Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §4711 is enacted to read:

§4711.__Conservation programs

1.__Programs.__Each natural gas utility in the State that serves 5,000 or more residential consumers shall offer conservation programs designed to promote the efficient use of natural gas that are cost-effective pursuant to commission rules.__ In determining whether a program is cost-effective, the commission may consider the extent to which the program promotes sustainable economic development or reduces greenhouse gas emissions to the extent the commission can quantify or otherwise reasonably identify such effects.__Consistent with the other requirements of this section, a gas utility, in adopting and implementing conservation programs, shall seek to encourage efficiency in natural gas use, provide incentives for the development of new, energy-efficient business activity in the State and take into account the cost and benefits of energy efficiency and conservation to existing business activity in the State.

A.__The gas utility shall consider, without limitation, conservation programs that:

(1)__Increase consumer awareness of cost-effective options for conserving energy;

(2)__Create more favorable market conditions for the increased use of efficient products and services; and

(3)__Promote sustainable economic development and reduced environmental damage.

B.__The gas utility shall:

(1)__Apportion at least 20% of available funds to programs for low-income residential consumers, as defined by the commission by rule;

(2)__Apportion at least 20% of available funds to programs for small business consumers, as defined by the commission by rule; and

(3)__To the greatest extent practicable, apportion the remaining available funds in a manner that allows all other customers to have a reasonable opportunity to participate in one or more conservation programs.