95- 648 C.M.R. ch. 312, § 4 - TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION UTILITY OBLIGATIONS

A. Customer Option. Each transmission and distribution utility shall provide its customers with the option to make voluntary contributions to the renewable resource research and development fund. Customers may exercise the option at any time through the check-off mechanism provided by this section, or by otherwise notifying the transmission and distribution utility.

B. Mechanism. The option to make voluntary contributions to the renewable resource research and development fund shall be provided through a mechanism that allows customers to choose to contribute $1.00, $5.00, $10.00, or "other" amount each month. Transmission and distribution utilities may provide the option to make contributions through any of the following mechanisms:

1. Customer Bills. A check-off option may be provided on transmission and distribution utility bills;

2. Response Cards. A check-off option may be provided on a response card separate from the customer bill that is mailed to customer, either with or separately from the bill, and can be mailed back to the transmission and distribution utility; or

3. Telephone. A customer may agree to make voluntary contributions through a telephone call to the transmission and distribution utility.

C. Additional Mechanisms. In addition to one of the mechanisms specified in subsection B, transmission and distribution utilities may employ additional mechanisms to solicit voluntary contributions to the renewable resource research and development fund.

D. Amount Added to Bill. Transmission and distribution utilities shall add the amount designated by customers to the customer's bills each month. Customers may terminate their contributions at any time by notifying the transmission and distribution utility.

E. Semi-Annual Notification. Each transmission and distribution utility shall provide its customers with notification of the option to make voluntary contributions to the renewable resource research and development fund pursuant to the provisions of this Chapter at least every six months.

F. Notification Materials. Each transmission and distribution utility shall prepare notification materials informing customers of the existence, purpose, and means to contribute to the renewable resource research and development fund. To the extent available, the notification materials shall include summaries of the projects that have been funded. The notification materials shall be distributed to customers at least every six months through a bill insert or a separate mailing. If the utility provides the check-off option through response cards as provided for in section 4(B)(2), the response cards shall be included as part of the notification materials. The notification materials shall be prepared in consultation with the State Planning Office, the Commission and the Public Advocate.

G. Transfer of Funds. Each transmission and distribution utility shall transfer funds collected pursuant to this Chapped to the Commission including any associated interest each quarter. The Commission shall place the funds in a specially dedicated account for use consistent with the provisions of this Chapter.

H. Cost Recovery. The Commission shall allow the transmission and distribution utilities to recover their reasonable costs of implementing the provision of this Chapter in appropriate ratemaking proceedings.

I. Annual Report. On or before May 1 of each year, each transmission and distribution utility shall submit a report to the Commission stating the number of customers, by customer class, that have contributed to the renewable resource research and development fund, the amounts of the contributions, and an accounting of its costs of administration.

Notes

95- 648 C.M.R. ch. 312, § 4