As used in this article, the following definitions apply:
(a)
“Computer model” means a computer program.
(b)
“Operations model” means a computer model that replicates, lists, describes, or forecasts a public utility’s internal functions, including, but not limited to, its accounting procedures, cash management procedures, personnel assignments and procedures, and inventory control.
(c)
“Planning model” means a computer model that replicates, lists, describes, or forecasts a public utility’s complex functions, including, but not limited to, the forecasting of future loads and resources, calculating costs of electricity generation, producing financial statements, and calculating costs of natural gas production or supply.
(d)
“Public utility” includes every public utility and every business which is a commission regulated subsidiary or commission regulated affiliate of a public utility. “Public utility” does not include a common carrier or a telephone corporation whose service is determined to be competitive by the commission.
(e)
“Verify” means to assess the extent to which the computer model mimics reality.