Our results are influenced by the expectations of our customers, investors, legislators, regulators and creditors. Those expectations are based, in part, on the actual or perceived reliability and affordability of our utility services. The speed with which we are able to respond effectively to electric outages, natural gas leaks or events and related accidents and similar interruptions caused by severe weather, physical or cybersecurity incidents or other unanticipated events, as well as our own or third parties’ actions or failure to act, can affect customer, regulator and legislator satisfaction. For example, various federal, state and local governmental and regulatory agencies and other entities have called for or are conducting inquiries and investigations into Hurricane Beryl and the efforts made by Houston Electric to prepare for, and respond to, this event, including the associated electric service outage issues. CenterPoint Energy and Houston Electric are also subject to current and potential future litigation and claims arising out of Hurricane Beryl. For more information regarding Hurricane Beryl-related risks, see “— Hurricane Beryl caused severe disruptions...” The level of rates, the timing and magnitude of rate increases, and the volatility of rates can also affect customer satisfaction. Our ability to successfully execute our capital plan may also affect customers’, investors’, legislators’, regulators’ and creditors’ opinions and actions. Opinions of us can also be affected by media coverage, including social media, which may include information, whether factual or not, that damages our brand and reputation. If customers, investors, legislators, regulators or creditors have or develop a negative opinion of us or our utility services, this could result in, among other things, less favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes or increased regulatory oversight, negative effects on our access to, and the cost of, capital, increased litigation and negative public perception. The foregoing may have adverse effects on our business, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition.