199—26.8 (476) Procedural schedule in Iowa Code sections 476.3 and 476.6 proceedings.
	 26.8(1) In any proceeding initiated as a result of the filing by a public utility of new or changed rates, charges, schedules or regulations, the utilities board or presiding officer shall set a procedural schedule based on the following guidelines, unless otherwise ordered by the utilities board or presiding officer pursuant to this rule. The times and places of consumer comment hearings shall be set at the discretion of the utilities board or presiding officer.
Prepared direct testimony and exhibits in support of the filing—date of initial filing.
Docket case as a formal proceeding, suspend effective date of new or changed rates, charges, schedules or regulations and establish procedural schedule—not later than 30 days from the date of initial filing.
All further testimony—completed not later than six months from date of initial filing.
Cross-examination of all testimony—completed not later than seven months from date of initial filing.
Briefs of all parties—filed not later than eight and one-half months from date of initial filing.
	 26.8(2) In a proceeding initiated as a result of the filing of a complaint pursuant to Iowa Code section 476.3, the utilities board or presiding officer shall set a procedural schedule based on the following guidelines, unless otherwise ordered by the utilities board or presiding officer pursuant to this rule.
Prepared direct testimony and exhibits in support of the filing—date of initial filing.
Docket case as a formal proceeding to suspend effective date of new or changed rates, charges, schedules or regulations and establish procedural schedule—not later than 30 days from the date of initial filing.
All further testimony—completed not later than six months from date of initial filing.
Cross-examination of all testimony—completed not later than seven months from date of initial filing.
Briefs of all parties—filed not later than eight and one-half months from date of initial filing.
	 26.8(3) In setting the procedural schedule in a case, the board or administrative law judge shall take into account the existing hearing calendar and shall give due regard to other obligations of the parties, attorneys and witnesses. The board or administrative law judge may on its own motion or upon the motion of any party, including consumer advocate, for good cause shown change the time and place of any hearing. Any effect such a change has on the remainder of the procedural schedule or the deadline for decision shall be noted when the change is ordered.
	 26.8(4) Additional time may be granted a party, including consumer advocate, upon a showing of good cause for the delay, including but not limited to:
	  a.   	 Delay of completion of previous procedural step.
	  b.   	 Delays in responding to discovery or consumer advocate data requests.
Any effect such an extension has on the remainder of the procedural schedule or the deadline for decision shall be noted in the motion for extension and the board order granting the extension.
	 26.8(5) If any party, including consumer advocate, wishes to utilize the electric generating facility exception to the ten-month decision deadline contained in Iowa Code section 476.6, it shall expeditiously file a motion seeking this exception including an explanation of that portion of the suspended rates, charges, schedules or regulations necessarily connected with the inclusion of the generating facility in rate base. Any other party may file a response to such a motion.