Sec.  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]