; certification (1) In general On establishment of the pilot program under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary shall submit to all relevant eligible entities notice that the Secretary is accepting applications for the pilot program. (2) Submission of applications (A) In general Not later than 200 days after the date of enactment of this Act, each eligible entity desiring certification to participate in the pilot program shall submit to the Secretary an application containing such information as the Secretary may require. (B) Authority to require certain information The Secretary may require as part of the application under subparagraph (A) information on— (i) the current energy prices and energy supply issues in the region in which the eligible entity is located; and (ii) how implementation of the pilot program in the region in which the eligible entity is located can alleviate the current energy prices and energy supply issues in the region. (3) Certification Not later than 250 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall notify each eligible entity that applied for certification under paragraph (2)(A) of whether the eligible entity is certified to participate in the pilot program. (d) Termination The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date on which the pilot program is established under subsection (b)(1). (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the pilot program $4,000,000. 3. Technical study and report (a) Study The Secretary shall conduct a study on the potential for natural gas demand response across energy sectors and geographic regions. (b) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the results of study conducted under subsection (a), including— (1) a description and quantification of— (A) potential natural gas and energy savings and load shifting