A Project Sponsor's first formal step in participating in the SOP is the submission of an Application to CenterPoint Energy. Applications are to be submitted using the forms provided in Appendix A as soon as possible after the CenterPoint Energy bid period opens in order to increase the proposer's chances of being awarded a Contract offer. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to ranking based on factors including but not limited to: the amount and type of load to be curtailed, CenterPoint Energy's perceived likelihood that the proposer will be able to consistently curtail, environmental issues (if any) involved in the curtailment proposals.

By submitting the Application and its required attachments and supplemental information, the Project Sponsor is requesting that CenterPoint Energy review the Application and, if the Application is approved, to reserve funding for the Project Sponsor based on the proposed level of demand savings in the Application, pending execution of the Standard Offer Contract (see Appendix B).

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all incentive funding has been committed. If an Application is accepted, CenterPoint Energy will forward the Project Sponsor a Standard Agreement for the project

The application form includes questions which all Project Sponsors are required to complete. The form includes some specific business information such as:

Project Sponsors must provide information about the scope of their proposed project(s). The type of information requested includes the following:

1. Customer Information
   Information about the customers associated with all loads that the Project Sponsor proposes to include as Curtailable Load. If a Project Sponsor's proposed project involves multiple customers, the Project Sponsor should submit separate information for each customer. The following information shall be submitted:
   
   
• Customer name
• Customer address
• Project Site address
• Customer business description
• Site contact name(s), phone number, fax number and e-mail address that will allow CNP to contact customer during summer peak demand periods, if necessary
  
  
2. CENTERPOINT ENERGY Texas Distribution Account Number (ESI ID)
   This number can be identified on the customer's electric bill as a 17 digit number, for example:
   
   ESI ID: 10089010400012345
   
   In order to verify if a customer is a CenterPoint Energy customer, the Project Sponsor should look for the distinguishing number, 10089010, which identifies it as a CenterPoint Energy meter. The ESI ID must be available for each participant meter and must be a CenterPoint Energy meter.
   
   
3. Site Profile(s)A profile must be completed for each customer site and shall include estimated demand savings for the site, building type(s), operating schedules, and any additional site information that Project Sponsor believes is appropriate.
   
   
4. Management Plan
   This information includes the design, implementation, operation, and management of the project.
   
   
5. Curtailable Load
   A description of Curtailable Load and processes for curtailment at each customer site. The description must include estimated kW reductions for each site during a one-hour peak demand period curtailment and the estimated incentive amount resulting from such curtailment.
   
   
6. Project Sponsor Contact Telephone Numbers
   Primary and secondary telephone numbers are to be provided where CenterPoint Energy can contact Project Sponsor to provide advance notification of a Scheduled or Unscheduled load curtailment. A representative of Project Sponsor must be available at this number at all times during peak summer demand hours to accept and act on these calls. Should Project Sponsor need to change the contact telephone number(s) during the term of the project, it must provide a new contact telephone number to CenterPoint Energy at least two business days prior to the date the new number will take effect.
   
   
7. Project Sponsor Contact Name(s) and Information
   Identification and information related to one or more representative(s) of the Project Sponsor who are responsible for implementation of the project. Phone number(s), pager number(s), mobile phone number(s), fax number(s), and email address(es) should be provided if available to allow CenterPoint Energy to communicate with Project Sponsor concerning the SOP.
   
   
8. Customer Agreement
   This agreement is required from customers contracting with a Project Sponsor and from customers who act as their own Project Sponsor. The executable Customer Agreement will be prepared by CenterPoint Energy for qualifying and selected applicant agencies. A read-only copy of the Customer Agreement is included in the Manual as Appendix B. Proposers are encouraged to conduct an early review this draft Agreement.
   
   
9. Supporting Documentation
   Project Sponsors may submit additional supporting documentation that they determine to be relevant for any project, and CenterPoint Energy reserves the right to request additional information during the course of its review of the Application.
   
   

As part of the Application review, CenterPoint Energy will review the feasibility of the proposed Curtailable Load and the accuracy of the demand savings estimates. CenterPoint Energy may request clarification of, or additional information about, any item in the Application. Project Sponsors must respond to such requests within the time period specified by CenterPoint Energy. If the clarification or additional information is not forthcoming in a timely manner, CenterPoint Energy may choose to discontinue its evaluation of the Application.

Application packages must include all Application materials and supporting documents and the signed Standard Offer Agreement and certifications.

The SOP is subject to oversight by the PUCT, which may request a copy of any program materials that CenterPoint Energy receives. Sensitive company and project information submitted by the Project Sponsor to CenterPoint Energy such as load information, process descriptions, management information, and financial statements will be treated confidentially.

CenterPoint Energy reserves the right to discontinue its evaluation of all submittals and terminate all Agreements of a Project Sponsor if it is determined that any submission or part of the submission contains intentionally false, misleading, or materially incorrect information.