69-3-1416. Use of natural gas production and gathering resources. (1) Natural gas production and gathering resources acquired by a natural gas utility pursuant to this part:

(a) must be used by the natural gas utility to serve and benefit customers that have not made a choice of natural gas suppliers within the natural gas utility's Montana service territory; and

(b) may not be removed from the rate base unless the commission finds that customers of the natural gas utility will not be adversely affected.

(2) Natural gas production and gathering assets cost of service may not be allocated to a customer being served by an alternative natural gas supplier.