Once granted intervenor status- one becomes a party to the case. Any person whose request for intervenor status is denied may appeal the denial to the full Energy Commission. The appeal must be filed within 15 days of the denial. The benefits of intervening and becoming a party are most apparent when the siting committee holds formal hearings. The difference between comment and testimony is that testimony is given more weight by the decision-makers.
Testimony has more weight than comment because testimony is evidence given under oath.
Public comment is not formal evidence. Standing alone, public comment does not support a decision on any issue before the commissioners. When filing the request, the original is filed with either the Docket Unit of the Energy Commission or with the presiding member of the committee assigned to the siting case. A copy of the petition must be served on the applicant in the particular case. The address of the applicant and the requirements for serving the applicant may be obtained from the Public Adviser's Office.