Centerpoint Energy

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed

No

NEM Type

N/A

TOU Utility

No

Post Solar Billing Method

Export Rate

Solar Export Type

Fixed kWh

Solar Export Value Notes

Centerpoint offers no credit for excess solar generation exported to the grid. Customers must sign up with a third-party supplier who offers a buyback credit.

Net Excess Generation Notes

• For customers who utilize Centerpoint as their energy supplier, Centerpoint does not offer a solar buyback program (i,e. net metering or an export rate) and thereby does not give any credit for excess solar generation exported to the grid.
• It is the customer's responsibility to sign up with a retail energy provider who offers a buyback program to maximize the value of their solar system, which they are strongly encouraged to do.

Rebates Offered

No

Deregulated

No

Allows Standby

Yes

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install

Yes

Supply Side Taps Allowed

Yes

Line Taps Allowed

Yes

Load Taps Allowed

Yes

Tap Criteria

• Tap in the Utility Meter can is not allowed.
• Taps require Fused AC Disconnect.
• If generator is present: tap must be inside ATS enclosure above the main breaker.
• Taps are allowed as long as a main breaker is present.

Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size

0

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions

0

System Size Restriction Type

No Restrictions

System Size Battery Included

No

System Size Includes Existing Systems

No

Offset Type

No Restrictions

Offset Value

0

Offset Calculation Period

0

Industry Standard Watts Sqft

2

Offset Calc Tool

N/A

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required

No

Production Meter Position

N/A

Production Meter Labeling

N/A

AC Disconnect Required

Yes

AC Disconnect Labeling

Visible Lockable Labeled Disconnect

Meter Spot Required

No

Allowed Meter Adapter

None

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs

All Jobs:

• ESID REQUIRED ON ALL PROJECTS
• METER NUMBER REQUIRED ON ALL PROJECTS
• Show all systems, new and existing, on both Site and Roof Plans.
• Utility Meter cannot be inside unless approved by Centerpoint Energy.
• AC Disconnects need to be accessible to CNP linemen/personnel and emergency workers, 24/7
• The address called out anywhere in the plans must reference the same zip code as the utility bill. This is regardless of how the zip code appears in any other place the address is listed.

Existing Systems:

• Include model number of (E) inverter on site plan
• Include quantity, make, and model number of (E) equipment on site plan.

SLD Reqs

All Jobs:

• Main Breaker Enclosure must be labeled as Main Breaker Enclosure instead of MSP. (Centerpoint considers a Main Service Panel a load center that contains an internal panelboard with branch breakers feeding loads.)
• Include Inverter comment on SLD: COMPLIES WITH PUCT RULE 25.212
• Main Service Panel must include a Main Breaker. Hot Bus MSPs are not allowed.
• Backfeed Breaker must be at end opposite Main Breaker.
• For projects with Auto Transfer Switch, ELD must show Generator, ATS, MSP and UM.

Battery Projects:

• If gutter box is used, show it on the ELD and provide pictures of its inside and outside.
• Mode of Operation document required. See "UTILITY MODE OF OPERATION"
• ESS and Solar both need (VLLD - Visible Lockable Labeled AC Disconnect) use generation disconnect or separate disconnects
• Battery Model number must be labeled as well, Tesla Powerwall AC Powerwall 2012170-xx-y (this is a newer requirement from Oncor/CenterPoint)
• TPW3 MODEL NUMBER 1707000-xx-y

Taps:

Houston Branch Preference

If exterior MBE exists, preferred POI hierarchy.

1. Line Side Tap within Exterior MBE
2. PV Breaker Tie In interior MSP
3. Do not de-rate to 175A Main Breakers. Only available main breakers are 100A,125A, 150A, and 200A.

Existing Systems:

• The existing module layout will need to show individual modules, not a single block.

Electric Service Reqs

• FPE panels are an auto MPU.

Install Reqs

Required Photos:

• Utility has strict requirements, see Pictures Requested.

Placards

• If the AC Disconnect is out of line or sight or further than 10' from the CNP meter, a placard on/near the CNP meter must show the location of the AC Disconnect.
• DER sticker is required on the meter can.
• Placard map must include all fences and gates, locked or unlocked.
• Label fence opening POINT OF ENTRANCE.
• .

Electrical Stamp Required

No

Meter Num Req SLD 3LD

Yes

ESID Num Req SLD 3LD

Yes

Site Plan Notes

All Jobs [IF THE AC DISCONNECT IS FURTHER THAN TEN FEET AWAY, OR NOT IN LINE OF SIGHT FROM POINT OF INTERCONNECTION, A PLACARD WILL INDICATE ITS LOCATION.]

Electrical Diagram Notes

All Jobs [IF THE AC DISCONNECT IS FURTHER THAN TEN FEET AWAY, OR NOT IN LINE OF SIGHT FROM POINT OF INTERCONNECTION, A PLACARD WILL INDICATE ITS LOCATION]

Rate Schedule Link

link

Website

link

Phone

(713) 659-2111

Other details

Revision Required

Yes

Mod Swap Requires Planset

Yes