(a) For the purpose of Puc 508, the terms political advertising, promotional advertising, institutional advertising, political activity, promotional activity, and institutional activity shall not include advertising or activities which:
(1) Inform gas consumers of or provide gas consumers with information or materials intended to result in activities that cost less to implement than the value of the resources;
(2) Are required by law or regulation, including advertising required under part 1 of title II of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act;
(3) Inform natural gas customers how they can improve efficiency in utilizing the utility's service;
(4) Involve or relate to service interruptions, safety measures or emergency conditions;
(5) Concern employment opportunities with such utility;
(6) Provide any explanation of existing or proposed rate schedules or notifications of hearings thereon;
(7) Are consistent with the utility's approved integrated resource plan; and
(8) Inform customers of the availability and sources of financial assistance.
(b) Expenditures referred to in (a)(1) above shall be subject to review and potential recovery as part of the utility's conservation and load management program.
(c) Expenses contained in a utility's IRP shall take into account necessary features for system operation such as diversity, reliability, ability to be readily dispatched, and other factors of risk and shall treat demand and supply to gas consumers on a consistent and integrated basis.
(d) No more than 50% of costs provided for in a utility's IRP shall be borne by ratepayers.
Source. (See Revision Note # 1 and Revision Note #2 at chapter heading for Puc 500) #13794, eff 10-25-23