(a) During a hearing or investigation held under this chapter, the commission may allocate the costs of the hearing or investigation among the parties, including the commission, as is just under the circumstances. In allocating costs, the commission shall consider the regulatory cost charge paid by a person under Alaska Stat. § 31.05.093and may consider the results, evidence of good faith, other relevant factors, and mitigating circumstances. The costs allocated may include
Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
person: includes a natural person, corporation, association, partnership, receiver, trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, fiduciary or other representative of any kind, and includes a department, agency or instrumentality of the state or a governmental subdivision of the state. See Alaska Statutes 31.05.170
(1) the costs of any time devoted to the investigation or hearing by hired consultants, whether or not the consultants appear as witnesses or participants;(2) any out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the commission in the particular proceeding; and(3) when the investigation or hearing relates to a violation of a provision of this chapter, a regulation adopted under this chapter, or an order, stipulation, or term of a permit issued by the commission, the costs of any time devoted to the investigation or hearing by the commission staff.(b) The commission shall provide an opportunity for any person objecting to an allocation to be heard before the allocation becomes final.
