Rapid Power Management: Rebate Programs

Legal Mandate

In 1999, then Governor George Bush signed into law Senate Bill 7, which required investor owned utilities (IOUs) to reduce electrical demand within Texas by 10% by January 2004. As a result, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) adopted Substantive Rule 25.181, which enforces this requirement through Electrical Efficiency Programs.

Available Programs

The PUCT worked with each IOU to create a template for several efficiency programs, and while each IOU has some leeway regarding their own program, most offer similar incentives for both residential and commercial customers.

The most common program available for business clients is the Commercial & Industrial Standard Offer, which provides a rebate for the implementation of measures that reduce demand at least 20 kW during peak summer periods, defined as May 1 – September 30 from 1PM – 7 PM.

Project Eligibility

Not all clients or projects qualify for a utility rebate under this program. The following list includes the most common criteria.

Minimum demand requirement of 100 kW
Minimum demand reduction of 20 kW during peak summer periods.
Savings must be achieved through increases in energy efficiency
Measures must have a useful life of at least 10 years
Installed equipment must exceed state and federal minimum efficiency standards