Energize ConnecticutSM Heat Pump Installer Network
Participation Agreement
This Participation Agreement ("Agreement") is between the contractor whose signature appears below ("Participating Contractor") and the sponsors of Energize ConnecticutSM (Eversource, United Illuminating, an Avangrid Company) ("Companies") and sets out the terms and conditions under which the Participating Contractor shall participate in the "Heat Pump Installer Network" ("HPIN").
WHEREAS, the Companies are offering customers ("Customers") access to rebates for eligible heat pump systems ("Heat Pump Incentives"); and,
WHEREAS, in order for Customers to qualify for certain offers available through the Companies’ programs, the Customers are recommended to use contractors who are included in the HPIN; and,
WHEREAS, the Participating Contractor wishes to participate in the HPIN and intends to remain in good standing; and,
WHEREAS, the Participating Contractor acknowledges that heat pumps and electrification are a priority for the state of Connecticut; and,
WHEREAS, the Companies have contracted with a third-party, Abode Energy Management LLC ("Program Vendor"), to help support the administration of the HPIN.
NOW therefore, in consideration of the terms of this Agreement, the Participating Contractor agrees to the following:
SECTION 1. HEAT PUMP INSTALLER NETWORK SERVICES:
Services Available to Participating Contractors through the network include but are not limited to:
- Access to heat pump rebates and financing support
- Listing on the Energize CT website and leads through the contractor locator tool
- Marketing materials and sales tools, including customer brochures and flyers
- Access to a regional no-cost, virtual training through the Energize CT eLearning Center
- Monthly e-newsletter, including program updates, upcoming industry trainings, and installation best practices
SECTION 2. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
2.1 Participating Contractor Requirements: In order to join the Heat Pump Installer Network:
- Air source heat pump primary installers must provide:
- Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Section 608 Technician Certification, Type II, or Universal Refrigerant Handling Certification
- Certificate of installation training provided by a heat pump manufacturer
- Ground source heat pump primary installers must provide either an International Ground-Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) accredited installer certificate or certification as a GeoExchange Designer from IGSHPA.
- Contractors who have indicated they install in residential buildings must submit an S-1, S-9, S-3, D-1, D-3 contractor license.
- Contractors who have indicated they install in commercial facilities must submit an S-1, D-1, or S-9 contractor license.
Within the first year of participation, all primary installers must provide a certificate of completion for cold climate heat pump sizing and design training by a manufacturer and complete assigned heat pump training via the eLearning Center.
2.2 General Business Practices: While active in the network, Participating Contractor shall:
- Respond to Customer inquiries in a timely, responsible manner (within 3 business days);
- Properly and fully present Heat Pump Installer Network features and benefits to the Customer so that the customer can make an informed decision about the implementation of measures in its residence or business;
- Conduct itself in a professional manner and refrain from inaccurate characterizations of Energize CT, the Companies, the Heat Pump Installer Network, or Program Vendor when interacting with customers and any Energize CT personnel;
- Provide all customers complete and accurate project information in accordance with the example heat pump invoice;
- Comply with all the Companies’ marketing and communications guidelines.
- Participating Contractor shall not use any Energize CT logo in promotions or advertising without the prior express written consent of the Companies.
- Participating Contractor shall not communicate with the media about the Heat Pump Installer Network;
- Provide, for any equipment installed, the manufacturer's warranty plus optional extended warranty coverage, if applicable;
- If the Participating Contractor becomes involved in a dispute with a customer regarding work performed or business practices, the Participating Contractor shall promptly notify Program Vendor and shall work with the Companies and Program Vendor to resolve the dispute expeditiously and amicably; and
- Perform all work in a safe manner, taking all precautions necessary to prevent illness or injury to any person or damage to any property and complying at all times with applicable laws and regulations (including OSHA).
2.3 Use of Subcontractors to Complete projects: Participating Contractor is responsible for all of the work performed by its subcontractors, including ensuring that subcontractors adhere to Heat Pump Installer Network policies and standards.
SECTION 3. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
3.1 Limitation of Liability and Indemnity: THE COMPANIES’ AND PROGRAM VENDORSs’ TOTAL LIABILITY TO PARTICIPATING CONTRACTOR FOR ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND, WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), WARRANTY, STRICT LIABILITY, OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY LOSSES ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE PERFORMANCE OR BREACH OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, EXCEED ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($1,000.00). THE COMPANIES AND PROGRAM VENDOR, THEIR AFFILIATES AND EACH OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND SUBCONTRACTORS SHALL NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, BE LIABLE TO PARTICIPATING CONTRACTOR FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSSES.
To the fullest extent permitted by law or regulation, Participating Contractor shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Companies and Program Vendor and any subsidiaries or affiliates thereof, and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, and representatives ("Indemnitees") from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, fines, penalties, costs, expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees), demands and causes of actions of every kind or character ("Losses") arising, or alleged to have arisen out of any claims (just or unjust) relating to a breach of or an act incident to the performance of this Agreement; or the acts or omissions of the Participating Contractor, its employees and/or subcontractors.
Participating Contractor shall hold the Sponsors and Program Vendor harmless from any claim or suit arising from work in the Heat Pump offering, including, but not limited to any claim or suit resulting from mechanical equipment combustion safety, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead abatement, mildew, fungus, moisture intrusion, or mold of every type and nature.
3.2 Term and Termination: Regardless of the execution date, this Agreement will expire on December 31, 2024, unless otherwise extended in writing by the Parties or terminated earlier by the Companies or Program Vendor for cause or convenience. The Companies may at any time terminate this Agreement or the available Heat Pump Incentives in whole or in part, from time to time, in part for its convenience by providing written notice to the Participating Contractor. Such termination shall be effective in the manner and upon the date specified in said notice and shall be without prejudice to any claims that the Companies or Program Vendor may have against the Participating Contractor.
3.3 Miscellaneous:
- This Agreement shall be construed by, and interpreted in accordance with, the laws of the state of Connecticut without regard to its conflicts of law provisions.
- This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior written and oral agreements, proposals, promises, and representation of the Parties respecting the subject matter hereof.
- Customer personal data and utility usage information that may be shared with the Participating Contractor must be treated as confidential and not disclosed to any party other than the Companies and Program Vendor.
- The Companies reserve the right to make changes to the Heat Pump Incentives upon notice to the Participating Contractor. Notification of material changes shall be made by email and/or posting on the Energize CT website.
- Participating Contractor, its employees, agents, and subcontractors ("personnel") shall at all times act as independent contractors and shall not hold themselves out to be or be considered employees or agents of the Companies or Program Vendor.
SECTION 4. PARTICIPATING CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION
By signing this the Participating Contractor's representative is certifying that:
- Participating Contractor does not have any unresolved or outstanding complaints before any licensing board or outstanding litigation that involves the work of Participating Contractor or any of Participating Contractor's principals;
- Participating Contractor's representative has the necessary legal authority to act on Participating Contractor's behalf;
- All of the information supplied herein is accurate;
- Participating Contractor has read, understood, and agreed to all of the definitions, terms, and conditions that are a part of this Agreement and the referenced Heat Pump Incentives guidelines or any manuals provided; and
- Participating Contractor acknowledges that failure to follow Incentive requirements and procedures, including submitting necessary documents, will jeopardize Participating Contractor's ability to receive Incentives or offer financing under the Heat Pump Incentive
- The Companies may use the information collected herein for purposes of communicating with HPIN Participating Contractors.
I certify under the penalties of law that the statements made in this Agreement, and in supporting documentation provided along with this Agreement, have been examined by me and are true and complete. I understand that by signing this Agreement, I consent to any other inquiry to verify or confirm the information I have given. I hereby authorize any reference identified or provided to the Companies by Participating Contractor to release to the Companies and Program Vendor any information pertaining to past or present relevant work. I hereby release from any liability or damage the Companies, Program Vendor, and those persons, agencies, or organizations who may furnish such information.
Some or all of the information being collected below may be made available in the HPIN Directory and on the Energize CT website for customers to search for companies like yours to help support their search for qualified contractors.
Company Information Must match W-9 where applicable.
Questions? Contact EnergizeCT@AbodeEM.com