Advertising

(1) A utility may not recover from any person other than its shareholders (or other owners) any direct or indirect expenditure for promotional or political advertising. (a) The term “advertising” means the commercial use of any media, including newspaper, printed matter, radio, and television, in order to transmit a message to a substantial number of members of the public or to electric customers. (b) The term “political advertising” means any advertising for the purpose of influencing public opinion with respect to legislative, administrative, or electoral matters, or with respect to any controversial issue of public importance. REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRIC COMPANIES CHAPTER 1220-04-04 (c) The term “promotional advertising” means any advertising for the purpose of encouraging any person to select or use electric service or additional electric service or the selection or installation of any appliance or equipment designed to use electric service. (d) The terms “political advertising” and “promotional advertising” do not include: 1. Advertising which informs electric customers how they can conserve energy or can reduce peak demand for electric energy; 2. Advertising required by law or regulation, including advertising required under Part I of Title II of the National Energy Conservation Policy Act; 3. Advertising regarding service interruptions, safety measures or emergency conditions; 4. Advertising concerning employment opportunities; 5. Advertising which promotes the use of energy-efficient appliances, equipment, or service; or Any explanation or justification of existing or proposed rate schedules or notifications of hearings thereon.