Electric Efficiency Common Terminology

The list below includes commonly used terminology used at CenterPoint Energy when referring to Electric Efficiency.

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  • Demand = kilowatts (kW)
  • Energy = kilowatt hour (kWh)
  • HVAC = Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning
  • Implementer = CenterPoint’s third-party contactor and/or consultant. For some programs, Implementers work with sponsors directly to manage projects
  • Incentive = Cash awarded to Sponsor AFTER a project has been completed AND peak electric demand savings have been verified based on a deemed savings approach approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas.
  • LED = Light Emitting Diode
  • Market Transformation Program = Participants are selected based on project capability
  • Measure = Any installed equipment that results in demand and energy savings
  • Measurement and Verification (M&V) = Process to determine and/or verify utility claimed energy and demand and energy savings for project measures
  • Peak Demand = Electrical demand at the times of highest annual demand on the utility’s system
  • Project = The installation on an approved energy efficiency measure that will result in annual demand and/or energy savings.
  • SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating
  • Sponsor = Program Applicant and/or Participant
  • Standard Offer Program = a program under which a utility administers standard offer contracts between the utility and energy efficiency service providers