Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.904 - Informal mediation

Rule 4.

(1) In the event that parties are unable to resolve a dispute arising out of the interconnection process, as defined by R 460.901a through R 460.992, privately, the parties may, by mutual agreement, make a written request for informal mediation to the commission staff. The informal mediation must commence within 10 business days after submission of the written request or a mutually agreeable timeframe and be conducted by an interconnection ombudsperson who shall be a member of the commission staff and designated by the commission. Both parties may choose to have attorneys or appropriate representation present.

(2) During informal mediation, the parties shall discuss relevant facts pertaining to the dispute and the relief being sought. The interconnection ombudsperson and relevant commission staff shall be present to facilitate the discussion and provide guidance among the parties. Parties shall operate in good faith and use best efforts to resolve the dispute.

(3) If a resolution is reached by the end of the meeting or meetings, the parties may draft a resolution of the dispute.

(4) If the parties reach impasse and are unable to resolve the dispute, the parties shall proceed to the formal mediation process described in R 460.906.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 460.904

2023 MR 8, Eff. 4/25/2023