CenterPoint Energy: Residential and Small Commercial Efficiency Program

CenterPoint Energy's (CNP) Residential and Small Commercial Standard Offer Program (SOP) provides incentives to encourage contractors to install energy efficiency measures in homes and small businesses in CNP's designated service area. Contractors who install energy efficiency measures at a facility that has a maximum demand of no more than 100 kW are eligible to participate in the program as a "project sponsor". Multiple facilities can aggregate projects, but must not have a maximum combined demand of more than 250 kW. All payments to project sponsors are based solely on kW and kWh savings. Examples of eligible projects include:

• Increasing insulation levels in the ceiling, wall or floor
• Installing energy efficient windows
• Repairing/replacing the air conditioning duct system
• Upgrading existing appliances to efficient appliances, such as water heaters, refrigerators, and dishwashers
• Weatherizing the home to reduce the loss of cool or heated air

Note that CenterPoint Energy is not a party to the agreement between the customer and the project sponsor. CNP pays all incentives directly to the project sponsors, not to customers. Project sponsors are not required to provide any direct incentives to customers, but are required to execute a contract with customers indicating that the project sponsor is participating in a CNP program and is receiving incentives for participating.

The Hard to Reach Program targets apartment complexes subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that provide housing for households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. The Public Utility Commission of Texas requires that each utility meet at least 5 percent of its savings goal each year through programs targeted to this customer class. Check website: more restrictions apply.