§ 135-h. Installation. 1. A utility shall afford each participant in its home conservation plan the option of installing energy conservation measures either (a) by performing the work on a "do-it-yourself" basis, where deemed safe and feasible by the commission, under guidelines set by the commission for assuring quality and conformance with applicable criteria; (b) through the use of services provided by the utility itself, if the utility decides to offer such services provided, however, that in offering such services, the utility shall contract, through the use of prevailing competitive bidding processes, with persons, firms and corporations not owned or operated by such utility for the installation of energy conservation measures; or, (c) through the use of the services of a contractor and/or supplier of the customer's choice, whose name appears on a list of qualified contractors and/or suppliers maintained and periodically updated by the utility.

2. In implementing paragraph (a) of subdivision one of this section, the utilities, in consultation with the commission, shall prepare a "do-it-yourself" manual for the customers it serves, detailing the materials capable of being used, their manner of effective installation, and the criteria used in inspection to determine the degree of effectiveness. With reference to all installations to be made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (c) of subdivision one of this section, the utility shall prepare and maintain a list of qualified and participating suppliers and contractors in a non-discriminatory manner. The decision as to which option, supplier, or contractor to use is the choice of the customer.