Settlement conferences.

§ 1.956 Settlement conferences. 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. (a) The purposes of such conferences are: (1) To obtain admissions of fact or stipulations between the parties as to any or all of the matters in controversy; (2) To consider the necessity for or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, or of additional pleadings or evidentiary submissions; (3) To consider simplification or narrowing of the issues; (4) To encourage settlement of the matters in controversy by agreement between the parties; and (5) To consider other matters that may aid in the resolution of the contested proceeding. (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. (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]