1. (a)

   1. (1) An overriding focus for any energy efficiency initiative should be the benefits and objectives of the initiative.

   2. (2) The overall objectives of the initiative are to:

      1. (A) Encourage and enable utility customers to make the most efficient use of utility capacity and energy; and
      2. (B) Discourage inefficient and wasteful use of energy.

   3. (3) Objectives can take the form of:

      1. (A) Standards;
      2. (B) Codes; or
      3. (C) Programs.
   4. (4) When proposing any one (1) or a combination of energy efficiency programs, standards, or codes, a utility shall describe, in qualitative and quantitative terms, how its proposal furthers or accomplishes any or all of the following objectives or ancillary benefits in support of energy efficiency that are reasonably applicable to the utility’s proposal.

   5. (5) Should the utility determine that its proposal does not accomplish or meet one (1) or more of the listed objectives or benefits, the utility shall briefly explain why its proposal does not do so:

      1. (A) Energy savings directly attributable to program activities;
      2. (B) Long-term and permanent changes in behavior, attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about energy savings and use of energy-efficient technologies in order to achieve energy savings;
      3. (C) Permanent peak electric demand reduction;
      4. (D) Energy cost savings and cost-effectiveness;
      5. (E) Reliability enhancements;
      6. (F) Energy security benefits;
      7. (G) Environmental benefits;
      8. (H) Economic development/competitiveness benefits;
      9. (I) Increases in system-wide capacity;
      10. (J) Accelerating the commercialization of advanced or emerging technologies;
      11. (K) Improving affordability of energy for all customers; and
      12. (L) Implementing programs in an efficient manner.

2. (b)

   1. (1) When providing information on these objectives, utilities are directed to:

      1. (A) Describe, in quantitative terms, the benefits and costs of these different aspects of the program, standard, or code; and
      2. (B) Comment on:

3. (i) The barriers that impede accomplishment of these energy efficiency objectives; and

   1. (ii) How to overcome these barriers.
   2. (2) Utilities are also encouraged to provide estimates of the energy efficiency potential, including demand savings, in Arkansas associated with these options.

Codification Notes: This section was promulgated as Section 2 of the Rules for Conservation and Energy Efficiency Programs prior to codification into the Code of Arkansas Rules.