1. Working with Trade Allies to
Enhance Energy Efficiency
Programs
CenterPoint Energy
Todd Berreman
Manager, CIP Implementation
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2. About CenterPoint Energy
• The third-largest publicly
traded natural gas delivery
company in the U.S.
• Over 3.2 million natural gas
customers in six states
• Natural Gas Energy
Efficiency programs in 3
states. (AR, MN, OK)
• Working with trade allies
since 1992 in MN.
• Developing trade ally
networks in AR & OK.

3. Trade Ally
Partners
Residential
• HVAC Dealers and Distributors
• Plumbers
• Hearth Dealers & Distributors
• Insulation Contractors
Commercial
• Mechanical Contractors & Distributors
• Architects & Engineers
• Foodservice Dealers, Distributors
• Manufacturer Representatives

4. Trade Ally
Impact
• More than 90% of CenterPoint Energy’s
residential rebates were submitted
by trade allies in 2011!
• Trade allies contributed more than
230,000 Dth’s of savings to
residential CIP results!
• CenterPoint Energy finished #1 in
J.D. Power customer satisfaction
survey among large Midwest utilities
in 2011.

5. Trade Allies
“The Value of CIP”
• Increase profits by using
rebates as a sales tool.
Upsell to higher efficiency
equipment by promoting
CIP rebates.
• Differentiate yourself from the
competition.
List rebates as a line item
discount on all proposals.

6. Trade Allies
“The Value of CIP”
• Increase customer satisfaction
Offering $$ saving programs
will increase customer
satisfaction.
• Trade Ally incentives available
from select utilities
$50 trade ally incentive per
furnace and $15 per
water heater for CNP trade
allies.
Various incentives available
for commercial installations.

7. Energy Efficiency
2010-2012 CIP Triennial Plan- Residential
Offerings
• Heating System Rebates, including Programmable Thermostats
• Water Heater Rebates
• Fireplace Rebates
• Air Sealing & Insulation Rebates
• FREE Low Flow Showerheads and Faucet Aerators
• Home Energy Audits
• Home Energy Squad
• Home Energy Reports
• Low Income Weatherization
• Non-Profit Affordable Housing
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8. Energy Efficiency
2010-2012 CIP Triennial Plan- Commercial /
Industrial Offerings
• Boiler System Rebates
• Boiler Tune-up Rebates
• Boiler System Components Rebates
• Forced-air Furnace Rebates
• Unit Heater Rebates
• Infrared Heater Rebates
• Foodservice Rebates
• Engineering Assistance
• LEED Certification
• Industrial Audits
• Custom Energy Analysis
• Custom Process Rebate – Very large projects; almost half of C/I energy
savings.
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9. 2012 Commercial Rebate Programs and Services
School District Rebate Example
Project scope
• Construction of new elementary school
• Extensive renovation of existing facilities
• Energy efficient design and equipment key consideration
• Extensive HVAC upgrades needed to meet efficiency objective
• Rebates for energy efficient technologies influenced equipment selection
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10. 2012 Commercial Rebate Programs and Services
School District Equipment Rebate Results
Equipment Rebate Amount
High efficiency water heaters (3) $ 2,000
High efficiency boilers >88% (3) $ 10,050
Convection ovens (6) $ 3,000
Boiler tune-ups (1) $ 4,725
Steam trap repair/replacements (386) $ 3,821
Custom project (high efficiency windows) $ 5,204
------------
Total Rebate Amount: $ 28,800
Annual Cost Savings: $ 167,472
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated Dekatherm savings: 27,912 Dth, which is the
equivalent of what 310 residential homes use in 1 year.
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11. 2012 Commercial Rebate Programs and Services
Custom Rebates
Commercial Energy Recovery
A customer put an addition on to their commercial facility. The additional
square footage required a new air handler to be added to the building. The
customer had the option to add an energy recovery wheel to the new air
handler.
Heat Recovery Option Cost $26,000
Annual Energy Savings 1,100 Dth
CenterPoint Energy Rebate $3,300
Annual Cost Savings* $6,600
Payback (with rebate) ~3.4 years
* Calculations using $6.00 / Dth cost of gas.
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12. 2012 Residential Rebate Programs and Services
High Efficiency Furnace Comparison
Natural Gas Furnace Comparison
Single Family Home in Twin Cities
Natural Gas Natural Gas
Furnace Furnace
Furnace Efficiency: % AFUE 80% 96%
Annual input in Therm (CCF)
750 625
Annual Heating Energy Required (output in Btu) 60,000,000 60,000,000
Gas in $/CCF ($/Therm) $0.70 $0.70
Annual Heating Cost $525 $438
Operating Cost Saving with High Efficiency Gas
$88
Furnace
Total Savings / Equipment Life (20 yrs) $1,750
Rebate from Utility $400
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13. Dealer resources
Online Resources
Visit CenterPointEnergy.com/RebateScoop
• Program information
• Fill and print rebate forms
• Online calculators
• Links to MN Mechanical
Code information
• And more!

14. Commercial Trade Ally Contact information
Mechanical Contractors:
Tom Marthaler
Commercial Trade Ally Representative
(612) 321-4492 or toll free (800) 234-5800 ext.4492
Tom.Marthaler@CenterPointEnergy.com
David Poretti
Trade Ally Representative
(612) 321-4386 or toll free (800) 234-5800 ext. 4386
David.Poretti@CenterPointEnergy.com
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15. Contact Infomation
Todd Berreman
CenterPoint Energy
Manager, CIP Implementation
(612) 321-4311
todd.berreman@CenterPointEnergy.com
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16. Questions?
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