(a) A meter conservation charge assessed under AS 42.05.750(a) may only be used to recover the

(1) actual costs incurred by the utility for the purchase, installation, and financing of the renewable energy system, energy efficiency device, energy storage device, or energy conservation system, including the administrative costs of the on-bill financing agreement and the cost of filing notice under AS 42.05.752;

(2) repayment of costs incurred by a third party that has performed a function under AS 42.05.755; and

(3) periodic fee for a repair and maintenance agreement under AS 42.05.750(d).

(b) A utility may assess a meter conservation charge on

(1) the customer who entered into the on-bill financing agreement; or

(2) a subsequent owner of the residence or building under AS 42.05.753.

(c) A meter conservation charge must be shown as a separate line item on a customer's bill.

(d) A utility may treat a customer's failure to pay a meter conservation charge as a failure to pay the utility account, and the utility may disconnect the utility service for nonpayment of the meter conservation charge, if the utility complies with AS 42.05.381(c), AS 42.20.040, and any other applicable law. A utility may not remove a renewable energy system, energy efficiency device, energy storage device, or energy conservation system for failure to pay a meter conservation charge or when disconnecting service for failure to pay a meter conservation charge.

(e) Money collected by a utility as a meter conservation charge is not revenue subject to state taxes under AS 43.20.

(f) The billing and collection of a meter conservation charge does not subject a utility to the laws that regulate financial institutions, escrow depositories, or collection agencies. A utility is not responsible for a lending, underwriting, or credit determination for an on-bill financing agreement.