BEFORE YOU BUY:

How will I benefit by installing a standby generator?
If you've lost power for any length of time due to severe weather such as a hurricane or due to other disruptions, you can understand the importance of backup power generation for home offices, security systems, food refrigeration, air conditioning, water wells and more. When you install a natural gas standby generator, you'll get peace of mind, knowing that even if there's an outage, within seconds, you will continue to enjoy the comfort and convenience electricity provides. And because they use natural gas, they are very reliable and convenient, unlike gasoline generators that require constant refueling.

Why is CenterPoint Energy offering this promotion to customers?

We know life in this part of the country includes the possibility of severe and sometimes catastrophic weather, which can disrupt electric service and your lifestyle. If you've lost power for any length of time due to hurricanes, floods, blistering heat or even ice storms, you can appreciate the importance of backup power generation.
You can't control the weather, but you can control how you weather the storm with the purchase and installation of a qualifying natural gas standby generator through a participating dealer in CenterPoint Energy's 2011 Natural Gas Standby Generator Program. With the start of the 2011 hurricane season right around the corner, it's time to prepare your family and home for the storm season ahead. The installation process from start to finish can take up to several weeks, so act now.

What are the details of the $500 off your natural gas bill offer?
To be eligible for the $500 bill credit, you:

• Must be a CenterPoint Energy customer in the Greater Houston-area
• Must contract for the purchase and installation of a permanently installed natural gas standby generator between April 15, 2011 and April 14, 2012.  Customers with purchase contracts or actual installations prior to the promotional start date are not eligible for the bill credit.
• Must purchase the generator from a participating dealers in CenterPoint Energy’s 2011 Natural Gas Standby Generator Program.
• Must sign the Customer Account Payment Authorization form provided by the participating dealer.

Only participating dealers, are authorized to provide a payment of $500 towards your CenterPoint Energy natural gas bill based on the purchase and installation of a qualifying generator.  This payment will appear on your monthly billing statement as a credit on your natural gas account within one to two billing cycles after the participating dealer supplies the proper authorization form to CenterPoint Energy.  This credit will remain on your account until such time as your subsequent billed amounts, based on monthly natural gas usage, equals or exceeds the $500 credit.  Once the participating dealer applied credit amount on your account has been equaled or exceeded, you will be responsible for any remaining balance on the monthly billing statement and for all subsequent payments on your monthly natural gas account.      

What type of generator is right for me?
Natural gas standby generators can power your entire home, including your air conditioner, or just selected circuits for your refrigerator, lights and fans. Consider your needs and desired level of comfort. Do you have personal possessions that are likely to be damaged by extended periods of excessive heat and humidity or extreme cold? Do you work from a home office or operate a home-based business that would be affected by an extended power outage? If so, a whole home, natural gas powered generator may be right for you.

Why should I buy a permanently installed automatic standby generator instead of a portable generator?
During a power outage, an automatic standby generator provides numerous advantages over a portable generator:

• The American Red Cross recommends permanently installed standby generators as a safer way to provide backup power to a home than a portable generator.
  
• With an automatic standby generator properly installed outside, your home is protected from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning that is a much greater risk with portable generators.
  
• Running on the home's natural gas fuel supply is less expensive than gasoline and does not need to be refilled.
  
• They start automatically within seconds of a power outage, and eliminate the need to haul a portable generator outside or run extension cords throughout your home.
  
• They provide protection 24/7, whether you're home or away, and they turn themselves off when utility power returns, so there is no need to monitor the unit during an outage.
  

How do I correctly size a generator for my home?
The most logical way to determine your needs is to envision your home without power! Some outages may be short in duration, while others could last for days or weeks. What would you like your living conditions to be? Do you just need lights and a few appliances or do you want to power your entire home, including your air conditioner or furnace?

Generators typically come with predetermined numbers of circuits based on the generator's kW power rating. Eight circuits are supplied for the eight kW generator and as many as 16 circuits are supplied for the 17 kW generator. Each circuit is directly connected to a matched circuit on the home's main circuit breaker panel, providing electricity to that specific appliance or area of the home.
We recommend consulting with a participating dealer or a qualified electrician to accurately and safely determine the right size generator based on your needs.

Why should I choose a participating dealer?
First, only a participant dealer is authorized to offer you $500 off your natural gas when you purchase and install a qualifying generator.
Second, a standby generator is a significant investment and you want to be sure you're contracting with a qualified dealer. All participating program dealers provide customers with the following benefits and met the following eligibility requirements for participation in the program:

Benefits

• Only participating dealers automatically qualify for CenterPoint Energy's streamlined service process which expedites the installation of your generator.
• All dealers are approved and recommended by Generac (nation's leading installer of standby generators)
• All participating dealers provide turnkey installations including securing all necessary permits,
• CenterPoint Energy's dealer selection criteria exceeds general industry standards, participating dealers must comply with this criteria or be removed from the program (View All Eligibility Requirements)
  Eligibility Requirements
• Must hold either Premier or Elite Status with Generac (nation's leading installer of standby generators)
• Must undertake extensive product and installation training,
• Must have factory trained service technicians on staff
• Must be recertified periodically in strict accordance with Generac established guidelines
• Must carry ample parts and inventory.
• Must be licensed for turnkey generator installation
• Must carry worker's compensation insurance in the amount of $1M or greater
• Must have a General Liability insurance exceeding $1M
• Must perform installations by or under the direction of a licensed master electrician
• Must perform installations by or under the direction of a licensed master plumber
• Must comply with all relevant local, state and national codes
• Must offer turnkey installations including securing all necessary permits,
• Must offer warranties on generators and related equipment
• Must offer post sales maintenance agreements

Why is it better to choose natural gas to fuel my generator instead of gasoline or propane?
The most important reason to choose a natural gas generator is reliability. Natural gas pipelines are buried underground so they're less susceptible to damaging winds and flooding common with severe storms. Natural gas is also delivered directly to your home. You won't have to worry about storing or running out of fuel because a fuel truck can't reach your home or neighborhood gas station. And even if gasoline is available at the pump, gasoline pumps won't work without electricity. Finally, natural gas typically costs less for emergency generation than gasoline or propane.

What do I need to do during a power outage?
Relax. Natural gas standby generators start automatically within seconds of sensing a power outage. Once electric power is restored, the generator shuts down allowing service to flow from the electric utility. And just to make sure they work when you need them, natural gas generators automatically test themselves each week. For more information, view Generac's how-to video now. To ensure that your generator can support you during an extended power outage, ask your generator dealer to run a full load test for a minimum of one hour following final installation.

What is the difference between an automatic air-cooled generator and an automatic liquid-cooled generator?
The engines! Air-cooled generators come with engines that use fans to force air across the engine for cooling, while liquid-cooled generators use enclosed radiator systems for cooling, similar to an automobile. Generally, liquid-cooled engines are used on larger kW generators due to the larger engines required for the higher power output.

How long can I expect an automatic standby generator to last?
With typical usage and proper maintenance, an automatic standby generator will operate 1,500 to 3,000 hours providing years of reliable service.

Do they have to be maintained?
Yes, simple maintenance is required. All generators require periodic oil and filter changes to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Preventative maintenance kits are available and many participating dealers offer annual maintenance contracts for a worry-free ownership experience. Refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.

How much does a generator cost?
Prices vary based upon the need for whole house or partial service and where the generator is installed. A standard installation package for a 2,000 square foot home usually requires a 16 to 17 kilowatt generator, which costs approximately $8,500 to $10,000 and typically includes six feet of electric and six feet of gas line, city permits and licenses required for the installation. The participating dealer will help you determine the most cost-effective solution for you.

Please note that list prices found at hardware and home improvement stores typically reflect the purchase cost of the generator and not the total installed cost. By participating in the CenterPoint Energy program, a participating dealer will provide you with a turnkey solution, which includes a correctly sized generator and the proper connections to your electrical and natural gas service.

Are financing options available?
Yes. Financing, service and maintenance contracts and other options that make owning a generator easier and more affordable are available through participating dealers.  

Can I get a quote over the phone from a participating dealer?
Because each generator installation is somewhat unique, it's difficult to determine actual costs without a site visit by a participating dealer and a CenterPoint Energy representative. We recommended you contact several of our participating dealers and arrange site visits to determine the actual generator installation cost.

Can I install my own natural gas standby generator?
Installing a standby generator is a complex job best left to trained and licensed professionals, such as CenterPoint Energy's Natural Gas Standby Generator Program participating dealers. We require that participating dealers meet stringent eligibility standards including years of experience in the installation and safe operation of natural gas standby generators. We urge you to take all the necessary steps towards a safe installation.

How long will it take for my standby generator to be installed?
Generator sales and installations typically take two to three weeks, but peak during periods of severe weather, such as hurricane season, so plan on a three-week minimum for your generator installation especially over the summer months. Participating dealers automatically qualify for CenterPoint Energy's streamlined service process which helps expedites the installation of your generator, but if you want to be prepared for severe weather this summer, don't wait for the first sign of trouble in the Gulf.

Will I need a permit to install the generator?
If your property is within the city limits, you will likely require certain permits and inspections as part of the installation process. Your participating dealer will secure all necessary permits for you.

Will CenterPoint Energy install my generator?
No. CenterPoint Energy only provides the reliable supply of natural gas that fuels your generator. The participating dealers handle the turnkey installation from initial site visit to final testing of the unit. To ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction, we require that participating dealers meet stringent eligibility standards to join the program.

I already have a natural gas meter, what else do I need from CenterPoint Energy before my generator can be installed?
Generators require a steady supply of natural gas at a specific pressure to operate properly. In some cases, this might require an upgrade of your existing meter to serve your generator and other natural gas appliances or an additional service line and meter. Your participating dealer will make this assessment along with the assistance of a trained CenterPoint Energy representative, if necessary. The dealer will review your desired generator location, gauge its proximity to your natural gas and electric services, review local permitting and code requirements and calculate the costs. If CenterPoint Energy installs an additional natural gas service line and meter, each month you will receive a separate bill for your second meter.

Another important advantage to working with a professionally trained participating dealer and a CenterPoint Energy service representative is that you can be assured of adequate pressure to operate your generator. Only a CenterPoint Energy service representative is familiar with the local gas distribution system and can determine if pressure in the main lines is sufficient.