Section 200.25  Standards for Discretion

All Commission discretion under this Part shall be exercised so as to accomplish the goals set forth in the remainder of this Section.

a)         Integrity of the fact-finding process – The principal goal of the hearing process is to assemble a complete factual record to serve as basis for a correct and legally sustainable decision.

b)         Fairness – Persons appearing in and affected by Commission proceedings must be treated fairly.  To this end, parties which do not act diligently and in good faith shall be treated in such a manner as to negate any disadvantage or prejudice experienced by other parties.

c)         Expedition – Proceedings must be brought to a conclusion as swiftly as is possible in keeping with the other goals of the hearing process.

d)         Convenience – The hearing process should be tailored where practicable to accommodate the parties, staff witnesses, the Hearing Examiner and the Commission itself.

e)         Cost-effectiveness – Minimization of costs incurred by the Commission, and by both public and private parties, should be sought.

(Source:  Added at 10 Ill. Reg. 10481, effective May 30, 1986)