Pre-hearing conference

(a) At any time before a hearing the Commission or Hearing Officer, on their own motion or on motion of a party, may direct the parties or their representatives to exchange information or to participate in a prehearing conference for the purpose of considering matters which will tend to simplify the issues or expedite the proceedings. (b) The Commission or Hearing Officer may issue a pre-hearing order which includes the agreements reached by the parties. Such order shall be served on all parties and shall be part of the record.