810 R.I. Code R. 810-RICR-00-00-1.17

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 810-RICR-00-00-1.17 - Pre-Hearing Procedure

A. General.

1. It is the policy of the Commission to encourage the use of pre-hearing conferences as a means of making more effective use of hearing time and to otherwise aid in the disposition of the proceeding or the settlement thereof. Having the issues clearly delineated in advance of hearing and the ground rules for the conduct of the hearing well understood may be particularly beneficial in complex or multi-party proceedings.

2. The Commission may, with reasonable written notice, require that all parties attend one or more pre-hearing conferences for the purpose of formulating and simplifying the issues in the proceeding or addressing other matters that may expedite orderly conduct and disposition of the proceeding. Such matters may include but are not limited to:

a. details of the procedural schedule;

b. the necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;

c. the possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and documents which will avoid unnecessary proof;

d. limitations on the number of witnesses or time allocated to particular witnesses or issues at the hearings;

e. procedures at the hearing;

f. the compilation of a stipulated list of written testimony and exhibits to be admitted at the hearing;

g. the consideration of outstanding motions;

h. agreements to modify the time for or method of transmitting and responding to discovery requests, and for service of other documents; and

i. the status of any settlement negotiations and, if appropriate, identification of any interest in and resources to support professional assistance therewith or other alternative means of dispute resolution.

B. Attendance.

1. All parties shall attend the pre-hearing conference fully prepared for a productive discussion of all matters and fully authorized to make commitments or take positions. Preparation should include advance study of all material filed and materials obtained through formal and informal discovery and, if feasible, advance informal communication among the parties to ascertain the extent to which the parties will be able to agree upon the pending matter.

2. Failure of any party to attend or be prepared for a pre-hearing conference without good cause shown shall constitute a waiver of any objection to any agreement reached or to any order or ruling made as a result of the conference.

C. Proposed General Rate Increases. In a proceeding initiated by filing of revised schedules proposing a general increase in rates, a pre-hearing conference for the purposes set forth above shall be held within sixty (60) days after the filing unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.

810 R.I. Code R. 810-RICR-00-00-1.17