Section 4706-B - Assistance programs for low-income customers1.Programs. Each gas utility in the State that serves 5,000 or more residential customers shall offer low-income assistance programs for residential customers who satisfy criteria for low-income assistance as established by the commission in rule. To the maximum extent possible, a gas utility, in adopting and implementing a low-income assistance program under this section, shall seek to encourage conservation in the use of gas by program participants. [2009, c. 35, §2(NEW).]
2.Cost recovery. The commission shall include in rates for a gas utility all costs incurred in compliance with this section and commission rules adopted under this section, as long as such costs have been prudently incurred. [2009, c. 35, §2(NEW).]
3.Rules. The commission may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [2009, c. 35, §2(NEW).]
4.Report. The commission shall report on low-income assistance programs offered by gas utilities pursuant to this section within the annual report required under section 120. [2009, c. 35, §2(NEW).]