Section 672-5-18 - Closure of the Hearing(1) Closure of the hearing record: Except as provided in Sections 5.20 and 5.21, of these rules, after final closure of the public hearing, including any period when the record remains open as provided in this section or as directed by the Presiding Officer, no further evidence will be allowed into the record.(2) Time periods for written comments after the conclusion of a hearing: After the conclusion of a hearing the record will remain open for: (a) A period of 10 days for the purpose of allowing interested persons to file written statements with the Commission; and(b) A period of seven (7) additional days for the purpose of allowing interested persons to file statements in rebuttal of those filed pursuant to Section 5.18,(2)(a) above.(3) Reopening a hearing prior to a decision: Prior to issuance of a final order or decision, the Commission may elect to reopen a hearing and extend the time period for public comment in compliance with Chapter 4 of these rules.(4) Final closure: The date of final closure of the hearing record, including any extension of the open record or reopening of the hearing or record, constitutes final closure of the public hearing and the final date by which data, views or arguments may be submitted to the Commission for consideration in acting upon an application or petition or in adopting the rule.01- 672 C.M.R. ch. 5, § 18