(a) The Presiding Officer in any oral hearing shall conduct a fair hearing, develop a record that will contribute to informed decisionmaking, and, within the framework of the Commission's orders, have the power necessary to achieve these ends, including the power to:

1. (1) Take action to avoid unnecessary delay and maintain order;
2. (2) Dispose of procedural requests;
3. (3) Question participants and witnesses, and entertain suggestions as to questions which may be asked of participants and witnesses.
4. (4) Order consolidation of participants;
5. (5) Establish the order of presentation;
6. (6) Hold conferences before or during the hearing;
7. (7) Establish time limits;
8. (8) Limit the number of witnesses; and
9. (9) Strike or reject duplicative, unreliable, immaterial, or irrelevant presentations.

(b) Where the Commission itself does not preside:

1. (1) The Presiding Officer may certify questions or refer rulings to the Commission for decision;
2. (2) Any hearing order may be modified by the Commission; and
3. (3) The Presiding Officer will certify the completed hearing record to the Commission, which may then issue its decision on the hearing or provide that additional testimony be presented.