69-8-104. Pilot programs. (1) Except as provided in 69-8-201(4) and 69-8-311, beginning July 1, 1998, utilities shall conduct pilot programs using a representative sample of their residential and small commercial customers. A report describing and analyzing the results of the pilot programs must be submitted to the commission and the transition advisory committee established in 69-8-501 on or before July 1, 2000.
     (2) Utilities shall use pilot programs to gather necessary information to determine the most effective and timely options for providing customer choice. Necessary information includes but is not limited to:
     (a) the level of demand for electricity supply choice and the availability of market prices for smaller customers;
     (b) the best means to encourage and support the development of sufficient markets and bargaining power for the benefit of smaller customers;
     (c) the electricity suppliers' interest in serving smaller customers and the opportunities in providing service to smaller customers; and
     (d) experience in the broad range of technical and administrative support matters involved in designing and delivering unbundled retail services to smaller customers.

     History: En. Sec. 4, Ch. 505, L. 1997.