Rhode Island § 39-1-12 - Public Utilities Commission

§ 39-1-12. Prehearing procedure — Formulating issues — Copies of exhibits.

Prior to the commencement of any formal hearing, the commission may, in its discretion, direct the parties or their attorneys to appear before it for a conference. At or before the conference, the commission may order any party to file a number of copies, as it may specify, of all exhibits it intends to use in the hearing, and the names and addresses of witnesses it intends to produce in its direct case, together with a short statement of the purposes of each exhibit and of the testimony of each witness. After entry of an order, a party shall not be permitted, except in the discretion of the commission, to introduce into evidence, in its direct case, exhibits that are not filed in accordance with the order. At the conference, the commission may designate a date before which it requires any party in interest to specify what items shown by the filed exhibits are conceded, and further proof of conceded items shall not be required. The commission may also require the parties to simplify the issues; to consider admissions of fact and of documents that will avoid unnecessary proof; and to limit the number of expert witnesses. The commission shall enter an order reciting the concessions and agreements made by the parties, and unless modified at the hearing to prevent manifest injustice, the hearing shall be controlled by the order.