During the investigation, the rate case team prepares its recommendation for presentation to the Commission. Those recommendations are in the form of testimony and exhibits which are filed and then presented during public hearings. Rate hearings provide the Commission with the evidence and testimony it needs to make an informed decision. During the hearing, evidence and testimony are presented by the utility, the PSC General Staff, and any intervenors through established procedures. A hearing is very much like a civil trial.
Hearings follow certain rules which allow all parties to present and build a case.
At the beginning of each hearing, members of the public are also given an opportunity to express their views. A record of the hearing is made by a Court Reporter and provided to the Commission in the form of a transcript. After all the facts have been gathered, the Commissioners must study the entire record which may consist of thousands of pages. The Order contains a summary of the issues and evidence presented in the case, and explains the reason for the PSC's decision. At this point, the rate case is complete unless appealed.