; (B) the intervention or participation of which substantially contributed to the approval, in whole or in part, of a position advocated by the individual or entity in the proceeding; and (C) that is— (i) an individual; (ii) an energy customer; or (iii) a representative of the interests of energy customers. (2) Compensation Subject to paragraph (3), the Commission, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Commission, may provide to any eligible recipient compensation for reasonable attorney fees, expert witness fees, and other costs of intervening or participating in the applicable proceeding before the Commission. (3) Requirement The Commission may only provide compensation under paragraph (2) if the Commission determines that— (A) the applicable proceeding is significant; (B) the compensation is approved by the Advisory Committee; and (C) the intervention or participation by the eligible recipient in the proceeding without receipt of compensation constitutes a significant financial hardship to the eligible recipient. (j) Savings clause Nothing in this section restricts or otherwise affects— (1) any right or obligation of an intervenor, participant, State utility consumer advocate, energy customer, or group of energy customers under any other applicable provision of law (including regulations); or (2) the work of Commission trial staff in representing the public interest and pursuing appropriate resolutions in contested matters before the Commission. (k) Funding Of the amounts received by the Commission for fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal year thereafter as a result of any fee imposed by the Commission, the Commission shall use such sums as are necessary to establish and provide for the operation of the Office under this section. .