Section 161.4.5. Consolidation and severance.

       4.5(1) Grounds for consolidation. The presiding officer may, upon motion, consolidate any or all matters at issue in two or more contested case proceedings where:

        a.           The matters at issue involve common parties or common questions of fact or law;

        b.           Consolidation would expedite and simplify consideration of the issues involved; and

        c.           Consolidation would not adversely affect the rights of any of the parties to those proceedings.

       4.5(2) Effect of consolidation. Where consolidated hearings are held, a single record of the proceedings may be made and the evidence introduced in one matter may be considered as introduced in the other, and a separate or joint decision shall be made at the discretion of the presiding officer.

       4.5(3) Severance. The presiding officer may, for good cause shown, order any contested case proceedings or portions thereof severed.