1. (a) As used in this section, "relevant period" means the last month of the twelve (12) month test period considered in the current application before the commission under section 42(d)(3) and 42(g)(3)(c) of this chapter and extending through the longer of the:

   1. (1) immediately preceding fifty-nine (59) months; or
   2. (2) period beginning with the first full month following the last order issued by the commission in which the utility's basic rates and charges were approved.

2. (b) The commission shall order a reduction in the:

   1. (1) fuel charge applied for under section 42(d)(3) of this chapter; or

   2. (2) gas cost adjustment applied for under section 42(g)(3)(c) of this chapter;

      only if the amount determined under subsection (c) is greater than zero.

3. (c) The commission shall calculate for the relevant period the sum of the differentials (both positive and negative) between the determined return and the authorized return for the respective twelve (12) month test period for each application for the relevant period, in each case as shown directly or indirectly by the commission's findings in each respective order issued under section 42(d) or 42(g) of this chapter.

4. (d) Consistent with subsection (b), the amount of reduction shall be determined by dividing the lesser of:

   1. (1) the amount determined under subsection (c); or

   2. (2) the amount by which the return in the current application before the commission was more than the authorized return;

      by the total number of applications filed during the twelve (12) month test period considered in the current application before the commission.

5. (e) This section does not apply to a general district corporation within the meaning of IC 8-1-13-23 (a).

As added by P.L.108-1995, SEC.2.