Overview and Purpose

These rules implement §§ 40-1-102, 40-3.2-101, 40-3.2-103, 40-3.2-105, 40-3.2-106, and 40-3.2-107, C.R.S. for LDCs required by statute to be rate-regulated. Consistent with statutory requirements, the purpose of these Demand Side Management (DSM) rules is to reduce end-use gas consumption in a cost effective manner, in order to save money for consumers and utilities, and protect the environment by encouraging the reduction of emissions and air pollutants. These rules direct LDCs in the design and implementation of programs that will enable sales customers to participate in DSM. The LDC shall design DSM programs for its full-service customers to achieve cost-effective energy savings, considering factors such as: achievable energy savings, customer benefits, cost effectiveness ratios, the effects on disproportionately impacted communities, adoption potential, market transformation capability and ability to replicate in the utility service territory.#

(a)Each utility shall file an application to open a DSM strategic issues proceeding in accordance with rule 4761.#

(b)Each utility shall file an application for approval of a DSM plan within the parameters set forth in these rules. In the application, the utility shall include a proposed expenditure target, ensuring that a significant portion of the program expenditures are targeted to improve energy efficiency in income-qualified households in accordance with the percentage specified in subparagraphs 4753(i)(II) and (III), as applicable, as well as a savings target, funding mechanism, and cost-recovery mechanism.#

(c)Each utility shall annually file an advice letter or application for cost recovery, as permitted herein.#

(d)Each utility shall annually file a DSM report. The DSM report shall include the results of any measurement and verification (M & V) evaluation conducted during the DSM report period.#