Last Updated on May 22, 2022 by Mary Pressler
CenterPoint Energy Rebate Programs
CenterPoint Energy has 2.5 million customers in the Greater Houston metropolitan area, making it the second largest utility in Texas (after Oncor). CenterPoint manages several energy efficiency programs, which have achieved 215 million kWh in annual electricity savings, and 152,000 metric tons of avoided carbon emissions.
The benefits achieved are equivalent to the annual electricity usage of 25,000 homes, or removing 32,000 cars from circulation. CenterPoint has 15 energy incentive programs that can be divided into three main categories:
Incentive Programs for Builders and Developers
- High Efficiency Homes Program
- Multi-Family Direct Install Program
- Multi-Family High Efficiency New Construction Program
- Multi-Family Water and Space Heating Program
Incentive Programs for Commercial and Small Industrial Facilities
- Commercial High-Efficiency Foodservice (CHEF) Program
- Commercial & Industrial Standard Offer
- Commercial Load Management
- Commercial Coolsaver Program
- Data Center Energy Efficiency Program (DCEEP)
- Healthcare Energy Efficiency Program (HEEP)
- Retro-Commissioning
- SCORE/CitySmart
Incentive Programs for Equipment Distributors & Contractors
- Mid-Stream Market Transformation Program
- Residential Standard Offer Program
- Hard-to-Reach Standard Offer Program
CenterPoint Incentive Programs for Builders and Developers
1) High Efficiency Homes
This program offers rebates for homebuilders and HERS raters who achieve energy savings of at least 10% or 750 kWh with respect to a baseline home, demonstrated with approved energy modeling software. Alternatively, a home can use prescriptive design features to earn the incentive. The following table summarizes the four tiers and the three compliance paths in the High Efficiency Homes program:
Energy Efficiency Tier | Incentive Amount ($) | Path #1
(kWh Savings) |
Path #2
(% kWh Savings) |
Path #3
(Prescriptive) |
Base Efficiency | $100 | 750 kWh | 10% | Not Available |
Tier 1 | $250 | 1,750 kWh | 15% | R38 Attic
R13-R15 Walls 16 SEER AC |
Tier 2 | $500 | 2,500 kWh | 20% | R38 Attic
≥R15 Walls >SEER 16 AC |
High Efficiency | $400 | 3,000 kWh | 25% | Not Available |
*NOTE: To qualify as Tier 2 or High Efficiency based on kWh savings or % savings, the home must also include one of the prescriptive Tier 2 measures.
When a home meets the requirements of two or three compliance paths, the incentive is calculated for the highest tier reached. For example, if a home saves 900 kWh (Tier 1) and this represents 15% of consumption (Tier 2), the incentive amount is $250 (Tier 2). In addition to offering rebates, the program supports developers with floor plan reviews, sales and operations training, and marketing materials.
2) Multi-Family High Efficiency New Construction Program
This program was created to promote the construction of low-rise multifamily projects with the ENERGY STAR certification. This is achieved by providing incentives and support for developers and HERS raters. The program targets developers and builders who meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Working with qualified raters during the design and construction stages.
- Achieving performance above code in their construction projects.
- Obtaining a building certification above code, from a recognized program.
As of 2021, the programs recognized by CenterPoint include: LEED, ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise (New Construction), Enterprise Green Communities, National Green Building Standard, Passive Building Certification, and the Living Building Challenge Certification.
The following table summarizes the incentive rates available under this program, according to the guidebook provided by CenterPoint:
Energy Efficiency Measures | Incentive Rate |
Base Performance Incentive, for savings up to 10% with respect to the baseline | $0.02 per kWh, up to $40 per unit |
Bonus Performance Incentive, for savings exceeding 10% with respect to the baseline | $0.04 per kWh, up to $80 per unit |
SEER 15 Central AC or Heat Pump | $40/unit |
SEER 16+ Central AC or Heat Pump | $125/unit |
Independent Mechanical Ventilation Fans | $50/unit |
ENERGY STAR Refrigerator | $40/unit |
ENERGY STAR Dishwasher | $10/unit |
ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer | $30/unit |
100% High Efficacy Lighting | $15/unit |
Above Code Windows | $30/unit |
R-19 / R13+5 ci Exterior Wall Insulation | $35/unit |
R-49 Attic Insulation (Alternative: R-25 ci entirely above roof deck for 4+ stories) | $20/unit |
Duct Leakage Testing (4+ stories only) | $25/unit |
Air Leakage Testing (4+ stories only) | $25/unit |
Bonus for Certification Above Code | $5/unit |
Incentive for the services of a Rater or other Qualified Professional | $20/unit (paid directly to the Rater or Qualified Professional) |
*NOTE: The performance and prescriptive incentives can be added, and at least two prescriptive measures must be implemented to be eligible.
3) Multifamily Water and Space Heating Program
This program provides energy efficiency incentives for non-electric water heaters in multifamily constructions. The equipment must exceed federal standards and local building codes to qualify. In the case of storage tank water heaters, the minimum efficiency factor (EF) is 0.62 for a 40-gallon system, and 0.60 for a 50-gallon system.
The following table summarizes the incentive rates under this program, which vary depending on the market segment of the multifamily building – market rate or hard-to-reach (HTR):
Energy Efficiency Measures | Incentive Rate |
Shared Tankless Gas Array | $250/unit (market rate)
$450/unit (HTR) |
Shared Central Gas Boiler, Water Heating Only | $150/unit (market rate)
$250/unit (HTR) |
Individual Gas Water Heaters, Tank or Tankless | $200/unit (market rate)
$300/unit (HTR) |
Combo Gas Water Heating and Space Heating System, In-Unit (incentive based on energy analysis) | $350-$500/unit (market rate)
$550-$700/unit (HTR) |
If a multifamily project qualifies for both the High Efficiency New Construction program and the Water and Space Heating program, it gets an additional rebate of $25-$40 per unit.
4) Multifamily Direct Install Program
Unlike the HENC and WSH programs, which provide incentives for new multifamily buildings, the direct install program is for existing affordable housing. The building is first inspected to determine eligibility, and qualifying properties get free upgrades, which include:
- ENERGY STAR rated LED bulbs, up to 20 per dwelling unit
- Kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators (<1.5 GPM)
- Low flow showerheads (<2.0 GPM)
- Hot water piping insulation (R3 or better)
The program also provides educational materials for residents, which include energy saving tips.
CenterPoint Incentive Programs for Commercial and Small Industrial Buildings
1) Commercial High-Efficiency Foodservice (CHEF) Program
The CHEF program from CenterPoint offers incentives for ENERGY STAR commercial kitchen equipment at the point of sale. The incentive is available from wholesalers, manufacturers, sales representatives, brand dealers, design consultants, industry buying groups, franchise groups and service/maintenance providers.
The following table summarizes the incentives available for all the ENERGY STAR product categories covered in the program:
Kitchen Equipment | Typical Savings (kWh) | Lifetime Savings ($) | Incentive ($) |
Dishwashers | 8,500 kWh/year | $18,000 | $150-$1,400 |
Ice Makers | 1,800 kWh/year | $1,345 | $150-$350 |
Combination Oven | 7,000 kWh/year | $7,450 | $400-$1,500 |
Convection Oven | 650 kWh/year | $680 | $300 |
Fryers | 2,390 kWh/year | $2,500 | $500 |
Steam Cookers | 1,500 kWh/year | $12,000 | $1,400-$2,000 |
Hot Food Cabinets | 3,000 kWh/year | $3,100 | $150-$900 |
Solid or Glass Door Reach-in Freezers | 900 kWh/year | $945 | $150-$450 |
Solid or Glass Door Reach-in Refrigerators | 400 kWh/year | $420 | $150-$250 |
*NOTE: The incentive amount depends on the product model and manufacturer.
These rebates can only be claimed for new equipment with the ENERGY STAR rating, and they must be used in a facility with a non-residential power meter (in the CenterPoint service area).
2) Commercial & Industrial Standard Offer
This program offers incentives for a wide range of energy efficiency measures, in new construction and existing buildings. However, new constructions must exceed the minimum requirements of energy efficiency standards to be eligible. The program classifies facilities into large or small, based on their current consumption and the targeted savings:
- Large facilities are those that currently have a peak demand of at least 100 kW in a single site, or 250 kW in multiple sites. These must achieve a demand reduction of at least 15 kW during summer, or energy savings of 100,000 kWh.
- Small commercial facilities are those with a peak demand below 100 kW. They must save at least 1 kW in demand, or 100 kWh in energy consumption.
The 2021 program budget is $6 million, and the demand reduction goal is 11.7 MW. The program opened on January 11, applications will be received until October 22, and the deadline is December 1.
The 2020 incentive program had an original budget of $5 million, and the savings goal was also 11.7 MW. Total incentives of $6 million were awarded, saving 11.5 MW. 402 projects were submitted, and 276 were completed by the end of the year. The energy efficiency measures installed can be broken down as follows:
- 59% lighting
- 25% direct-expansion cooling systems
- 8% refrigeration
- 4% other cooling systems
- 1% motor upgrades
- 1% VFDs
- 2% all other measures
In the 2020 program, 96% of energy efficiency projects were retrofits in existing buildings, and only 4% were new constructions.
The following table summarizes the incentive rates available in 2021:
Energy Efficiency Measure | Incentive per kW | Incentive per kWh |
Lighting: Fluorescent, HID, CFL, Halogen | $110/kW | $0.03/kWh |
Lighting: LED | $180/kW | $0.05/kWh |
Direct Expansion Cooling Systems | $275/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Chiller-Based Cooling Systems | $325/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Other Cooling Systems | $240/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Motor Upgrades | $180/kW | $0.07/kWh |
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) | $200/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Energy Efficient Window Film | $180/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Refrigeration | $220/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Food Service | $220/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Roofing | $240/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, etc.) | $200/kW | $0.02/kWh |
Other Measures | $200/kW | $0.07/kWh |
*NOTE: The incentive cap is 50% of installed costs.
3) Commercial Load Management
The Texas electricity grid must deal with demand peaks during summer, and this is caused in great part by air conditioning systems in homes and businesses. The commercial load management program rewards non-residential consumers who can quickly decrease their demand when requested, which eases the transmission and distribution burden on the grid.
- To be eligible, participants must be capable of shedding at least 100 kW, and CenterPoint will notify them 30 minutes in advance when the load reduction is required.
- There will be two tests in a given year, and four unscheduled events depending on how demand peaks behave.
- The availability period for curtailments is from June 1 to September 30, between 1 and 7 PM, on weekdays that are not federal holidays.
Participants must have a Smart Meter or Interval Data Recorder, and the program requires a one-year commitment. They can opt out early without facing penalties, but they will also miss the rewards, which are awarded until the end of the program year.
- As of 2021, the program awards up to $30 per kilowatt of verified curtailed load. There is a total savings goal of 110 MW, with a program budget of $3.3 million.
- The 2020 program budget was also $3.3 million, but the incentive rate was $31.50/kW and the savings target was 104.76 MW.
4) Commercial CoolSaver Program
This program offers free AC tune-ups for commercial customers, which would normally have a typical cost of $140 each. The service is offered by approved contractors, and consumers must meet the following conditions to be eligible:
- Having a central air conditioner or heat pump with at least 25 tons of capacity, which is at least one year old.
- Not having received a tune-up from the CoolSaver program in the previous 5 years.
- Outdoor temperature above 70°F.
An AC tune-up can reduce your electricity bills during summer, without having to invest in a new unit. The measure also contributes to indoor air quality and comfort, since the AC system will work optimally during the summer.
5) Data Center Energy Efficiency Program (DCEEP)
Data centers have a very important role in the modern business world, since they host e-commerce platforms and critical applications. The DCEEP from CenterPoint was created for the data center industry, helping operators improve their reliability and uptime.
- This program offers cash incentives for energy efficiency measures in data centers.
- There is also free technical assistance such as energy assessments, savings calculations, and benchmarking.
- The program is available for non-residential sites with a service voltage below 69 kV, and they cannot be government or non-profit buildings.
Data center projects must be subject to an inspection and approval before the application. Owners can reach out before the planning stage begins, so the CenterPoint program managers can recommend improvements that save energy.
6) Healthcare Energy Efficiency Program (HEEP)
The HEEP is another no-cost program from CenterPoint, which provides cash incentives and technical assistance for commercial healthcare facilities: hospitals, clinics, assisted living facilities, nursing care facilities, laboratories, medical offices, etc. The technical assistance available includes energy assessments, savings calculations, and benchmarking.
7) Retro-Commissioning
The retro-commissioning (RCx) program for CenterPoint focuses on finding low-cost or zero-cost measures to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. Eligible commercial buildings can receive a free analysis, which can be compared to an ASHRAE Level 2 Audit. The facility types covered by the program include manufacturing plants, hospitals, university campuses and retail spaces.
The free energy analysis comes with one important condition: Customers who get the benefit must implement the measures proposed, at their own expenses.
- To make sure that this happens, the program requires each participant to commit $5,000 upfront, to be used for measures with a bundled payback period of less than 1.5 years.
- Individual measures can have payback periods of up to 5 years, as long as the combined payback is less than 1.5 years.
- The amount of $5,000 can be reduced if the total cost of the measures identified is smaller.
The program focuses on low-cost measures with quick payback periods. Some examples are HVAC temperature reset, outside air reduction, HVAC start-up optimization, LED lighting schedule adjustments, and speed controls for electric motors. If a commercial customer decides not to install the energy efficiency measures, the recommissioning service must be paid, at a rate of $0.05 per kWh of identified savings.
The 2021 program has introduced an incentive for Monitoring Based Commissioning (MBCx), which consists of commissioning a building more frequently with the help of hardware and software. MBCx uses data analysis to identify new opportunities to save energy, and also to detect areas in which performance has dropped.
The program provides a cash incentive if the energy efficiency measures are implemented quickly, considering two factors:
- Achieved percentage of the proposed savings.
- Time in which the percentage was achieved.
The maximum incentive for fast implementation is $0.06/kWh, which is available for achieving at least 95% of the identified savings in less than a month. If the savings percentage achieved is lower, or the project takes longer, the incentive is gradually reduced. There is also an incentive of $0.03/kWh for implementing an MBCx system (Monitoring Based Commissioning).
8) SCORE/CitySmart
This is a more general program, which offers financial incentives and technical assistance for a wide range of commercial buildings. These include schools, universities, municipalities, religious organizations and non-profit organizations. The technical assistance offered includes services like energy benchmarking, energy master plan development, access to funding sources, and media communications support.
The SCORE Program offers incentives for specific energy efficiency measures, which are very similar to those offered in the Commercial and Industrial Standard Offer Program. These incentives can be claimed for new constructions, renovations, and maintenance projects.
Energy Efficiency Measure | Incentive per kW | Incentive per kWh |
Lighting: Fluorescent, HID, CFL, Halogen, LED tubes and kits | $110/kW | $0.03/kWh |
Lighting: LED Fixtures | $180/kW | $0.05/kWh |
Direct Expansion Cooling Systems | $275/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Chiller-Based Cooling Systems | $325/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Other Cooling Systems | $240/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Motor Upgrades | $180/kW | $0.07/kWh |
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), retrofit only | $200/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Energy Efficient Window Film, retrofit only | $180/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Refrigeration | $220/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Food Service | $220/kW | $0.06/kWh |
Roofing (retrofit only) | $240/kW | $0.09/kWh |
Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, etc.) | $200/kW | $0.02/kWh |
Other Measures | $200/kW | $0.07/kWh |
The 2021 SCORE/CitySmart program has a budget of $2,107,908, with a savings goal of 17,900,000 kWh and 4,600 kW.
The 2020 budget was originally $2,307,908, with a target of 19,205,000 kWh and 5,000 kW. However, the program achieved savings of 20,574,534 kWh and 5,277 kW, exceeding its target, at a cost of $2,328,977. The savings were equipment to the consumption of 1,679 homes, and the environmental benefit was equivalent to removing 3,143 cars from circulation.