Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Settlements

(a) The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority may, whenever it deems appropriate and is consistent with the principles set forth in sections 16-19 and 16-19e, adopt proposed settlements produced by alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to resolve contested cases and proceedings. (b) Parties or intervenors to a contested proceeding may propose a settlement by filing a motion, which shall be filed not later than three weeks prior to the scheduled issuance date of the proposed final decision in the proceeding. The parties proposing the settlement shall provide the proposed settlement to all parties and intervenors not less than three business days before the filing of a motion pursuant to this subsection, with a request that the party or intervenor provide a position on the proposed settlement for reference in the motion. Motions made pursuant to this subsection shall include, as applicable: (1) An analysis identifying any increases or decreases to components of rates resulting from the proposed settlement and the causal relationship of particular rate component increases or decreases to provisions in the proposed settlement, to the extent ascertainable; and (2) a statement of the position of nonsettling parties and intervenors on the proposed settlement, such as “support”, “oppose” or “no position”, if such party or intervenor complies with the request to provide such statement. If a proposed settlement is submitted prior to the close of the evidentiary record, prefiled testimony shall be submitted with the settlement. (c) The provisions of any proposed settlement shall be supported by citations to the evidentiary record or other evidence as the authority may require. (d) The authority may hold hearings and may order briefs to be filed related to any proposed settlement. (e) (1) If the term of any provision in a settlement of a proceeding to amend rates under section 16-19 extends longer than the effective date of the rate amendment approved in the subsequent proceeding to amend rates under section 16-19, the authority may reject or modify such provision. (2) Any proceeding to amend rates under section 16-19 that is resolved by a settlement shall not constitute a general rate hearing for purposes of the periodic review required under section 16-19a, if the previous proceeding to amend rates under section 16-19 was resolved by a settlement in full or in part.