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Rules Governing Discovery, The Hearing Process, and Rate Cases. Robert Cromwell Ann Rendahl Tre Hendricks Jamie Van Nostrand. Overview. Organization of Part III Cross-Reference Table Substantive Changes. Discovery Rules. Subpart A, WAC 480-07-400 to –425 WAC 480-09-480 is no more
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Rules Governing Discovery, The Hearing Process, and Rate Cases Robert Cromwell Ann Rendahl Tre Hendricks Jamie Van Nostrand
Overview • Organization of Part III • Cross-Reference Table • Substantive Changes Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Discovery Rules . . . • Subpart A, WAC 480-07-400 to –425 • WAC 480-09-480 is no more • No change tocurrent discovery process Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Discovery – Practice Tips • Subpoenas – Available in all adj. proceedings • Distinctions between forms of discovery • Only becomes evidence if moved and admitted • Do not file data requests or responses with the Commission or send to the judge • Submit confidential information carefully Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Confidential Information & Protective Orders • New Rules: WAC 480-07-420, -423 • Rules modeled after CR 26(c) • Availability and form of protective orders • Designation of information as confidential and highly confidential • How to submit confidential and highly confidential documents Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Confidential Information & Protective Orders (Cont.) • Reasons for and benefits of new rules • Concerns with application of rule • Issues concerning designation and use of highly confidential information Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Hearing Process Rules • Subpart A – WAC 480-07-430 to –498 • Order of new rules follows hearing process • No substantive changes to rules governing the hearing process Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
Hearing Process – Practice Tips • Initial Prehearing Conference • Marking Prefiled Exhibits – WAC 480-07-460(2) • Prehearing Conference for marking exhibits Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
General Rate Proceedings • Subpart B – WAC 480-07-500 to 480-07-550 • Substantive Changes: • Summary rejection rule– WAC 480-07-500(4) • Less than statutory notice rule– WAC 480-07-500(5) • Commission discretion rule – WAC 480-07-510(4) Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
General Rate Proceedings • Substantive Changes (cont.): • Affiliated/subsidiary transactions rules – WAC 480-07-510((3)(f), -520(4)(j), and –530(4)(i) • No cost of service study for Class A solid waste collection companies – WAC 480-07-520 • Burden of proof rule – WAC 480-07-540 Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules
General Rate Proceedings – Practice Tips • Carefully follow minimum filing requirements • Don’t forget customer notices in filing • Provide electronic access to testimony and exhibits, and if possible, work papers Discovery, Hearing Process & Rate Case Rules