(1) Pursuant to 69-3-1408, MCA, natural gas utilities shall implement a universal system benefits program (USBP) , a public purpose program for cost-effective local energy conservation, low-income weatherization, and low-income energy bill assistance ( 69-3-1402, MCA) . The USBP shall be funded through a universal systems benefit charge (USBC) , a nonbypassable rate or charge to be imposed on each customer ( 69-3-1402, MCA) .

(2) The USBC shall be an amount, per dekatherm or Mcf of natural gas delivered to each end user, whether by utility, distribution services provider, or transmission services provider (if for end use) , collected through a rate or charge (per dekatherm or Mcf) to each end user, and, except as provided in ARM 38.5.7021, established so as to generate, system-wide, an annual amount no less than 1.12 percent of the utility's, distribution services provider's, or transmission services provider's annual revenues derived from natural gas services to end users. From the amount collected system wide an amount at least equal to .42 percent of the annual revenues must be applied to low-income weatherization and bill assistance.

(3) The USBP may be administered by each utility, distribution services provider, or transmission services provider implementing a USBP or by another on its behalf. A USBP may be done in coordination with a federal, state, or local government agency or otherwise. Examples of acceptable USBPs include energy share and low income energy assistance program.