(1) Pursuant to section 205, a provider whose rates are regulated by the commission may establish a residential energy projects program.

    (2) Under a residential energy projects program, if a record owner of property in the provider's service territory obtains financing or refinancing of an energy project on the property from a commercial lender or other legal entity, including an independent subsidiary of the provider, the loan is repaid through itemized charges on the provider's utility bill for that property. The itemized charges may cover the cost of materials and labor necessary for installation, home energy audit costs, permit fees, inspection fees, application and administrative fees, bank fees, and all other fees that may be incurred by the record owner for the installation on a specific or pro rata basis, as determined by the provider.

    (3) This act does not limit the right of a provider to propose a residential energy improvement program with elements that differ from those required for a residential energy projects program under this part or the authority of the commission to approve such a residential energy improvement program as reasonable and prudent.