(1) Public utility districts may request voluntary donations from their customers for the purpose of supporting hunger programs.

(2) Voluntary donations collected by public utility districts under this section must be used by the public utility district to support the maintenance and operation of hunger programs.

(3) Donations received under this section do not contribute to the gross income of a light and power business or gas distribution business under chapter 82.16 RCW.

(4) Nothing in this section precludes a public utility district from requesting voluntary donations to support other programs.