There is established a Division of Adjudication within the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. The staff of the division shall include, but not be limited to, hearing officers appointed pursuant to subsection (c) of § 16-2. The responsibilities of the division shall include, but not be limited to, hearing matters assigned under said subsection and advising the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority concerning legal issues. A panel of one or more utility commissioners may assign a hearing officer pursuant to § 16-2, and the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority may assign such other staff as are necessary to advise said chairperson.