As used in this chapter: “Advanced conductors” means high-temperature low-sag hardware technology that can conduct electricity across transmission lines and that demonstrates enhanced performance over traditional conductor products. “Advanced conductors” includes aluminum conductor composite core, aluminum conductor steel supported, aluminum conductor composite reinforced, thermal-resistant aluminum alloy conductor, and any similar technologies. “Affiliate” means a person that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with an electric utility. “Electric utility” means any investor-owned public utility that provides electric energy for use by retail customers, except investor-owned utilities subject to the provisions of § 56-585.8. “Grid-enhancing technologies” means a set of technologies that maximize the transmission of electricity across the electric distribution grid in a manner that ensures grid reliability and safeguards the cybersecurity and physical security of the electric distribution grid, including storage as a transmission asset, dynamic line rating, power flow control, and topology optimization. “Integrated resource plan” or “IRP” means a document developed by an electric utility that provides a forecast of its load obligations and a plan to meet those obligations by supply side and demand side resources over the ensuing 15 years to promote reasonable prices, reliable service, energy independence, and environmental responsibility. “Retail customer” means any person that purchases retail electric energy for its own consumption at one or more metering points or non-metered points of delivery located in the Commonwealth.