(a) At the hearing and taking of evidence the Applicant shall have an opportunity to:

(1) Submit and have considered facts, witnesses, arguments, offers of settlement, or proposals of adjustment;

(2) Be represented by a lawyer or other representative as provided herein;

(3) Have produced Commission evidence relative to the determination, Provided, that the scope of pre-hearing discovery of evidence shall be limited to relevant matters as determined by the Presiding Officer;

(4) Examine and cross-examine witnesses;

(5) Receive a transcript of the hearing on request and upon payment of appropriate Commission fees as published by the Commission, which may be waived in cases of indigency.

(b) The Presiding Officer is empowered to:

(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;

(2) Rule on offers of proof;

(3) Receive relevant evidence;

(4) Take depositions or have depositions taken when the ends of justice would be served and to permit other pre-hearing discovery within his/her discretion;

(5) Regulate the course and conduct of the hearings; including pre-hearing procedures;

(6) Hold pre-hearing or post-hearing conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues;

(7) Dispose of procedural requests or similar matters;

(8) Make a record of the proceedings;

(9) Hold the record open for submission of evidence no longer than fourteen days after completion of the hearings;

(10) Make or recommend a decision in the case based upon evidence, testimony, and argument presented;

(11) Enforce the provisions of 5 USCA section 557(d) in the event of a violation thereof;

(12) Issue subpoenas authorized by law; and

(13) Extend any time period of this subpart upon his/her own motion or upon motion of the applicant, for good cause shown.