A. An overriding focus for any energy efficiency initiative should be the benefits and objectives of the initiative. The overall objectives of the initiative are to encourage and enable utility customers to make the most efficient use of utility capacity and energy and to discourage inefficient and wasteful use of energy. Objectives can take the form of standards, codes, or programs. When proposing any one or a combination of energy efficiency programs, standards, or codes, a utility shall describe, in qualitative and quantitative terms, how its proposal furthers or accomplishes any or all of the following objectives or ancillary benefits in support of energy efficiency that are reasonably applicable to the utility's proposal. Should the utility determine that its proposal does not accomplish or meet one or more of the listed objectives or benefits, the utility shall briefly explain why its proposal does not do so.

• Energy savings directly attributable to program activities;

• Long-term and permanent changes in behavior, attitudes, awareness, and knowledge about energy savings and use of energy efficient technologies in order to achieve energy savings;

• Permanent peak electric demand reduction;

• Energy cost savings and cost-effectiveness;

• Reliability enhancements;

• Energy security benefits;

• Environmental benefits;

• Economic development/competitiveness benefits;

• Increases in system-wide capacity;

• Accelerating the commercialization of advanced or emerging technologies;

• Improving affordability of energy for all customers; and

• Implementing programs in an efficient manner;

B. When providing information on these objectives, utilities are directed to describe, in quantitative terms, the benefits and costs of these different aspects of the program, standard, or code, and to comment on the barriers that impede accomplishment of these energy efficiency objectives and how to overcome these barriers. Utilities are also encouraged to provide estimates of the energy efficiency potential (including demand savings) in Arkansas associated with these options.