PSC Updating Intervention Rules
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Commission's rules regarding intervention have not been revised since 1977. Consistent with its obligations under Montana statute (MCA 2-4-314), the Public Service Commission has been working to update agency administrative rules.
Through that review, the Commission has determined that its existing intervention rules can be updated and simplified into a single rule. Multiple stakeholder comments have been incorporated into the rule during a preliminary process that has been both transparent and open. This rule simplifies the manner in which parties interested in formal participation during Commission proceedings can do so. That transparency and openness will continue throughout the formal rulemaking process, which has just begun. Interested parties are encouraged to offer comments at the public hearing scheduled for August 2nd at 1:00 pm in the Commission’s Bollinger Room. Online attendance and participation is also welcome.
Parties and the public rely on the Commission to efficiently administer its proceedings. No party has a right to bog down proceedings simply to cause delay, unreasonably duplicate positions, and prejudice other parties. The proposed rule allows the commission to limit intervention only when necessary to counteract delay, unreasonable duplication of positions, or prejudice to other parties. In this way, the proposed rule is designed to protect the due process rights of parties appearing before the commission, not take them away.
Most importantly, the public will not find it more difficult to participate in Commission proceedings. This rule does not in any way limit the ability of any member of the public to comment on any Commission proceeding, regardless of whether they have formally intervened. The Commission has a team of knowledgeable, hardworking consumer assistance staff that is dedicated to helping the public understand Commission proceedings and make their voices heard. Nothing in the Commission’s proposed rule interferes with the public’s vital role in Commission proceedings.
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