Hearing Standards

Independence & Objectivity

• We act without conflict of interest, bias, influence, or pressure.
• We reach decisions based only on the evidence, the law, and the public interest.

Openness & Accessibility

• Our processes are transparent.
• We give information in plain language to parties and witnesses about our processes, possible orders, and avenues of appeal.
• Our processes accommodate those without legal representation.
• Our premises are accessible.

Timeliness

• We hold our hearings as soon as practicable after the notice of hearing.
• We meet the decision release guidelines in our hearings policy.

Efficiency

• We manage hearings to be efficient and cost effective for the parties.

Quality

• We support our decisions with reasons, and write them in plain language.

Competence

• We are qualified and competent.

Respect

• We respect parties and witnesses and their counsel.