- (a) A public utility electing not to provide program services directly shall use qualified ESPs selected through a competitive bidding process.
(b) Third-party ESP qualifications must include, at least, the following:
- (1) Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in the administration and provision of energy efficiency and usage reduction services.
- (2) Certification, as appropriate to the program services to be rendered, by an accredited certifying entity.
- (3) Proof of appropriate and sufficient insurance, as determined by the public utility.
- (4) Attestation that workmanship and materials will be covered under a minimum 1-year warranty.
- (c) A public utility which outsources program services shall contract with multiple ESPs if possible and shall file and serve a justification if selection is limited to one ESP.
- (d) A public utility may prioritize contracting with CBOs that meet its ESP qualifications.