FC9CEAC7DDE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_5B95090EFD588880C6AE7FC9CEACEC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_F38033023F94ECE7128D7FC9CEAC9118" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_F38033023F94ECE7128D7FC9CEAC9118" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4D184983796D7E1536B87FC9CEACDF1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_F38033023F94ECE7128D7FC9CEAC9118" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_4D184983796D7E1536B87FC9CEACDF1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B968BD3DE6586DF136977FC9CEAC27B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_B968BD3DE6586DF136977FC9CEAC27B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6FA4C667865DE4B391E87FC9CEAC19B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementAbstract_68AEC625B6E4B9E714E37FC9CEAC491A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_6FA4C667865DE4B391E87FC9CEAC19B2" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_896C200D6D33F5B8A05C7FC9CE7E8F97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA53125C227BAE96F18F7FC9CE6EB468" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_896C200D6D33F5B8A05C7FC9CE7E8F97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA53125C227BAE96F18F7FC9CE6EB468" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7AEFDAFA0AE16D9E51B7FC9CE6ED486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_AA53125C227BAE96F18F7FC9CE6EB468" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7AEFDAFA0AE16D9E51B7FC9CE6ED486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7AEFDAFA0AE16D9E51B7FC9CE6ED486" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_D7AEFDAFA0AE16D9E51B7FC9CE6ED486" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PreferenceStockMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PreferenceStockMember_2AC0D2BA783E132B5DBF7FC9CE7E2813" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PreferenceStockMember_2AC0D2BA783E132B5DBF7FC9CE7E2813" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_2FA781197A1D3D9B30A47FC9CE7E65C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_2FA781197A1D3D9B30A47FC9CE7E65C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_381517B40F57D2C112447FC9CE7E1E05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_381517B40F57D2C112447FC9CE7E1E05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6F581E2485D8B09F4F7E7FC9CE7E59FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_6F581E2485D8B09F4F7E7FC9CE7E59FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_1D869F0EB9C975AD6EC27FC9CE7E92D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_1D869F0EB9C975AD6EC27FC9CE7E92D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_0736112E3618666F14737FC9CE7E3C3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_0736112E3618666F14737FC9CE7E3C3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_0216CF0BDD4D07FE62577FC9CE7EE459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMember_0216CF0BDD4D07FE62577FC9CE7EE459" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_EFDCC19A3F74AC3E77AC7FC9CE7E502D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_8ABBF256A2997EDE3BCF7FC9CE6E6AC0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_EFDCC19A3F74AC3E77AC7FC9CE7E502D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_461C791DC33553CD323D7FC9CE7E87C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_896C200D6D33F5B8A05C7FC9CE7E8F97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharesOutstanding_461C791DC33553CD323D7FC9CE7E87C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_896C200D6D33F5B8A05C7FC9CE7E8F97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0A1BF4EBC13EBC5B798A7FC9CE7ECC90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_0A1BF4EBC13EBC5B798A7FC9CE7ECC90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_0FEE2C8B8C9D49C3D55D7FC9CE7E4BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation_0FEE2C8B8C9D49C3D55D7FC9CE7E4BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_1B0D596C0C532510F2E27FC9CE7E5295" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation_1B0D596C0C532510F2E27FC9CE7E5295" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F1B1C444F04AAE3F41B57FC9CE7E39C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_F1B1C444F04AAE3F41B57FC9CE7E39C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_44A78F3FEF5C149035577FC9CE7EC5F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_FE7F4F888CCA9F4683CC7FC9CE7E241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock_44A78F3FEF5C149035577FC9CE7EC5F3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StatementsOfConsolidatedShareholdersEquityParenthetical" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlans" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansChangeInControlAgreementsAndOtherEmployeeMattersDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_ABB3C79DCC520BB928F4103DDDA2EB57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_8834E7BB377038892AB4103DDDA15FD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_ABB3C79DCC520BB928F4103DDDA2EB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_8834E7BB377038892AB4103DDDA15FD0" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_DCDF50B4ECEF517C580E103DDDA1A6C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_8834E7BB377038892AB4103DDDA15FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_DCDF50B4ECEF517C580E103DDDA1A6C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_DCDF50B4ECEF517C580E103DDDA1A6C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_DCDF50B4ECEF517C580E103DDDA1A6C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfEmployeesTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfEmployeesTotalMember_1474A3C075E4FC0AE40B103DDDA18175" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfEmployeesTotalMember_1474A3C075E4FC0AE40B103DDDA18175" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WorkforceSubjectToCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringWithinOneYearMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WorkforceSubjectToCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringWithinOneYearMember_831768F801D2833946FC103DDDA10E6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_8B8E768C2D0AB6E8E5A4103DDDA1CD1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WorkforceSubjectToCollectiveBargainingArrangementsExpiringWithinOneYearMember_831768F801D2833946FC103DDDA10E6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementAxis_3DEE28FEAD879B150009103DDDA1A7C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_8834E7BB377038892AB4103DDDA15FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementAxis_3DEE28FEAD879B150009103DDDA1A7C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain_2F7F796EFE43AD6F59A9103DDDA19358_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementAxis_3DEE28FEAD879B150009103DDDA1A7C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain_2F7F796EFE43AD6F59A9103DDDA19358_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain_2F7F796EFE43AD6F59A9103DDDA19358" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementAxis_3DEE28FEAD879B150009103DDDA1A7C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain_2F7F796EFE43AD6F59A9103DDDA19358" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EmployeesSubjectToCollectiveBargainingAgreementsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EmployeesSubjectToCollectiveBargainingAgreementsMember_7890BDE0AE95753CE9DA103DDDA1FC7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CollectiveBargainingArrangementDomain_2F7F796EFE43AD6F59A9103DDDA19358" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EmployeesSubjectToCollectiveBargainingAgreementsMember_7890BDE0AE95753CE9DA103DDDA1FC7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_181AA47F9971B9F186C2103DDDA2AD6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTable_8834E7BB377038892AB4103DDDA15FD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_181AA47F9971B9F186C2103DDDA2AD6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_CB3C3BB6238E5951615F103DDDA299BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_181AA47F9971B9F186C2103DDDA2AD6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_CB3C3BB6238E5951615F103DDDA299BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_CB3C3BB6238E5951615F103DDDA299BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_181AA47F9971B9F186C2103DDDA2AD6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_CB3C3BB6238E5951615F103DDDA299BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborForceConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LaborForceConcentrationRiskMember_AF83C1054CD2209A501A103DDDA2434E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_CB3C3BB6238E5951615F103DDDA299BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LaborForceConcentrationRiskMember_AF83C1054CD2209A501A103DDDA2434E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits_8AB97833315C79E90B13103DDDA2D449" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_ABB3C79DCC520BB928F4103DDDA2EB57" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MaximumNumberOfTimesAnnualSalaryIncludedInSeveranceBenefits_8AB97833315C79E90B13103DDDA2D449" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_F4DC318A56898A7555FB103DDDA2BAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskLineItems_ABB3C79DCC520BB928F4103DDDA2EB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_F4DC318A56898A7555FB103DDDA2BAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPensionAndPostretirementBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_47C617393CD487CD9EFC1B78A876A422" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_47C617393CD487CD9EFC1B78A876A422" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D09C1B8881AFE4D04EDC1B78A876675B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_47C617393CD487CD9EFC1B78A876A422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D09C1B8881AFE4D04EDC1B78A876675B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D09C1B8881AFE4D04EDC1B78A876675B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_47C617393CD487CD9EFC1B78A876A422" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D09C1B8881AFE4D04EDC1B78A876675B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_118EB94925CDFEF029101B78A87674B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_D09C1B8881AFE4D04EDC1B78A876675B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_118EB94925CDFEF029101B78A87674B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1248737D009C125149901B78A87CA53B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1248737D009C125149901B78A87CA53B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1248737D009C125149901B78A87CA53B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1248737D009C125149901B78A87CA53B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_87ED21AECBDC947D714B1B78A87CEEA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_87ED21AECBDC947D714B1B78A87CEEA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DA16F7570C5A1A5F947F1B78A87CC8AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_13E1D023C725FED05E121B78A87CECC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_DA16F7570C5A1A5F947F1B78A87CC8AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_A5476BD031C508B4225A1B78A87C41FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_A5476BD031C508B4225A1B78A87C41FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_57C637A9DD99EB22E45E1B78A87C104B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_A5476BD031C508B4225A1B78A87C41FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_57C637A9DD99EB22E45E1B78A87C104B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_57C637A9DD99EB22E45E1B78A87C104B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_A5476BD031C508B4225A1B78A87C41FA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_57C637A9DD99EB22E45E1B78A87C104B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_62E236ECFA07E811C0871B78A87C7625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_62E236ECFA07E811C0871B78A87C7625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_62E236ECFA07E811C0871B78A87C7625" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesByIndustryAxis_62E236ECFA07E811C0871B78A87C7625" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_HealthCareMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_HealthCareMember_92CCA703D1FCECE952C61B78A87CFA4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_HealthCareMember_92CCA703D1FCECE952C61B78A87CFA4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PrescriptionDrugMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PrescriptionDrugMember_F7FE3F8B103B051EFD281B78A87C046A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesIndustryMember_54137A92CE03DC60C9C61B78A87C22F0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PrescriptionDrugMember_F7FE3F8B103B051EFD281B78A87C046A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_23FD9EE30C92D0EB25A61B78A87CA792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable_4CC5296B4BDAFF2DAE6F1B78A8769818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_23FD9EE30C92D0EB25A61B78A87CA792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_23FD9EE30C92D0EB25A61B78A87CA792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_23FD9EE30C92D0EB25A61B78A87CA792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_43C2CC8BA523ADE54C791B78A87D00B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_43C2CC8BA523ADE54C791B78A87D00B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_6F3131CDA715A2330CF11B78A87D40E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_6F3131CDA715A2330CF11B78A87D40E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3D10DA1BE10C72F834411B78A87DEE08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_EA49EAEB732729194D401B78A87C5795" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_3D10DA1BE10C72F834411B78A87DEE08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanRetirementBenefitEligibleEarningsIncreasedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanRetirementBenefitEligibleEarningsIncreasedPercentage_379511F3BF9DA34959591B78A87D14DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanRetirementBenefitEligibleEarningsIncreasedPercentage_379511F3BF9DA34959591B78A87D14DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageVested" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageVested_1CB39750AD903534A2DE1B78A87D83CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPercentageVested_1CB39750AD903534A2DE1B78A87D83CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPensionPlanVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPensionPlanVestingPeriod_F8BD6099C29577C9ABB31B78A87DEBD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPensionPlanVestingPeriod_F8BD6099C29577C9ABB31B78A87DEBD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanTransitionObligationAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanTransitionObligationAmortizationPeriod_5E131D39B3D06C281DA71B78A87DF323" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPensionPlansAndDefinedBenefitPostretirementPlansDisclosureAbstract_63A73E1D5E8C250D96851B78A87DB51E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanTransitionObligationAmortizationPeriod_5E131D39B3D06C281DA71B78A87DF323" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_B2DB27309F414ACBA2411B78A87D780F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost_B2DB27309F414ACBA2411B78A87D780F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_DDD69E7A7E1BEB92E8B11B78A87D1A3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost_DDD69E7A7E1BEB92E8B11B78A87D1A3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_F336FB565A0CDC0697231B78A87D47FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets_F336FB565A0CDC0697231B78A87D47FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_38322597FE5DBA2385B21B78A87D1938" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_38322597FE5DBA2385B21B78A87D1938" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_5F605EC000E5316430D01B78A87D5BBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses_5F605EC000E5316430D01B78A87D5BBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssets_7587223489665075CA331B78A87D0B05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssets_7587223489665075CA331B78A87D0B05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_93F731DE1036C75224FC1B78A8832CCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments_93F731DE1036C75224FC1B78A8832CCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_DC2CD10F73834DC7C6891B78A8834C82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToSettlements1_DC2CD10F73834DC7C6891B78A8834C82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_2B0FFF7E51CF937676921B78A883AF47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_AE30777857A624803DBF1B78A87DAB38" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost_2B0FFF7E51CF937676921B78A883AF47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_1DDFA67508BBF3CE27831B78A88318E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_1DDFA67508BBF3CE27831B78A88318E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_9B1BB79584C794740D101B78A8832AEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_1DDFA67508BBF3CE27831B78A88318E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate_9B1BB79584C794740D101B78A8832AEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_124A42BB5C69A259A44F1B78A883200D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_1DDFA67508BBF3CE27831B78A88318E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets_124A42BB5C69A259A44F1B78A883200D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_DB761E39E1CC9CEED7331B78A883903E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract_1DDFA67508BBF3CE27831B78A88318E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease_DB761E39E1CC9CEED7331B78A883903E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_D1A1463C22D8280066391B78A883D7FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligation_D1A1463C22D8280066391B78A883D7FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants_D395400A93464F064DF31B78A88491DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByPlanParticipants_D395400A93464F064DF31B78A88491DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_ECDBED5AB360C7E83BA21B78A884B03F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaid_ECDBED5AB360C7E83BA21B78A884B03F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_E290026B32C4D68189481B78A884D8F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActuarialGainLoss_E290026B32C4D68189481B78A884D8F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived_89A99495C2AABA36077E1B78A884AD6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanGrossPrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsReceived_89A99495C2AABA36077E1B78A884AD6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments_BB3167305D6A25CD46DD1B78A8846C89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPlanAmendments_BB3167305D6A25CD46DD1B78A8846C89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_B944D14EC6AD1332E2141B78AD66C3B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanSettlementsPlanAssets_B944D14EC6AD1332E2141B78AD66C3B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_81A67C7201DD216D13C41B78A8840CD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInBenefitObligationRollForward_42FDFFE2C09A640A6A4F1B78A8837FCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments_81A67C7201DD216D13C41B78A8840CD8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_C88A76DCD72CB5C8A87D1B78A8841E68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_C88A76DCD72CB5C8A87D1B78A8841E68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_4EA5E65E669A646EEA621B78A884A2D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_4EA5E65E669A646EEA621B78A884A2D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_786D0203216D687F56591B78A88441D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanActualReturnOnPlanAssets_786D0203216D687F56591B78A88441D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_7822C70421AC278B7B9E1B78A88411F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanChangeInFairValueOfPlanAssetsRollForward_4F6C7EC8DF35A96C6E8B1B78A8849786" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_7822C70421AC278B7B9E1B78A88411F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_3F220BB03F6A98D999161B78A884A963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlanAbstract_7822C70421AC278B7B9E1B78A88411F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFundedStatusOfPlan_3F220BB03F6A98D999161B78A884A963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_3391926A90E3FCA8456E1B78A88548A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_3391926A90E3FCA8456E1B78A88548A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_71DCCFD2728130CF560C1B78A88A2AB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_3391926A90E3FCA8456E1B78A88548A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansCurrentLiabilities_71DCCFD2728130CF560C1B78A88A2AB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C10B89F62BD1DD15B9F81B78A88A877B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_3391926A90E3FCA8456E1B78A88548A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrent_C10B89F62BD1DD15B9F81B78A88A877B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_E2D41D2D98D52544FDD71B78A88AB58C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInBalanceSheetAbstract_3391926A90E3FCA8456E1B78A88548A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrent_E2D41D2D98D52544FDD71B78A88AB58C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_F5EEED231B4AAFBC60C51B78A88A43F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationDiscountRate_F5EEED231B4AAFBC60C51B78A88A43F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_EFF4C9429D5ECD624DFF1B78A88A7337" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingBenefitObligationRateOfCompensationIncrease_EFF4C9429D5ECD624DFF1B78A88A7337" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear_2F244DAD99EE1FC8CC331B78A88A9121" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanHealthCareCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear_2F244DAD99EE1FC8CC331B78A88A9121" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear_4DC0D4681609C13B927B1B78A88A02F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanPrescriptionDrugCostTrendRateAssumedForNextFiscalYear_4DC0D4681609C13B927B1B78A88A02F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate_2C4539EB479D506F41201B78A88A3C55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanUltimateHealthCareCostTrendRate_2C4539EB479D506F41201B78A88A3C55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearThatRateReachesUltimateTrendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearThatRateReachesUltimateTrendRate_D8DEC6AAD7E522C42E731B78A88AF96A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanYearThatRateReachesUltimateTrendRate_D8DEC6AAD7E522C42E731B78A88AF96A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_E0FC1167FF8ED4F3626E1B78A88AF220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedBenefitObligation_E0FC1167FF8ED4F3626E1B78A88AF220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMinimum" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMinimum_983B636FE083244663901B78A88B3D7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMinimum_983B636FE083244663901B78A88B3D7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMaximum" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMaximum_737908C01538DF083C441B78A88B9594" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AnnualizedIndividualDiscountRatesBasedOnTimePeriodMaximum_737908C01538DF083C441B78A88B9594" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax_1F25C3A8BF82CD6910431B78A88B94E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax_1F25C3A8BF82CD6910431B78A88B94E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax_46AFD4BBC7E4676270D21B78A88B78E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeReclassificationAdjustmentsAndTax_46AFD4BBC7E4676270D21B78A88B78E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_AmountreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_AmountreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_68B1ECCFA9FEA5520B731B78A88BCCD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_AmountreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_68B1ECCFA9FEA5520B731B78A88BCCD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_BC9B5F15C05BED84EBBC1B78A88BEF41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_68B1ECCFA9FEA5520B731B78A88BCCD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_BC9B5F15C05BED84EBBC1B78A88BEF41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax_6C46C7118CFC5E78A3431B78A88B0A6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_68B1ECCFA9FEA5520B731B78A88BCCD0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossNetOfTax_6C46C7118CFC5E78A3431B78A88B0A6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax_7745EC4C6DA9075610621B78A88B4A9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansBeforeTax_7745EC4C6DA9075610621B78A88B4A9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent_0A5508DA74DC5FA471E21B78A88BCFAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansTaxPortionAttributableToParent_0A5508DA74DC5FA471E21B78A88BCFAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3BC8BC7E0F088C4ECD1C1B78A88B24B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_AmountsreclassifiedfromaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeAbstract_A65D68E3976EFB757B0D1B78A88B753B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3BC8BC7E0F088C4ECD1C1B78A88B24B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_E2D308ED22267E2F255F1B78A88B7DFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmountRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostAndOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTax_E2D308ED22267E2F255F1B78A88B7DFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract_DCC6B05CF342605C0F1A1B78A88B15EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract_DCC6B05CF342605C0F1A1B78A88B15EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax_E9EA90845B7E92B1275F1B78A88CA09C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract_DCC6B05CF342605C0F1A1B78A88B15EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetGainsLossesBeforeTax_E9EA90845B7E92B1275F1B78A88CA09C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_4A9B5D865B98DB797A001B78A88C5037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract_DCC6B05CF342605C0F1A1B78A88B15EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_4A9B5D865B98DB797A001B78A88C5037" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_BB23393197A4E1B925F71B78A88C0261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTaxAbstract_DCC6B05CF342605C0F1A1B78A88B15EE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeBeforeTax_BB23393197A4E1B925F71B78A88C0261" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_FF2DE3D264FD3705C1BD1B78A88C820A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_FF2DE3D264FD3705C1BD1B78A88C820A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_9C68EB1CFF56B5A305881B78A88C1F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_FF2DE3D264FD3705C1BD1B78A88C820A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetUnamortizedGainLossArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax_9C68EB1CFF56B5A305881B78A88C1F40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_A3402F1FD8DC21CFAF3D1B78A88C6EDA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_FF2DE3D264FD3705C1BD1B78A88C820A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_A3402F1FD8DC21CFAF3D1B78A88C6EDA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3930DF9D913FABCB152B1B78A891CAE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeAbstract_FF2DE3D264FD3705C1BD1B78A88C820A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentBeforeTaxPortionAttributableToParent_3930DF9D913FABCB152B1B78A891CAE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract_0D4CD599765B098E0E651B78A8916640" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract_0D4CD599765B098E0E651B78A8916640" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss_23D1A0A92222954C2D471B78A891125F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract_0D4CD599765B098E0E651B78A8916640" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfGainLoss_23D1A0A92222954C2D471B78A891125F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_B973D5055D261BAFA8971B78A892D6F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract_0D4CD599765B098E0E651B78A8916640" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFutureAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit_B973D5055D261BAFA8971B78A892D6F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear_04E926052955DF7B8DCA1B78A892F902" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountsThatWillBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossInNextFiscalYearAbstract_0D4CD599765B098E0E651B78A8916640" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmountToBeAmortizedFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNextFiscalYear_04E926052955DF7B8DCA1B78A892F902" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract_F0E6EAFE6170A6FCB7091B78A892ABB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract_F0E6EAFE6170A6FCB7091B78A892ABB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation_9B796934EE1C1F7E4BAC1B78A892E43F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract_F0E6EAFE6170A6FCB7091B78A892ABB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation_9B796934EE1C1F7E4BAC1B78A892E43F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation_31E28780BAFE408C2B011B78A8927DF3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract_F0E6EAFE6170A6FCB7091B78A892ABB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation_31E28780BAFE408C2B011B78A8927DF3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets_673226A5B2E7029A5C951B78A8925910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract_F0E6EAFE6170A6FCB7091B78A892ABB2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets_673226A5B2E7029A5C951B78A8925910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems_FD780D5CCF0AFFE520231B78A87DE5A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation_E127ED4A10F586411E821B78A892AC44" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation_E127ED4A10F586411E821B78A892AC44" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation1_0240EE1E6AF4E1EFDD311B78A8921247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnAccumulatedPostretirementBenefitObligation1_0240EE1E6AF4E1EFDD311B78A8921247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents_99194C14A100EFF037221B78A892AC3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointIncreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents_99194C14A100EFF037221B78A892AC3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1_8E714EC3346EF4217B171B78A892A3E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointChangeInAssumedHealthCareCostTrendRatesAbstract_BBDEC14D0A90249931591B78A8929F2F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEffectOfOnePercentagePointDecreaseOnServiceAndInterestCostComponents1_8E714EC3346EF4217B171B78A892A3E0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansPlanAssetsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A683BF6416F76D22A93F1B7917A7ED63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A683BF6416F76D22A93F1B7917A7ED63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_58B3237902E4F437A7B21B7917A7E950_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A683BF6416F76D22A93F1B7917A7ED63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_58B3237902E4F437A7B21B7917A7E950_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_58B3237902E4F437A7B21B7917A7E950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A683BF6416F76D22A93F1B7917A7ED63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_58B3237902E4F437A7B21B7917A7E950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_E9022DEC3F3DD17788211B7917A75D6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_58B3237902E4F437A7B21B7917A7E950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_E9022DEC3F3DD17788211B7917A75D6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2AC16A6B7367AFD434571B7917A79669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2AC16A6B7367AFD434571B7917A79669" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2AC16A6B7367AFD434571B7917A79669" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_2AC16A6B7367AFD434571B7917A79669" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_4E5D3162B3899CCBFB871B7917B72E8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_4E5D3162B3899CCBFB871B7917B72E8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_59C63CEA845C4204BB4F1B7917B7D1EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_783C313C3FD6E59E32C71B7917A7AD45" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_59C63CEA845C4204BB4F1B7917B7D1EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F8E74693A12F42CD70531B7917B7241A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F8E74693A12F42CD70531B7917B7241A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8901E855C82FA8D05F221B7917B7FEE4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F8E74693A12F42CD70531B7917B7241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8901E855C82FA8D05F221B7917B7FEE4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8901E855C82FA8D05F221B7917B7FEE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F8E74693A12F42CD70531B7917B7241A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8901E855C82FA8D05F221B7917B7FEE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_42B43ED3F0049C7DCA721B7917B7049A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_8901E855C82FA8D05F221B7917B7FEE4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_42B43ED3F0049C7DCA721B7917B7049A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F890083C803B80F3F8CD1B7917B78FD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F890083C803B80F3F8CD1B7917B78FD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2F50EEC4A6831B76E6D71B7917B78DBC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F890083C803B80F3F8CD1B7917B78FD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2F50EEC4A6831B76E6D71B7917B78DBC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2F50EEC4A6831B76E6D71B7917B78DBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_F890083C803B80F3F8CD1B7917B78FD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2F50EEC4A6831B76E6D71B7917B78DBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BenefitObligationMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BenefitObligationMember_6B6A64C0F9C1A5D18CE51B7917B764EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2F50EEC4A6831B76E6D71B7917B78DBC" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BenefitObligationMember_6B6A64C0F9C1A5D18CE51B7917B764EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D573C5B232FCD35ABD161B7917B75250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D573C5B232FCD35ABD161B7917B75250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D573C5B232FCD35ABD161B7917B75250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis_D573C5B232FCD35ABD161B7917B75250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_USEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_USEquityMember_628C1B600922EB00F3C01B7917B7A995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_USEquityMember_628C1B600922EB00F3C01B7917B7A995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InternationalDevelopedMarketEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InternationalDevelopedMarketEquityMember_8ABFE6AA47B84121FDE61B7917B7E2F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InternationalDevelopedMarketEquityMember_8ABFE6AA47B84121FDE61B7917B7E2F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember_D45F750A2792C5B8546C1B7917B70740" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember_D45F750A2792C5B8546C1B7917B70740" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_FixedIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_FixedIncomeMember_C10BA6C87DBF5CC3145C1B7917B720B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_FixedIncomeMember_C10BA6C87DBF5CC3145C1B7917B720B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5501F10295916FD634341B7917B7274B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsMember_5501F10295916FD634341B7917B7274B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CommonCollectiveTrustFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CommonCollectiveTrustFundsMember_5C166D2B289A5BDF2DF91B7917B78B2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CommonCollectiveTrustFundsMember_5C166D2B289A5BDF2DF91B7917B78B2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInvestmentGradeOrAboveMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInvestmentGradeOrAboveMember_B80D6B4D24E8CE9E4C171B7917B78F9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CorporateDebtSecuritiesInvestmentGradeOrAboveMember_B80D6B4D24E8CE9E4C171B7917B78F9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NonUsEquitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NonUsEquitiesMember_5E7CD7BB164AB7E0DA8B1B7917B7F8B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NonUsEquitiesMember_5E7CD7BB164AB7E0DA8B1B7917B7F8B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CashReceivedAsCollateralMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CashReceivedAsCollateralMember_176FBC18E0706196ADF91B7917B776F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CashReceivedAsCollateralMember_176FBC18E0706196ADF91B7917B776F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_F566F824CF08BBA2B23E1B7917B7FA33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USTreasurySecuritiesMember_F566F824CF08BBA2B23E1B7917B7FA33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_D622A32D51AA66B9720F1B7917B7999F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember_D622A32D51AA66B9720F1B7917B7999F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_F0A79C5BD503B298D3C71B7917B7A685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesSecuritizedLoansAndReceivablesMember_F0A79C5BD503B298D3C71B7917B7A685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_12B41D2964E3FEBB6E111B7917B7E6B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember_12B41D2964E3FEBB6E111B7917B7E6B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_7175F79312C6659E95041B7917B75402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityFundsMember_7175F79312C6659E95041B7917B75402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_82299F205239879938571B7917B7B57C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_82299F205239879938571B7917B7B57C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_29757CEFF7078365FE691B7917B70AD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PlanAssetCategoriesDomain_25BAC997EFAC3D551B7E1B7917B75476" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_29757CEFF7078365FE691B7917B70AD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_69FC750B080B6019CE751B7917B74467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_69FC750B080B6019CE751B7917B74467" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_69FC750B080B6019CE751B7917B74467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_69FC750B080B6019CE751B7917B74467" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_49F7DCF2FC3D14A4550A1B7917B758DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_49F7DCF2FC3D14A4550A1B7917B758DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_FE565FF3E4E93716836C1B7917B7F816" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_FE565FF3E4E93716836C1B7917B7F816" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_FF99C5481F501469FD301B7917B79685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_F49BCA593C6CC3D9998B1B7917B78675" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_FF99C5481F501469FD301B7917B79685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9F29FE487A8C78A1AC331B7917B795D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9F29FE487A8C78A1AC331B7917B795D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9F29FE487A8C78A1AC331B7917B795D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_9F29FE487A8C78A1AC331B7917B795D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_InternationalEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_InternationalEquityMember_B4DD6330ECE6D7A9BF101B7917B72EC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:to="loc_cnp_InternationalEquityMember_B4DD6330ECE6D7A9BF101B7917B72EC3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_E70D4352E260CD63F6011B7917B77D9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeFundsMember_E70D4352E260CD63F6011B7917B77D9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_USEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_USEquityMember_EFED4F878F251B7444BE1B7917B71349" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:to="loc_cnp_USEquityMember_EFED4F878F251B7444BE1B7917B71349" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember_D890DB141DD5DA8E00CA1B7917B753BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_30D25E9173C9FAFDD78E1B7917B7EE30" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EmergingMarketEquityMember_D890DB141DD5DA8E00CA1B7917B753BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C158A882839981668F721B7917B7A7CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_3578C161DAB16D955FDB1B7917A73BD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C158A882839981668F721B7917B7A7CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C158A882839981668F721B7917B7A7CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis_C158A882839981668F721B7917B7A7CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4148030FD7958A018BB41B7917B73A93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_4148030FD7958A018BB41B7917B73A93" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_87D8CE7647C7B4DAB0A61B7917B7BA79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember_87D8CE7647C7B4DAB0A61B7917B7BA79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_34F949F269F4D7DD5D341B7917B76FBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_34F949F269F4D7DD5D341B7917B76FBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PensionPlanQualifiedMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PensionPlanQualifiedMember_AFA0764E9CB7C9FF81451B7917B76FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDomain_912C5D01F071FD249E481B7917B7B316" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PensionPlanQualifiedMember_AFA0764E9CB7C9FF81451B7917B76FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum_3C351A36B35211DC772D1B7917B727BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMinimum_3C351A36B35211DC772D1B7917B727BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum_3296BD1E6552EAC1B3031B7917B73AAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanTargetPlanAssetAllocationsRangeMaximum_3296BD1E6552EAC1B3031B7917B73AAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_F5F22A84EC894EDEEC2C1B7917B7FC8B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssets_F5F22A84EC894EDEEC2C1B7917B7FC8B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueObligationToReturnCashReceivedAsCollateralFromSecuritiesLending" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueObligationToReturnCashReceivedAsCollateralFromSecuritiesLending_7711C374624470077F481B7917B744EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueObligationToReturnCashReceivedAsCollateralFromSecuritiesLending_7711C374624470077F481B7917B744EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_BE6E054FE05F8C7A00F01B7917B7B4E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssetAllocations_BE6E054FE05F8C7A00F01B7917B7B4E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_15925160AFE0850FF23A1B7917B7A28A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer_15925160AFE0850FF23A1B7917B7A28A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear_0DD258E92BFABD2C00B21B7917B7CADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansEstimatedFutureEmployerContributionsInNextFiscalYear_0DD258E92BFABD2C00B21B7917B7CADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_BB23804ABAEC15DB29A81B7917B70871" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsNextTwelveMonths_BB23804ABAEC15DB29A81B7917B70871" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_7D0B0366EA354F7D06331B7917B736FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearTwo_7D0B0366EA354F7D06331B7917B736FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_C0CAED6F6F17D7D3FDA91B7917B71151" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearThree_C0CAED6F6F17D7D3FDA91B7917B71151" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_61107C3075CEE48A9C311B7917B7BD09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFour_61107C3075CEE48A9C311B7917B7BD09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_09102E0960B451C498DE1B7917B7C13A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsYearFive_09102E0960B451C498DE1B7917B7C13A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_A5D4B59D0A12588462151B7917B742E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureBenefitPaymentsFiveFiscalYearsThereafter_A5D4B59D0A12588462151B7917B742E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsNextTwelveMonths_62D3024EA21D7F8C71811B7917B7E7AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsNextTwelveMonths_62D3024EA21D7F8C71811B7917B7E7AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearTwo1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearTwo1_C4D7B8D5659EE17D52DA1B7917B7F325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearTwo1_C4D7B8D5659EE17D52DA1B7917B7F325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearThree1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearThree1_91C79FD9F5D65A88A4811B7917B79D84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearThree1_91C79FD9F5D65A88A4811B7917B79D84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFour1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFour1_D9708106B3E8EBF4C8AD1B7917B77A81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFour1_D9708106B3E8EBF4C8AD1B7917B77A81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFive1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFive1_29211B0DA500CEE539811B7917B76FDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsYearFive1_29211B0DA500CEE539811B7917B76FDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsAfterYearFive_645C63F832502F3705ED1B7917B7E693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanEstimatedFutureBenefitPaymentsAbstract_BFC482E0DD25B7EF3FB91B7917B736F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrescriptionDrugSubsidyReceiptsAfterYearFive_645C63F832502F3705ED1B7917B7E693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_F6E7A66906EE8ACEE2331B7917B7996B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumAnnualContributionsPerEmployeePercent_F6E7A66906EE8ACEE2331B7917B7996B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_E87792C01B3C39638F091B7917B7A538" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercentOfMatch_E87792C01B3C39638F091B7917B7A538" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_A92D3F5250BE7327FCCF1B7917B7230F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanEmployerMatchingContributionPercent_A92D3F5250BE7327FCCF1B7917B7230F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumLimitOfAccountBalanceInCompanyStockPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumLimitOfAccountBalanceInCompanyStockPercentage_A36B60C9223063B9571C1B7917B7B6C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DefinedContributionPlanMaximumLimitOfAccountBalanceInCompanyStockPercentage_A36B60C9223063B9571C1B7917B7B6C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan_90B8E1E0DC4418FDC92D1B7917B7158A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NumberOfSharesInCommonStockHeldBySavingsPlan_90B8E1E0DC4418FDC92D1B7917B7158A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PercentageOfInvestmentInCompanyCommonStock" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PercentageOfInvestmentInCompanyCommonStock_19951EE0EDE837FDFE041B7917B794C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PercentageOfInvestmentInCompanyCommonStock_19951EE0EDE837FDFE041B7917B794C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_CCBE232312D9C1E3425F1B7917B7DC01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SavingsPlanAbstract_E14D211CC58CA68EA2201B7917B70F8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefinedContributionPlanCostRecognized_CCBE232312D9C1E3425F1B7917B7DC01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsAbstract_F1A25B9009EA40948A821B7917B75811" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsAbstract_F1A25B9009EA40948A821B7917B75811" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsPeriodExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsPeriodExpense_E3ED2138F8CAC3DF248A1B7917B7921F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsAbstract_F1A25B9009EA40948A821B7917B75811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsPeriodExpense_E3ED2138F8CAC3DF248A1B7917B7921F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent_7B5287AB08DB6409A9931B7917B7B43E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsAbstract_F1A25B9009EA40948A821B7917B75811" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PostemploymentBenefitsLiabilityNoncurrent_7B5287AB08DB6409A9931B7917B7B43E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract_32BD4B38B16028A267FE1B7917B7AC83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_EA189ED5F44A2695C8E31B7917B7027C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract_32BD4B38B16028A267FE1B7917B7AC83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_BE244FEF6415E174EAC51B7917B75E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract_32BD4B38B16028A267FE1B7917B7AC83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense_BE244FEF6415E174EAC51B7917B75E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent_A18B867718AA3D61CA741B7917B7172C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract_32BD4B38B16028A267FE1B7917B7AC83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityClassifiedNoncurrent_A18B867718AA3D61CA741B7917B7172C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance_B7B57525BCCD3B0887AE1B7917B74BAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_OtherNonqualifiedPlanAbstract_32BD4B38B16028A267FE1B7917B7AC83" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PensionAndOtherPostretirementDefinedBenefitPlansLiabilitiesNoncurrentSplitDollarLifeInsurance_B7B57525BCCD3B0887AE1B7917B74BAE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansStockBasedIncentiveCompensationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F32C7D6BD5A67D58A1CE8518E7C967F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F32C7D6BD5A67D58A1CE8518E7C967F9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_34A296AF361D7BB9619E8518E7C92336" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F32C7D6BD5A67D58A1CE8518E7C967F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_34A296AF361D7BB9619E8518E7C92336" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_77914FCDCFE71616F5458518E7C9DFD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_34A296AF361D7BB9619E8518E7C92336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_77914FCDCFE71616F5458518E7C9DFD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_77914FCDCFE71616F5458518E7C9DFD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_34A296AF361D7BB9619E8518E7C92336" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_77914FCDCFE71616F5458518E7C9DFD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OperationAndMaintenanceExpenseMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OperationAndMaintenanceExpenseMember_09723D30B3785EBFE9488518E7C91549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_77914FCDCFE71616F5458518E7C9DFD1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OperationAndMaintenanceExpenseMember_09723D30B3785EBFE9488518E7C91549" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_37F42396CF29A3573DED8518E7C9B9ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable_F32C7D6BD5A67D58A1CE8518E7C967F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_37F42396CF29A3573DED8518E7C9B9ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_37F42396CF29A3573DED8518E7C9B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_37F42396CF29A3573DED8518E7C9B9ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E1A9552ED5E0698641BE8518E7C9E3F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E1A9552ED5E0698641BE8518E7C9E3F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_StockAwardsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_StockAwardsMember_A5B305E9D5D6871463048518E7C9C954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_StockAwardsMember_A5B305E9D5D6871463048518E7C9C954" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PerformanceandStockAwardsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PerformanceandStockAwardsMember_3CC97E1AB2BB188DC0378518E7C9F825" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_D78D6FEAC2CDE27CF9158518E7C948A7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PerformanceandStockAwardsMember_3CC97E1AB2BB188DC0378518E7C9F825" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_37A430AB17CC95C36ECC8518E7C9354A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized_37A430AB17CC95C36ECC8518E7C9354A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_FCCE11B60DB001B1C87E8518E7C9C617" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1_FCCE11B60DB001B1C87E8518E7C9C617" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MinimumTotalCommonStockDividendsDeclaredDuringThreeYearVestingPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MinimumTotalCommonStockDividendsDeclaredDuringThreeYearVestingPeriod_A3C2466D87EA682E3E198518E7C910CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MinimumTotalCommonStockDividendsDeclaredDuringThreeYearVestingPeriod_A3C2466D87EA682E3E198518E7C910CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_7821127D270FA7644ADA8518E7C9E215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_7821127D270FA7644ADA8518E7C9E215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_AAAB91546850D0B3C14C8518E7C9AA0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense_AAAB91546850D0B3C14C8518E7C9AA0B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_63CCEB54D35DFFF95F508518E7C9F07D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsCapitalizedAmount_63CCEB54D35DFFF95F508518E7C9F07D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_3A250EADA21B5D5F249B8518E7C98AB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAggregateDisclosuresAbstract_74264DE7694D34BB85D18518E7C9326E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_3A250EADA21B5D5F249B8518E7C98AB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems_3C08310DC8F08F70E5AC8518E7C9667C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ChangesInSharesOutstandingUnderLongTermIncentivePlansAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ChangesInSharesOutstandingUnderLongTermIncentivePlansAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7ABDC05EB9FF1CE719DD8518E7C9B4D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ChangesInSharesOutstandingUnderLongTermIncentivePlansAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7ABDC05EB9FF1CE719DD8518E7C9B4D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_B1BF8B194305F2559CD08518E7C97198" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ChangesInSharesOutstandingUnderLongTermIncentivePlansAdditionalDisclosuresAbstract_7ABDC05EB9FF1CE719DD8518E7C9B4D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions_B1BF8B194305F2559CD08518E7C97198" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6B4B699F95E1497DB2218518E7C92326" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber_6B4B699F95E1497DB2218518E7C92326" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_75E0C954BD46FDF89C0C8518E7C91BB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod_75E0C954BD46FDF89C0C8518E7C91BB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_54CB12F39FBB87AE5A2F8518E7C91B60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod_54CB12F39FBB87AE5A2F8518E7C91B60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_1E538047F020C077F1258518E7C9EB07" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod_1E538047F020C077F1258518E7C9EB07" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BB4A035B3556A2EF3FC18518E7C9FD50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_BB4A035B3556A2EF3FC18518E7C9FD50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C55FAECF7FA0F7589A7A8518E7C981F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_C55FAECF7FA0F7589A7A8518E7C981F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_64BD9101674AE033F6028518E7C95FA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeituresWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_64BD9101674AE033F6028518E7C95FA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0858F0BB74AA1CBB35488518E7C9F92E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue_0858F0BB74AA1CBB35488518E7C9F92E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms_E7DB2ADE5F97515BA1DF8518E7C98A99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageRemainingContractualTerms_E7DB2ADE5F97515BA1DF8518E7C98A99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueNonvested" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueNonvested_10AEB0E59FD816F305018518E7C9CFB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward_548DDF0A8EF333CF735B8518E7C9F962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueNonvested_10AEB0E59FD816F305018518E7C9CFB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ValuationdataAbstract" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ValuationdataAbstract_1F506E2C9CA4FE6A2D4B8518E7C9AE9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ValuationdataAbstract_1F506E2C9CA4FE6A2D4B8518E7C9AE9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_C14BBB5F7BC4293B9FE18518E7C9F5FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ValuationdataAbstract_1F506E2C9CA4FE6A2D4B8518E7C9AE9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue_C14BBB5F7BC4293B9FE18518E7C9F5FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested_5AD7557630C0CC439F408518E7C93877" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_ValuationdataAbstract_1F506E2C9CA4FE6A2D4B8518E7C9AE9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharebasedCompensationArrangementBySharebasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsAggregateIntrinsicValueVested_5AD7557630C0CC439F408518E7C93877" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue_FC81B2AFFB296C7F41338518E7C90E3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalGrantDateFairValue_FC81B2AFFB296C7F41338518E7C90E3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_078ECC300398E2911AA08518E7C9B23E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized_078ECC300398E2911AA08518E7C9B23E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_F466B8CD6BA047469A5A8518E7C976EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingRollForward_9F2AE39660DC5224A6418518E7C97FD4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1_F466B8CD6BA047469A5A8518E7C976EE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/StockBasedIncentiveCompensationPlansAndEmployeeBenefitPlansTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_85D6A0BB3BFC46D602DB7FC9CE3031EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_5667289EB53E95E6B7827FC9CE3066C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_85D6A0BB3BFC46D602DB7FC9CE3031EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_5667289EB53E95E6B7827FC9CE3066C5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C66E182506BDC2365C797FC9CE304FAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_5667289EB53E95E6B7827FC9CE3066C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C66E182506BDC2365C797FC9CE304FAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CC0F49E652E8CA2A39687FC9CE30B642_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C66E182506BDC2365C797FC9CE304FAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CC0F49E652E8CA2A39687FC9CE30B642_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CC0F49E652E8CA2A39687FC9CE30B642" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_C66E182506BDC2365C797FC9CE304FAF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CC0F49E652E8CA2A39687FC9CE30B642" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_B80213CDB03A349A65A97FC9CE30E1A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_CC0F49E652E8CA2A39687FC9CE30B642" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember_B80213CDB03A349A65A97FC9CE30E1A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_80411A29273B41AB92157FC9CE30E59B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_85D6A0BB3BFC46D602DB7FC9CE3031EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTableTextBlock_80411A29273B41AB92157FC9CE30E59B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_8C064B096054BD3588B914DE3ABCD910" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_8C064B096054BD3588B914DE3ABCD910" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1CC266E1925AF2DACB2014DE3ABCC16E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_8C064B096054BD3588B914DE3ABCD910" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1CC266E1925AF2DACB2014DE3ABCC16E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1CC266E1925AF2DACB2014DE3ABCC16E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_8C064B096054BD3588B914DE3ABCD910" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1CC266E1925AF2DACB2014DE3ABCC16E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_EAA9659839AADD65767914DE3ABC83C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_1CC266E1925AF2DACB2014DE3ABCC16E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_EAA9659839AADD65767914DE3ABC83C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1AD83084773FF18366DF14DE3ABCF67D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1AD83084773FF18366DF14DE3ABCF67D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_94A262EE51120B42C0CE14DE3ABC9BC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1AD83084773FF18366DF14DE3ABCF67D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_94A262EE51120B42C0CE14DE3ABC9BC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_94A262EE51120B42C0CE14DE3ABC9BC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1AD83084773FF18366DF14DE3ABCF67D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_94A262EE51120B42C0CE14DE3ABC9BC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_C3C2C8995ABFAE5F310614DE3ABC1585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_94A262EE51120B42C0CE14DE3ABC9BC7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_C3C2C8995ABFAE5F310614DE3ABC1585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CBB430AF45425FD4E03F14DE3ABCCD9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CBB430AF45425FD4E03F14DE3ABCCD9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_EB61EC14E38C278A59DF14DE3ABC2486_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CBB430AF45425FD4E03F14DE3ABCCD9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_EB61EC14E38C278A59DF14DE3ABC2486_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_EB61EC14E38C278A59DF14DE3ABC2486" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_CBB430AF45425FD4E03F14DE3ABCCD9C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_EB61EC14E38C278A59DF14DE3ABC2486" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_0C4D2D14F06A794A938714DE3ABC93F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_EB61EC14E38C278A59DF14DE3ABC2486" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_0C4D2D14F06A794A938714DE3ABC93F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A49925EC25F61F5CBA5514DE3ABCF218" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_B8D21FC186575DE00D0C14DE3ABCF291" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A49925EC25F61F5CBA5514DE3ABCF218" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7881258B2975BC847D1114DE3ABC3E37_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A49925EC25F61F5CBA5514DE3ABCF218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7881258B2975BC847D1114DE3ABC3E37_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7881258B2975BC847D1114DE3ABC3E37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A49925EC25F61F5CBA5514DE3ABCF218" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7881258B2975BC847D1114DE3ABC3E37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FCE25593E06E3D3BB13214DE3ABCD378" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7881258B2975BC847D1114DE3ABC3E37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_FCE25593E06E3D3BB13214DE3ABCD378" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_D24F33B1E864AA1A831A14DE3ABC9064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateDeclaredDayMonthAndYear_D24F33B1E864AA1A831A14DE3ABC9064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_5B5BE0228277B13FC59D14DE3ABCA01B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockDividendsPerShareDeclared_5B5BE0228277B13FC59D14DE3ABCA01B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_AFEECCD148FE13625A1514DE3ABC3E73" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendPayableDateToBePaidDayMonthAndYear_AFEECCD148FE13625A1514DE3ABC3E73" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_0C3535D45D8E23194FF214DE3ABC2DB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableDateOfRecordDayMonthAndYear_0C3535D45D8E23194FF214DE3ABC2DB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_49FAB25A0491E3E2D79F14DE3ABC9EF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_49FAB25A0491E3E2D79F14DE3ABC9EF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsNumberofUnitsPurchased" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsNumberofUnitsPurchased_554E9FC4C2D3531E2D8B14DE3ABC4F97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsNumberofUnitsPurchased_554E9FC4C2D3531E2D8B14DE3ABC4F97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentInterestRate_7F52E8A575C0BE64561914DE3ABC8B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentInterestRate_7F52E8A575C0BE64561914DE3ABC8B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsPricePerUnit" xlink:label="loc_cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsPricePerUnit_51781AAEFFFF1A63CC1A14DE3ABC39AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_cnp_PurchaseofPreferredUnitsPricePerUnit_51781AAEFFFF1A63CC1A14DE3ABC39AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_90A4D57831FE8876A16D14DE3ABC112A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount_90A4D57831FE8876A16D14DE3ABC112A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_C3B8F8A4DD49BCC60B9B14DE3ABC8E51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionNameOfAcquiredEntity_C3B8F8A4DD49BCC60B9B14DE3ABC8E51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_AF9646C318CFF2993DFA14DE3ABCCABB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_1954C15D565F1CB30A0F14DE3ABCF284" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_AF9646C318CFF2993DFA14DE3ABCCABB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DF831BE69C5801FC5BC20C4DB04B96EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DF831BE69C5801FC5BC20C4DB04B96EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5D5F766F4768BE2CDCD0C4DB04B372E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DF831BE69C5801FC5BC20C4DB04B96EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5D5F766F4768BE2CDCD0C4DB04B372E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5D5F766F4768BE2CDCD0C4DB04B372E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_DF831BE69C5801FC5BC20C4DB04B96EA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5D5F766F4768BE2CDCD0C4DB04B372E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C5BC2EE9BBB9F5813EA80C4DB04CB3CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_C5D5F766F4768BE2CDCD0C4DB04B372E" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C5BC2EE9BBB9F5813EA80C4DB04CB3CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_1C8F1478679AD3B13AA30C4DB04CE809" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_1C8F1478679AD3B13AA30C4DB04CE809" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF4A1A3DFC977A78FF790C4DB04CCA6F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_1C8F1478679AD3B13AA30C4DB04CE809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF4A1A3DFC977A78FF790C4DB04CCA6F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF4A1A3DFC977A78FF790C4DB04CCA6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityAxis_1C8F1478679AD3B13AA30C4DB04CE809" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF4A1A3DFC977A78FF790C4DB04CCA6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_0A1020E1CCA34964B0940C4DB04CC56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityDomain_CF4A1A3DFC977A78FF790C4DB04CCA6F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RemovalCostsMember_0A1020E1CCA34964B0940C4DB04CC56B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BD91FA96562F45C3BA7D0C4DB04C2818" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BD91FA96562F45C3BA7D0C4DB04C2818" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D377540D44E68958D1C30C4DB04CD89E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BD91FA96562F45C3BA7D0C4DB04C2818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D377540D44E68958D1C30C4DB04CD89E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D377540D44E68958D1C30C4DB04CD89E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_BD91FA96562F45C3BA7D0C4DB04C2818" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D377540D44E68958D1C30C4DB04CD89E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_46038806CADBF77AF8D70C4DB04C1393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_D377540D44E68958D1C30C4DB04CD89E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_46038806CADBF77AF8D70C4DB04C1393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8E478D21341FCDFE78800C4DB04CC96D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8E478D21341FCDFE78800C4DB04CC96D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8E478D21341FCDFE78800C4DB04CC96D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8E478D21341FCDFE78800C4DB04CC96D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_MaterialsAndSuppliesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_MaterialsAndSuppliesMember_17CD769C4E755D4724ED0C4DB04C1213" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0" xlink:to="loc_cnp_MaterialsAndSuppliesMember_17CD769C4E755D4724ED0C4DB04C1213" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryNaturalGasMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryNaturalGasMember_44BFF6097934A2FB92180C4DB04C3F83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_83439109365426049BCF0C4DB04C97F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryNaturalGasMember_44BFF6097934A2FB92180C4DB04C3F83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B151067B355B609AD9710C4DB04DE7AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B151067B355B609AD9710C4DB04DE7AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B151067B355B609AD9710C4DB04DE7AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B151067B355B609AD9710C4DB04DE7AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_9CF259E0E4ECA0A353810C4DB04D7DCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember_9CF259E0E4ECA0A353810C4DB04D7DCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_B42313439577225CBAC30C4DB04D29A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_A5350BE8DB03213A25090C4DB04D8DFC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherNoncurrentAssetsMember_B42313439577225CBAC30C4DB04D29A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_03C261B26CD93F4CBD790C4DB04D6B71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_03C261B26CD93F4CBD790C4DB04D6B71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_2CA574D5C361489701E30C4DB04D963A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_03C261B26CD93F4CBD790C4DB04D6B71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_2CA574D5C361489701E30C4DB04D963A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_2CA574D5C361489701E30C4DB04D963A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_03C261B26CD93F4CBD790C4DB04D6B71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_2CA574D5C361489701E30C4DB04D963A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C23351A768132192E2C80C4DB04DD50D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_2CA574D5C361489701E30C4DB04D963A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C23351A768132192E2C80C4DB04DD50D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_D5E894326CF811FC4D010C4DB04DA4C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_D5E894326CF811FC4D010C4DB04DA4C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_D5E894326CF811FC4D010C4DB04DA4C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_D5E894326CF811FC4D010C4DB04DA4C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E6A1A63B21652FE911040C4DB04DA9FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_E6A1A63B21652FE911040C4DB04DA9FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_120C0D21BB799BDD5F3D0C4DB04DD024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_240125C4986741923AFD0C4DB04DCC39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_120C0D21BB799BDD5F3D0C4DB04DD024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17263596F6FAB0EF6BE40C4DB04D2CC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17263596F6FAB0EF6BE40C4DB04D2CC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1A79156606AC521EF2FE0C4DB04D9C64_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17263596F6FAB0EF6BE40C4DB04D2CC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1A79156606AC521EF2FE0C4DB04D9C64_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1A79156606AC521EF2FE0C4DB04D9C64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_17263596F6FAB0EF6BE40C4DB04D2CC1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_1A79156606AC521EF2FE0C4DB04D9C64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F230AEC75D600B31BC5B0C4DB04E6186" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F230AEC75D600B31BC5B0C4DB04E6186" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C9C34330457CCDF1B42F0C4DB04E7F2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F230AEC75D600B31BC5B0C4DB04E6186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C9C34330457CCDF1B42F0C4DB04E7F2E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C9C34330457CCDF1B42F0C4DB04E7F2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_F230AEC75D600B31BC5B0C4DB04E6186" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_C9C34330457CCDF1B42F0C4DB04E7F2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_51FE8D1080C777D19F2E0C4DB04E214B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SummaryOfAccountingPoliciesTable_FE81AC0DCF0A5D6DAC8A0C4DB04BE764" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_51FE8D1080C777D19F2E0C4DB04E214B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_51FE8D1080C777D19F2E0C4DB04E214B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_51FE8D1080C777D19F2E0C4DB04E214B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OGEMember_556C9B06F58BFA7A5AB40C4DB04E4F25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OGEMember_556C9B06F58BFA7A5AB40C4DB04E4F25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_F74F5D573FB127BBF8EE0C4DB04EAF9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_F74F5D573FB127BBF8EE0C4DB04EAF9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_3B7281FAA89FF8F7F9DC0C4DB04EC1D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_3B7281FAA89FF8F7F9DC0C4DB04EC1D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_61A2446462B47A4FBD100C4DB04E5E7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_E10D3206C738AF6986560C4DB04E12C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_61A2446462B47A4FBD100C4DB04E5E7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_03E502EAA3FD9E4BE5C90C881147AEA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage_03E502EAA3FD9E4BE5C90C881147AEA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage_A0D6270CDA59E40AF9700C4DB04E36DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage_A0D6270CDA59E40AF9700C4DB04E36DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage_1C81830AB88F8555440C0C4DB04E9ED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage_1C81830AB88F8555440C0C4DB04E9ED1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionDistributionPerUnit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionDistributionPerUnit_664FB29705BA54D017970C4DB04EBBCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncentiveDistributionDistributionPerUnit_664FB29705BA54D017970C4DB04EBBCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightMaximum" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightMaximum_86C0F39510F2FE503F1E0C4DB04E102E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightMaximum_86C0F39510F2FE503F1E0C4DB04E102E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_4EBF2A9065E1A3B454790C4DB04EF120" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RegulatoryLiabilityNoncurrent_4EBF2A9065E1A3B454790C4DB04EF120" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurredCapitalized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurredCapitalized_7C6D2B8F93DE0ABA81090C4DB04F17EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestCostsIncurredCapitalized_7C6D2B8F93DE0ABA81090C4DB04F17EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_6F13330EBE45D4DD1A6A0C4DB04F24A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesAllowanceForFundsUsedDuringConstructionCapitalizedCostOfEquity_6F13330EBE45D4DD1A6A0C4DB04F24A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5584B995FF0C2C3CC0F20C4DB04F675E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts_5584B995FF0C2C3CC0F20C4DB04F675E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_F0FE2056E7D6C2D2C0D30C4DB04FC2F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryWriteDown_F0FE2056E7D6C2D2C0D30C4DB04FC2F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory_E94127A74878E9BBCA180C4DB04F8F8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventory_E94127A74878E9BBCA180C4DB04F8F8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_DE96781DF38FA8624EFC0C4DB04F4664" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_DE96781DF38FA8624EFC0C4DB04F4664" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9D451A29EE5A8C04A81B0C4DB04FCFD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_9D451A29EE5A8C04A81B0C4DB04FCFD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_9699E58B79CAA904D49E0C4DB04F0EE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnamortizedDebtIssuanceExpense_9699E58B79CAA904D49E0C4DB04F0EE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent_BCDC31932E5413C332D80C4DB04F4056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_cnp_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems_28B014744C2DAB44E5050C4DB04E4E16" xlink:to="loc_cnp_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilityReclassifiedToNoncurrent_BCDC31932E5413C332D80C4DB04F4056" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformationDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_251750291D5EDF7C09E8EBAB9CAA5243" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_251750291D5EDF7C09E8EBAB9CAA5243" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_706C855CB2225D2FDD7CEBAB9CAA12C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_251750291D5EDF7C09E8EBAB9CAA5243" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_706C855CB2225D2FDD7CEBAB9CAA12C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A8A93702726ECB9B16DEBAB9CAA1527_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_706C855CB2225D2FDD7CEBAB9CAA12C5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A8A93702726ECB9B16DEBAB9CAA1527_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A8A93702726ECB9B16DEBAB9CAA1527" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_706C855CB2225D2FDD7CEBAB9CAA12C5" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A8A93702726ECB9B16DEBAB9CAA1527" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_1B9BD769B6B8EC1BF4C7EBAB9CAADEF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_3A8A93702726ECB9B16DEBAB9CAA1527" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_1B9BD769B6B8EC1BF4C7EBAB9CAADEF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_E493594ED5EB340C11E3EBAB9CAAA540" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_251750291D5EDF7C09E8EBAB9CAA5243" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_E493594ED5EB340C11E3EBAB9CAAA540" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5B02C05144E90A01EC94EBAB9CAA9D2F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_E493594ED5EB340C11E3EBAB9CAAA540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5B02C05144E90A01EC94EBAB9CAA9D2F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5B02C05144E90A01EC94EBAB9CAA9D2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_E493594ED5EB340C11E3EBAB9CAAA540" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5B02C05144E90A01EC94EBAB9CAA9D2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_258B07EBB8A1B20E65DBEBAB9CAA5450" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_5B02C05144E90A01EC94EBAB9CAA9D2F" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_258B07EBB8A1B20E65DBEBAB9CAA5450" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_74878C1B3E7C63667C20EBAB9CAA5785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_74878C1B3E7C63667C20EBAB9CAA5785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_88810FC2644240AC87AEEBAB9CAA18E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_88810FC2644240AC87AEEBAB9CAA18E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E2C2080E4D08824AD945EBAB9CAA2BD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_E2C2080E4D08824AD945EBAB9CAA2BD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_1827B7DDC0B1AE750C64EBAB9CAAF8EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_1827B7DDC0B1AE750C64EBAB9CAAF8EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7067AFE2015063E8613AEBAB9CB92F77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAbstract_1827B7DDC0B1AE750C64EBAB9CAAF8EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_7067AFE2015063E8613AEBAB9CB92F77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C15B98B84FEE11AC0866EBAB9CB9C1CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SelectedQuarterlyFinancialInformationAbstract_CCE54488D731E0394CECEBAB9CAAA707" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C15B98B84FEE11AC0866EBAB9CB9C1CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_7405F44E1FDCD9CC236CEBAB9CB97E47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDilutedAbstract_C15B98B84FEE11AC0866EBAB9CB9C1CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_7405F44E1FDCD9CC236CEBAB9CB97E47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_0FCB4F9ED24F5BEA06E9EBAB9CB99C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_0FCB4F9ED24F5BEA06E9EBAB9CB99C60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ImpairmentChargenetoftax" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ImpairmentChargenetoftax_D8BD873C1B9897FB6FFBEBAB9CB9C0CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ImpairmentChargenetoftax_D8BD873C1B9897FB6FFBEBAB9CB9C0CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_7CA3336A4D344E45E5E2EBAB9CB979A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_C83C89E4450371A799C1EBAB9CAA8481" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperationsAdjustmentOfDeferredTaxAssetLiability_7CA3336A4D344E45E5E2EBAB9CB979A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnauditedQuarterlyInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_AA6D3E610155419DD4C61A36D48AAFD3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_AA6D3E610155419DD4C61A36D48AAFD3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A5858187C3A06893D9D91A36D48A58FD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_AA6D3E610155419DD4C61A36D48AAFD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A5858187C3A06893D9D91A36D48A58FD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A5858187C3A06893D9D91A36D48A58FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_AA6D3E610155419DD4C61A36D48AAFD3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A5858187C3A06893D9D91A36D48A58FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IndebtednesstoCERCCorp.Member" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IndebtednesstoCERCCorp.Member_1FE04BDC954C881F2B911A36D48A184B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_A5858187C3A06893D9D91A36D48A58FD" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IndebtednesstoCERCCorp.Member_1FE04BDC954C881F2B911A36D48A184B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_72ABAA3207B2678242CC1A36D48A31FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_72ABAA3207B2678242CC1A36D48A31FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2D571C919DC2B67608C1A36D48ACDD9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_72ABAA3207B2678242CC1A36D48A31FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2D571C919DC2B67608C1A36D48ACDD9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2D571C919DC2B67608C1A36D48ACDD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_72ABAA3207B2678242CC1A36D48A31FB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2D571C919DC2B67608C1A36D48ACDD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C83E5D713FC772E237461A36D48ABE48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_B2D571C919DC2B67608C1A36D48ACDD9" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C83E5D713FC772E237461A36D48ABE48" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis_D1591F178145E45FC4C61A36D48A2956" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis_D1591F178145E45FC4C61A36D48A2956" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_4F89412E4BCA2621832B1A36D48ACE2A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis_D1591F178145E45FC4C61A36D48A2956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_4F89412E4BCA2621832B1A36D48ACE2A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_4F89412E4BCA2621832B1A36D48ACE2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NatureOfExpenseAxis_D1591F178145E45FC4C61A36D48A2956" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_4F89412E4BCA2621832B1A36D48ACE2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_NaturalGasExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_NaturalGasExpensesMember_DB3FB21CAB8C1D5C44CB1A36D48A3BCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InterimPeriodCostsNotAllocableDomain_4F89412E4BCA2621832B1A36D48ACE2A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_NaturalGasExpensesMember_DB3FB21CAB8C1D5C44CB1A36D48A3BCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EF3D892F9F8DD0EA57C31A36D48A2A7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EF3D892F9F8DD0EA57C31A36D48A2A7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EF3D892F9F8DD0EA57C31A36D48A2A7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_EF3D892F9F8DD0EA57C31A36D48A2A7F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C49330016157DB95EB071A36D48A27F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_C49330016157DB95EB071A36D48A27F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SubordinatedUnitsMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SubordinatedUnitsMember_6E82D8702F336ADD5AAE1A36D48A7FA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_91B191C22CE16C0866531A36D48A2692" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SubordinatedUnitsMember_6E82D8702F336ADD5AAE1A36D48A7FA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B64A2C451E5C213FA8481A36D48A20CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B64A2C451E5C213FA8481A36D48A20CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C19ABFB07C7171C41B521A36D48AF4A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B64A2C451E5C213FA8481A36D48A20CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C19ABFB07C7171C41B521A36D48AF4A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C19ABFB07C7171C41B521A36D48AF4A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductOrServiceAxis_B64A2C451E5C213FA8481A36D48A20CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C19ABFB07C7171C41B521A36D48AF4A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_TransitionalServiceMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_TransitionalServiceMember_970FF35A5913678D8A811A36D48A85DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ProductsAndServicesDomain_C19ABFB07C7171C41B521A36D48AF4A3" xlink:to="loc_cnp_TransitionalServiceMember_970FF35A5913678D8A811A36D48A85DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5B4BF7D543935F4FD00C1A36D48AF0D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5B4BF7D543935F4FD00C1A36D48AF0D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_72C9D8C9635D4BAD2B3B1A36D48AD4AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5B4BF7D543935F4FD00C1A36D48AF0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_72C9D8C9635D4BAD2B3B1A36D48AD4AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_72C9D8C9635D4BAD2B3B1A36D48AD4AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis_5B4BF7D543935F4FD00C1A36D48AF0D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_72C9D8C9635D4BAD2B3B1A36D48AD4AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_0B110E22800B94C702D21A36D48A3A1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RelatedPartyDomain_72C9D8C9635D4BAD2B3B1A36D48AD4AA" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_0B110E22800B94C702D21A36D48A3A1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_392054DCC9C78F0F94211A36D48A5F4C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_392054DCC9C78F0F94211A36D48A5F4C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_E76981C59C9B78A96A781A36D48A8C7B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_392054DCC9C78F0F94211A36D48A5F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_E76981C59C9B78A96A781A36D48A8C7B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_E76981C59C9B78A96A781A36D48A8C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_392054DCC9C78F0F94211A36D48A5F4C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_E76981C59C9B78A96A781A36D48A8C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember_88BE652721FACA1BE26A1A36D48A300F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_E76981C59C9B78A96A781A36D48A8C7B" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableGuaranteedSeniorNotesMember_88BE652721FACA1BE26A1A36D48A300F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7CF684BBA9B1BE7E1BB91A36D48A1074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7CF684BBA9B1BE7E1BB91A36D48A1074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7CF684BBA9B1BE7E1BB91A36D48A1074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_7CF684BBA9B1BE7E1BB91A36D48A1074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_9F381490F965719F64C71A36D48A2C21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_9F381490F965719F64C71A36D48A2C21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_8EC59064CB9A4C1F02961A36D48A0ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_372482D5920235A5C75C1A36D48AF56D" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_8EC59064CB9A4C1F02961A36D48A0ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_97CF60FEAF2FC1473E1B1A36D48AD4E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_97CF60FEAF2FC1473E1B1A36D48AD4E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_461173CB27EEF625AFDE1A36D48A9AE6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_97CF60FEAF2FC1473E1B1A36D48AD4E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_461173CB27EEF625AFDE1A36D48A9AE6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_461173CB27EEF625AFDE1A36D48A9AE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_97CF60FEAF2FC1473E1B1A36D48AD4E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_461173CB27EEF625AFDE1A36D48A9AE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B11DF243B1952CF246611A36D48AE3B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6953D2C724990C63A81C1A36D48AA9AB" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B11DF243B1952CF246611A36D48AE3B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B11DF243B1952CF246611A36D48AE3B9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_B11DF243B1952CF246611A36D48AE3B9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CercCorpMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_041CAD76204A816A8EB81A36D48AAFA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CercCorpMember_041CAD76204A816A8EB81A36D48AAFA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_4E1D5DBB2D583CC01FE21A36D48AAFB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_4E1D5DBB2D583CC01FE21A36D48AAFB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_OGEMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_OGEMember_C7C23B412AA1DB991B8E1A36D48AA983" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_OGEMember_C7C23B412AA1DB991B8E1A36D48AA983" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C23ECBBE9D20B805349B1A36D48AA398" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_C23ECBBE9D20B805349B1A36D48AA398" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ArcLightMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ArcLightMember_B0FA32F3960F61F9754E1A36D48AAA7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_39C5A3BEEF84F3A034351A36D48A2BEF" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ArcLightMember_B0FA32F3960F61F9754E1A36D48AAA7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_A339F22F53838CD21E2C1A36D48A83A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure_A339F22F53838CD21E2C1A36D48A83A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateNoncurrent_ADD815A05313E6692FC91A36D48A7F2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromAffiliateNoncurrent_ADD815A05313E6692FC91A36D48A7F2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_B940C9328BE694C054EC1A36D48A4481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_B940C9328BE694C054EC1A36D48A4481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_9630BE20DF32DB6A97E21A36D48A5CD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_9630BE20DF32DB6A97E21A36D48A5CD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeRelatedParty" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeRelatedParty_0FD00FB411C003277D391A36D48A868E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestIncomeRelatedParty_0FD00FB411C003277D391A36D48A868E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_73314629DAE014D4BAD61A36D48AA639" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DueFromRelatedPartiesCurrent_73314629DAE014D4BAD61A36D48AA639" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ServiceAgreementNoticeForTerminationAtTermEnd" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ServiceAgreementNoticeForTerminationAtTermEnd_6117643675747A7434D81A36D48AF679" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ServiceAgreementNoticeForTerminationAtTermEnd_6117643675747A7434D81A36D48AF679" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsSoldInPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsSoldInPublicOffering_1F214B24E9DBB82471F31A36D48A54ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PartnersCapitalAccountUnitsSoldInPublicOffering_1F214B24E9DBB82471F31A36D48A54ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_65FA472FFD8B01CC7A321A36D48A7C83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_65FA472FFD8B01CC7A321A36D48A7C83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_F774CF02B2822D7329641A36D48A89A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceInitialPublicOffering_F774CF02B2822D7329641A36D48A89A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_1BE922EA1031C740CBF71A36D48A90B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage_1BE922EA1031C740CBF71A36D48A90B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage_381C8B39B864B9A24DE11A36D48A5A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage_381C8B39B864B9A24DE11A36D48A5A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_AD602A7130E7A530B3D41A36D48AE406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReimbursementRevenue_AD602A7130E7A530B3D41A36D48AE406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_1E9AB8BC9709DBC7E61A1A36D48A9278" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableRelatedParties_1E9AB8BC9709DBC7E61A1A36D48A9278" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AffiliateCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AffiliateCosts_69FE421A5D18C373B83B1A36D48AB21D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AffiliateCosts_69FE421A5D18C373B83B1A36D48AB21D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_C34A83F6DA74E8161A471A36D48AB2CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableRelatedPartiesCurrent_C34A83F6DA74E8161A471A36D48AB2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipShares" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipShares_8D2773A3E200FB28F6931A36D48AECE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipShares_8D2773A3E200FB28F6931A36D48AECE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage_6C85F0D637C470D734991A36D48A2820" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ManagementRightsOwnershipPercentage_6C85F0D637C470D734991A36D48A2820" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage_A911B6477B521766345E1A36D48A2252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncentiveDistributionRightPercentage_A911B6477B521766345E1A36D48A2252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4AF18333D5CD7CA573501A36D48AAB78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_4AF18333D5CD7CA573501A36D48AAB78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_E0A14733E32F0752A82A1A36D48AFAB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_E0A14733E32F0752A82A1A36D48AFAB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_BD5F32A98E5A869FD5CC1A36D48A4EA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_BD5F32A98E5A869FD5CC1A36D48A4EA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_GoodwillAndLongLIvedAssetsImpairmentChargesEntitysShare" xlink:label="loc_cnp_GoodwillAndLongLIvedAssetsImpairmentChargesEntitysShare_CF2040693EAF9E01CD411A36D48ADC3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_GoodwillAndLongLIvedAssetsImpairmentChargesEntitysShare_CF2040693EAF9E01CD411A36D48ADC3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_2B43ADE6E9602FB1B6E71A36D48A6053" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_5354986FE418F756D73F1A36D48A00D5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_2B43ADE6E9602FB1B6E71A36D48A6053" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesFinancialDataDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1D689D5BCA296C2BB8F1706D9FBE345" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1D689D5BCA296C2BB8F1706D9FBE345" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_58C80357477FA7A6E37C1706D9FBF1F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1D689D5BCA296C2BB8F1706D9FBE345" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_58C80357477FA7A6E37C1706D9FBF1F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37C9FB2F32897F81E4341706D9FB7EF5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_58C80357477FA7A6E37C1706D9FBF1F9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37C9FB2F32897F81E4341706D9FB7EF5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37C9FB2F32897F81E4341706D9FB7EF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_58C80357477FA7A6E37C1706D9FBF1F9" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37C9FB2F32897F81E4341706D9FB7EF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_0D605C57A8F7D796B5AA1706DA004BEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_37C9FB2F32897F81E4341706D9FB7EF5" xlink:to="loc_cnp_CenterpointEnergyMember_0D605C57A8F7D796B5AA1706DA004BEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_2B93CF62D36E04CC1A701706DA001548" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E1D689D5BCA296C2BB8F1706D9FBE345" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_2B93CF62D36E04CC1A701706DA001548" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_2B93CF62D36E04CC1A701706DA001548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_2B93CF62D36E04CC1A701706DA001548" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_5E92343867C7194EA0EA1706DA00CD5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EnableMidstreamPartnersMember_5E92343867C7194EA0EA1706DA00CD5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_AE84B8EA5241C9E6C3791706DA00B73D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_768FC16442EDDF5EDD311706DA00227C" xlink:to="loc_cnp_SoutheastSupplyHeaderLLCMember_AE84B8EA5241C9E6C3791706DA00B73D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_7A9214A123ADA0D378AE1706DA00727F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_7A9214A123ADA0D378AE1706DA00727F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C48D7FE49DABCAE81CCB1706DA016AC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_C48D7FE49DABCAE81CCB1706DA016AC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue_FFBB6F045EE0F795C7981706DA01E9DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationRevenue_FFBB6F045EE0F795C7981706DA01E9DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales_73EA861B35C0C7965D9E1706DA01F9A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCostOfSales_73EA861B35C0C7965D9E1706DA01F9A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentofGoodwillandLongLivedAssets" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentofGoodwillandLongLivedAssets_2C1A560B9F96D2E81EDF1706DA01F619" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationImpairmentofGoodwillandLongLivedAssets_2C1A560B9F96D2E81EDF1706DA01F619" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingIncomeLoss_047B4B85B7EB9FC466481706DA01E0CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationOperatingIncomeLoss_047B4B85B7EB9FC466481706DA01E0CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss_31383753973A46E204A71706DA01604E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNetIncomeLoss_31383753973A46E204A71706DA01604E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentGrossEquityInEarningsLosses" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentGrossEquityInEarningsLosses_81BD48C0AD043B8574AE1706DA01E5D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentGrossEquityInEarningsLosses_81BD48C0AD043B8574AE1706DA01E5D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BasisDifferenceAccretionGain" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BasisDifferenceAccretionGain_B3B29BCCD1048E057B941706DA01CE0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BasisDifferenceAccretionGain_B3B29BCCD1048E057B941706DA01CE0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_FF41E38F17C444E99B4C1706DA01A208" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOtherThanTemporaryImpairment_FF41E38F17C444E99B4C1706DA01A208" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfBasisDifference" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfBasisDifference_D51BF2A9481A9F6CF16D1706DA018C64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationGrossProfitLossAbstract_C803682641CC03FEB24A1706DA01633A" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfBasisDifference_D51BF2A9481A9F6CF16D1706DA018C64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_ImpairmentCharges" xlink:label="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_696F57446A98E29BAD661706DA01D2BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_ImpairmentCharges_696F57446A98E29BAD661706DA01D2BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge" xlink:label="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge_977EC676AC2AB745E88F1706DA01CA6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentExcludingImpairmentCharge_977EC676AC2AB745E88F1706DA01CA6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentAssets_AD3257D5B8510DD899741706DA01EEB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentAssets_AD3257D5B8510DD899741706DA01EEB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentAssets_94FABF0F805FFBAB8EB31706DA02793B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentAssets_94FABF0F805FFBAB8EB31706DA02793B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentLiabilities_4116D561D8BC3393CE0F1706DA025ACD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationCurrentLiabilities_4116D561D8BC3393CE0F1706DA025ACD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentLiabilities_98536789A1D7728675101706DA02D970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationNoncurrentLiabilities_98536789A1D7728675101706DA02D970" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationMinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationMinorityInterest_34C548918DFC872ED3EB1706DA021E38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationMinorityInterest_34C548918DFC872ED3EB1706DA021E38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquity_6E7E78A6E0E61C1B4F951706DA02E247" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationAssetsAbstract_3771F4BA4F0CAF8921BC1706DA016D6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentSummarizedFinancialInformationEquity_6E7E78A6E0E61C1B4F951706DA02E247" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquityAbstract_3DC1FC8330D7E2E7E5C71706DA0200F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquityAbstract_3DC1FC8330D7E2E7E5C71706DA0200F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentUnderlyingEquityInNetAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentUnderlyingEquityInNetAssets_D3C7DE802DBE653F1E0E1706DA024316" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquityAbstract_3DC1FC8330D7E2E7E5C71706DA0200F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentUnderlyingEquityInNetAssets_D3C7DE802DBE653F1E0E1706DA024316" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentBasisDifference" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentBasisDifference_0BB08BC8FBA95175BF131706DA074847" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDifferenceBetweenCarryingAmountAndUnderlyingEquityAbstract_3DC1FC8330D7E2E7E5C71706DA0200F1" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentBasisDifference_0BB08BC8FBA95175BF131706DA074847" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_86772D3F05CA3D3339911706DA08D5E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentDividendsOrDistributions_86772D3F05CA3D3339911706DA08D5E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage" xlink:label="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage_DBB121AAD4AC531D4B681706DA08EF25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_EquityMethodInvestmentContributedOwnershipPercentage_DBB121AAD4AC531D4B681706DA08EF25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="cnp-20151231.xsd#cnp_BasisDifferenceAmortizationPeriod" xlink:label="loc_cnp_BasisDifferenceAmortizationPeriod_8E0D063F4A7327AAA0601706DA081E48" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_0E1CCD187BB05E874D5E1706DA005BED" xlink:to="loc_cnp_BasisDifferenceAmortizationPeriod_8E0D063F4A7327AAA0601706DA081E48" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.centerpointenergy.com/role/UnconsolidatedAffiliatesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0256F96FB3DD746FAD2EFBEE64A72388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_33D1B1E3D46872EE853BFBEE64A7FA53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0256F96FB3DD746FAD2EFBEE64A72388" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_33D1B1E3D46872EE853BFBEE64A7FA53" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F56C9B31DC7BA76F6490FBEE64A79A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable_33D1B1E3D46872EE853BFBEE64A7FA53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F56C9B31DC7BA76F6490FBEE64A79A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FDF60CD8B3C83853E9C9FBEE64A75D17_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F56C9B31DC7BA76F6490FBEE64A79A8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FDF60CD8B3C83853E9C9FBEE64A75D17_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FDF60CD8B3C83853E9C9FBEE64A75D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentEquityMethodInvesteeNameAxis_F56C9B31DC7BA76F6490FBEE64A79A8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeNameDomain_FDF60CD8B3C83853E9C9FBEE64A75D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_DF0DD100337399D66D05FBEE64A740FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems_0256F96FB3DD746FAD2EFBEE64A72388" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsTextBlock_DF0DD100337399D66D05FBEE64A740FF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
</linkbase>


