Parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution procedures to settle disputes. See subpart E of this part. In any contested proceeding, the Commission, in its discretion, may direct the parties or their attorneys to appear before it for a conference.

1. (a) The purposes of such conferences are:

   1. (1) To obtain admissions of fact or stipulations between the parties as to any or all of the matters in controversy;
   2. (2) To consider the necessity for or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, or of additional pleadings or evidentiary submissions;
   3. (3) To consider simplification or narrowing of the issues;
   4. (4) To encourage settlement of the matters in controversy by agreement between the parties; and
   5. (5) To consider other matters that may aid in the resolution of the contested proceeding.
2. (b) Conferences are scheduled by the Commission at a time and place it may designate, to be conducted in person or by telephone conference call.
3. (c) The failure of any party or attorney, following reasonable notice, to appear at a scheduled conference will be deemed a failure to prosecute, subjecting that party's application or petition to dismissal by the Commission.

[63 FR 68935, Dec. 14, 1998]