(a)
Each local publicly owned electric utility shall ensure the following:
(1)
Low-income families within the utility’s service territory have access to affordable electricity.
(2)
The current level of assistance reflects the level of need.
(3)
Low-income families are afforded no-cost and low-cost energy efficiency measures that reduce energy consumption.
(b)
The local publicly owned electric utility shall consider increasing the level of the discount or raising the eligibility level for any existing rate assistance program to be reflective of customer need.
(c)
A publicly owned electric utility shall streamline enrollment for low-income programs by collaborating with existing providers for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and other electric or gas providers within the same service territory.
(d)
A local publicly owned electric utility shall establish participation goals for its rate assistance program participation.