Connecting your system to the grid

1. Contact CenterPoint Energy for prescreen options and project classifications.
2. CenterPoint receives completed application and documentation through the web portal.
3. Application is reviewed, and CenterPoint determines if a study fee will be required.

1. If a system impact study is required, the customer is informed of the study fee cost and any additional information required for the study.
2. The system impact study begins once CenterPoint Energy receives payment and all requested information.
3. The interconnection study takes approximately 8 to 18 weeks and is dependent on the complexity of the project. Occasionally, this timeframe is extended due to additional information requested.
4. Upon completion of the study, CenterPoint informs the customer of the outcome. If applicable, a cost estimate is provided, typically within 4 weeks of study outcome for Retail DER (SODG) or 7+ weeks for Wholesale DER (DESR, DGR).
   • NOTE: CenterPoint will provide the cost estimate for equipment to be purchased and installed by CenterPoint. However, any additional equipment required at the customer location needs to be procured and installed by the customer.

1. CenterPoint Energy receives an upfront payment corresponding to the cost estimate provided as well as the signed cost estimate agreement before construction begins.
2. If an upgrade to a pad mounted transformer is required, there may be a lead-time (historically 18 to 55 weeks, though this may not be accurate to present day).
3. If Transfer Trip protection is required, CenterPoint Telecom performs a path loss study to determine the communication options. Then CenterPoint begins the equipment procurement process and construction is scheduled. The lead time for transfer of trip construction is approximately 12 months
4. Customer procures necessary equipment and installs at their location.
5. Construction is completed.

1. Transfer Trip protection testing (if applicable):
   • CenterPoint Energy schedules and tests the Transfer Trip protection scheme with the customer.
2. Customer relay testing and site inspection:
   • Prior to actual synchronization with the CenterPoint grid, a field inspection is scheduled and conducted for CenterPoint to witness relay testing (third-party, customer hired) and confirm the installation meets PUC and CenterPoint requirements.
   • CenterPoint also verifies the installed equipment matches the information provided in the application and system impact study documentation.
   • The customer provides CenterPoint with a test report from the third-party testing agency detailing the results of the test.

1. An interconnection agreement is prepared and must be signed by the customer. This may occur in parallel with construction.
2. Upon completion of the aforementioned steps, CenterPoint Energy notifies and provides the customer with:
   • A copy of the fully executed interconnection agreement.
     
   • A letter stating the DER owner is officially granted Permission to Operate (PTO).​​
     

CenterPoint Energy is a regulated "poles and wires" utility, which means that although we do not sell electricity directly to the end user, we deliver electricity to more than two million customers on behalf of the REPs. CenterPoint does not bill customers directly.

If you are interested in installing a portable generator and a transfer switch (ATS), you will need to register the equipment with our ATS team. More information on ATS can be found here. All ATS-related questions can be sent to ATS.Approvals@CenterPointEnergy.com. Find more information on how to request ATS approval here.