There will be a pre-hearing conference today with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and Georgetown Consulting Group, the regulatory consultant working with CPUC in formulating a new rate structure.
Boertzel is encouraging the public to be interested in the regulatory proceedings so they can be aware of utility activities and services.
Under the rules approved by CPUC, there are three levels of public participation, Boertzel said.
First, those who have a particular interest in the proceedings can file a motion to intervene and become a party of the hearing. The motion, he added, will be considered throughout the hearing process.
Second, interested parties can offer petitions regarding particular issues.
Third is the submission of public comments during a public hearing.
Boertzel said the public cannot cross-examine the commissioners but can raise relevant issues that focus on the ongoing discussions.
He said public comments are very important for as it tries to ensure that the people receive good quality service at a reasonable rate.
After the hearing, Moertzel said he will gather all the comments and inputs from the public and include them in a report to the commission.
During the pre-hearing conference today, Boertzel said they will clarify issues, identity and limit the number of witnesses, among other things.
He said the pre-hearing will also discuss the issuance of subpoenas and protective orders, set a schedule for the submission of written briefs and other details regarding the conduct of the hearing.
PPUC will also receive testimony from Georgetown Consulting Group and CUC.
