| 1.__Programs.__In accordance with rules adopted by the |
| commission, each natural gas utility in the State that serves |
| 5,000 or more residential consumers shall offer cost-effective |
| conservation programs designed to promote the efficient use of |
| natural gas.__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. |
