Program Methodology
The Residential Distributed Energy Program operates through a defined methodology across four operational stages: regional prioritization, residence identification, eligibility evaluation, and enrollment coordination.
Regional Prioritization
RDEP identifies operational regions based on grid stress indicators including ERCOT-reported capacity margins, TDU-level load projections, historical outage frequency, and pending industrial interconnection load in the region's transmission zone. Regions demonstrating sustained capacity strain and viable residential participation potential are designated as active program regions.
Regional prioritization is reviewed quarterly, with new regions activated as grid conditions warrant and capacity for additional enrollment becomes available.
Residence Identification
Within active regions, potentially eligible residences are identified through a combination of:
- —Regional demographic and housing stock analysis
- —Utility interval data patterns where available
- —Coordination with retail electricity providers in deregulated markets
- —Historical program participation data
Identification narrows the eligible pool from a regional total to a set of residences meeting preliminary program criteria. Identification does not guarantee enrollment; final eligibility is determined through the evaluation stage.
Eligibility Evaluation
Identified residences undergo a two-stage evaluation process:
Initial screening
A telephone-based conversation confirming basic eligibility criteria: property type, ownership status, region confirmation, and general home characteristics.
In-residence assessment
A scheduled visit from a program representative to conduct formal eligibility evaluation. The representative documents the residence's current energy configuration, identifies applicable program components, and confirms qualification for available program benefits.
Both stages are funded by the program and carry no cost to the consumer. Residences that qualify receive information on any applicable program options, benefits and subsidies following the in-residence assessment.
Enrollment Coordination
Qualifying residences that elect to participate are enrolled through a coordinated intake process:
- —Program participation agreement executed
- —Assigned installer or servicer notified with residence details
- —Installation or service scheduled per provider availability and residence requirements
- —Post-installation verification performed by program representatives
- —Residence entered into ongoing program participation records for regional aggregate reporting
The enrollment coordination stage integrates the residence into the program's regional participation base, at which point the residence's participation contributes to the region's aggregate grid stress reduction metrics.
Methodology Review
Program methodology is reviewed on an annual basis to incorporate operational learnings, adjust for changing regional grid conditions, and integrate feedback from installer partners and grid services providers. Material methodology changes are documented in the program's operational records.