CenterPoint Energy Residential SOP - Customers
Through effective measures put into law, the state of Texas has taken a huge step toward ensuring that you have the opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home and/or business, resulting in lower utility bills and increased comfort.
Over $80 million annually is made available to contractors statewide to work with you to perform an array of energy efficiency activities to lower your utility bill. At CenterPoint Energy, we have implemented programs utilizing a portion of that funding to encourage contractors to install energy efficiency measures in your homes in our designated service area.
How the Program Works
Your local electric utility is charged with the responsibililty to administer this program. The program is designed to be simple and beneficial for all parties involved. In short, contractors agree with you to do projects that promote energy efficiency and CenterPoint Energy agrees to pay the contractor a price established by the Public Utiilty Commission of Texas. The contractor is not part of, or endorsed by the commission or the utility.
Important note: CenterPoint Energy is not a party to the agreement between you and your contractor, and the contractor is solely responsible for the performance of the work and contract fulfillment.
Funding provided by the regulated electric utility for this program is approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas in support of statewide energy efficiency efforts.
What is a Project?
A project can cover a wide array of energy efficiency measure. Examples of eligible projects include:
 Increase the insulation levels in the ceiling, wall or floor.
Install energy efficient windows.
Repair or replace the air conditioning duct system.
Install a high efficiency lighting system.
Replace existing air conditioning system with a high efficiency system.
Upgrade existing appliances to efficient appliances, such as water heaters, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Weatherize the home to reduce the loss of cool or heated air.
What is Your Role?
Which Program Fits You?
Residential
This program covers a broad array of energy efficiency measures in the following applications:
- Single-family - retrofit, limited new construction
- Multi-family - retrofit, new construction
- Manufactured homes - retrofit, new construction
This program also has incentives available for income eligible participants.
Hard to Reach Program
This program also covers a broad array of energy efficiency measures with the requirement that a comprehensive combination of measures be installed. This program targets income eligibility customers only. The following applications apply:
- Single-family - retrofit
- Multi-family - retrofit
* Note: Income eligible is defined as customers with an annual household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or who meet certain other qualifications (example: family of four, whose annual income is less than approximately $43,000).
Know Your Rights
The products and services you purchase in conjunction with the program are offered with your best interest in mind. Still, when doing business with any contractor, it is important to keep your rights in mind.
The importance of asking questions cannot be overemphasized. Not only will you gain knowledge needed to make an informed decision, but you may be alerted to future problems if the contractor is unable to answer your questions or provide references.
Personally inspect the work. Do not sign the contractor's sign out form until you are assured that the work is done completely and properly.
Remember - you have 72 hours (3 days) to cancel any contract you sign with a contractor.
To file a complaint, contact:
- Office of Customer Protection of the Public Utility Commission of Texas at 1-888-782-8477
- Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508
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Discuss the available services and how they will make your home more efficient.