For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions are applicable:

(1) "Default supply costs" means the actual electricity supply costs of providing default supply service, including but not limited to: capacity costs, energy costs, fuel costs, ancillary service costs, demand-side management and energy efficiency costs, transmission costs (including congestion and losses) , billing costs, planning and administrative costs, and any other costs directly related to the purchase of electricity, management of default electricity supply costs and provision of default supply and related services.

(2) "Default supply resource" means:

(a) a wholesale power transaction, including bilateral contracts, however structured, and spot energy purchases;

(b) a demand-side management activity, including energy efficiency and conservation programs, load control programs and pricing mechanisms; or

(c) a combination of wholesale power transactions and demand-side management activities.

(3) "Default supply utility or DSU" means a distribution services provider regulated by the commission.

(4) "Environmentally responsible" means explicitly recognizing and incorporating into default supply portfolio planning, management and procurement processes and decision-making the policy of the state of Montana to encourage utilities to acquire resources in a manner that will help ensure a clean, healthful, safe and economically productive environment.

(5) "External costs" means costs incurred by society but not incorporated directly into electricity production and delivery activities, or retail prices for electricity services directly paid by consumers.

(6) "Long-term" means a time period at least as long as a DSU's default supply planning horizon. Long-term should also be considered that time period in which a DSU can reasonably expect to provide default supply service.

(7) "Planning horizon" means the longer of:

(a) the longest remaining contract term in a DSU's current default supply portfolio;

(b) the longest contract term being considered for a new resource acquisition; or

(c) ten years.

(8) "Pre-filing communication" means, with respect to an application by a DSU for advanced approval, informal information exchange, including oral dialogue and written discovery, between the DSU and members of its stakeholder advisory committee, the Montana Consumer Counsel, other stakeholders and commission staff that occurs after the DSU files a notice of intent to request advanced approval pursuant to ARM 38.5.8228 up to the date the DSU files an application for advanced approval.

(9) "Rate stability" means minimal price variation, both month-to-month and year-to-year, and minimal price inflation over time.

(10) "Stakeholder" means a member of the public (individual, corporation, organization, group, etc.) who may have a special interest in, or may be especially affected by, these rules.