§271G-23  Hearings.  (a)  All hearings,investigations, and proceedings shall be governed by chapter 91 and by rules ofpractice and procedure adopted by the public utilities commission, and in theconduct thereof, the technical rules of evidence need not be applied; providedthat in all evidentiary hearings conducted pursuant to chapter 91 in which acarrier has the burden of justifying the reasonableness of its rates, fares,charges, or classifications, the burden of proof of the carrier in proving thereasonableness of expenditures, contracts, leases, or other transactionsbetween the carrier and corporate affiliates of the carrier shall be satisfiedonly if the reliable, probative and substantial evidence is clear andconvincing.  No informality in any hearing, investigation, or proceeding, or inthe manner of taking testimony shall invalidate any order, decision or rulemade, approved, or confirmed by the commission.

(b)  Complaints may be made, in writing, by thecommission on its own motion or by any person or body politic setting forth anyact or thing done, or omitted to be done by any water carrier, including anyrule, regulation, rate, or charge, heretofore established or fixed by or forany water carrier, in violation or claimed to be in violation, of any law or ofany order or rule of the commission. [L 1974, c 94, pt of §1; am L 1980, c 202,§4 and c 232, §9]