UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): DECEMBER 5, 2003 ------------------------------ CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) TEXAS 1-31447 74-0694415 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer of incorporation) Identification No.) 1111 LOUISIANA HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 207-1111 ------------------------------ ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS. RATING AGENCY ACTION On December 5, 2003, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its corporate credit ratings on CenterPoint Energy, Inc. ("CenterPoint Energy"), CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric, LLC and CenterPoint Energy Resources Corporation. In addition, the outlook was revised to negative from stable. The outlook revision followed Reliant Resources, Inc.'s announcement that it is unlikely to exercise its option to purchase CenterPoint Energy's interest in Texas Genco Holdings, Inc. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CENTERPOINT ENERGY, INC. Date: December 9, 2003 By: /s/ James S. Brian ------------------------------- James S. Brian Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer