283—3.12 (17A) Effect of a declaratory order. A declaratory order has the same status and binding effect as a final order issued in a contested case proceeding. It is binding on the commission, the petitioner, and any intervenors who consent to be bound and is applicable only in circumstances where the relevant facts and the law involved are indistinguishable from those on which the order was based. As to all other persons, a declaratory order serves only as precedent and is not binding on the commission. The issuance of a declaratory order constitutes final commission action on the petition.