(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 apportion available funds under subsection 3 in accordance with rules adopted by the commission.

(1)__The commission shall ensure that a reasonable percentage of the available funds is directed to programs for low-income residential consumers, as defined by the commission by rule.__The commission shall establish the percentage based on an assessment of the opportunity for cost-effective conservation measures for such consumers, including an assessment of the number of low-income residential consumers that may be eligible for such programs.

(2)__The commission shall ensure that a reasonable percentage of the available funds is directed to programs for small business consumers, as defined by the commission by rule.__The commission shall establish the percentage based on an assessment of the opportunity for cost-effective conservation measures for such consumers.__In defining "small business" for the purposes of this subparagraph, the commission shall consider definitions of that term used for other programs in this State that assist small businesses.

(3)__The commission shall ensure that, to the greatest extent practicable, the remaining available funds are apportioned in a manner that allows all other consumers to have a reasonable opportunity to participate in one or more conservation programs.

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.

3.__Funding level.__Each gas utility to which this section applies shall undertake energy efficiency programs designed to operate within a budget, upon full implementation, that is no less than 3% of the gas utility's delivery revenues as defined by the commission by rule.