1. (1) The commission will not allow expenses for promotional or political advertising for rate-making purposes. The term "promotional advertising" means advertising to encourage any person or business to select or use the service or additional services of a gas utility, to select or install any appliance or equipment designed to use the gas utility's service, or to influence consumers' opinions of the gas utility.

   The term "political advertising" means any advertising for the purpose of influencing public opinion with respect to legislative, administrative, or electoral matters, or with respect to any controversial issue of public importance.

2. (2) As used in this section the terms "promotional advertising" and "political advertising" do not include:

   1. (a) Advertising which informs customers how to conserve energy or how to reduce peak demand for energy;
   2. (b) Advertising required by law or by regulation, including advertising under Part 1 of Title II, of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act;
   3. (c) Advertising regarding service interruptions, safety measures, or emergency conditions;
   4. (d) Advertising concerning employment opportunities with the gas utility;
   5. (e) Advertising which promotes the use of energy efficient appliances, equipment, or services;
   6. (f) Announcements or explanations of existing or proposed tariffs or rate schedules; and
   7. (g) Notices of meetings or commission hearings concerning gas utility rates and tariffs.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 80.01.040 and 80.04.160. WSR 01-11-003 (Docket No. UG-990294, General Order No. R-484), § 480-90-223, filed 5/3/01, effective 6/3/01.]