1. 1. 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.

   [PL 2009, c. 35, §2 (NEW).]

2. 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.

   [PL 2009, c. 35, §2 (NEW).]

3. 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.

   [PL 2009, c. 35, §2 (NEW).]

4. 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.

   [PL 2009, c. 35, §2 (NEW).]

PL 2009, c. 35, §2 (NEW).