(1) General. The commission may request or require the parties to attend a discovery conference along with designated witnesses to discuss with each other questions about the party's positions or evidence and the availability of supporting information.

(2) Purpose. The purpose of a discovery conference is:

(a) To allow witnesses and others who have knowledge relating to the proceeding (e.g., consultants or employees) to talk directly and informally;

(b) To reduce or avoid the need for written data requests and time for their preparation;

(c) To allow discussions of potential stipulations regarding individual facts and settlement of individual issues to occur in an informal setting;

(d) To discuss the availability of supporting information; and

(e) To enhance the parties' ability to acquire or expand their knowledge about the case of one or more designated other parties.

(3) Statements not evidence. Discovery conferences will not be reported and statements made by participants at discovery conferences are not admissible as evidence unless the parties agree otherwise.

(4) Facilitator. The commission may designate a person to facilitate a discovery conference. The designated facilitator must not be associated with any party or with the commission advisory staff involved in the proceeding.