Section 5A. In all investigations and inquiries authorized by law to be made by the department and in all proceedings before it, any commissioner of the department may summon witnesses, administer oaths and take testimony. The fees of such witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as for witnesses before the superior court and shall be paid by the commonwealth upon the certificate of the department filed with the comptroller. The fees of such witnesses need not be paid or tendered to them prior to their attendance and testimony. Subpoenas may be issued at the instance of a complainant, respondent or any other party to any proceeding before the commission under such rules as the department may establish, in which case the cost of service and the fees of witnesses shall be borne by the party at whose instance the witness is summoned, and such fees shall be paid to the witnesses as provided in the case of witnesses before the superior court.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 25 - Department of Public Utilities
Section 1 - Department of Public Utilities; Seal
Section 1a - Department Priorities
Section 2a - Energy Advisory Board; Membership; Duties
Section 3 - Commissioners; Oath; Interests in Regulated Industry Companies
Section 4 - Chairman of Commission; Powers and Duties; Hearings; Investigations; Reports
Section 4b - Authority of Commissioner Upon Declaration of State of Emergency
Section 5 - Rulings; Orders; Appeal; Costs; Staying Enforcement; Burden of Proof; Evidence
Section 5a - Witnesses; Summonses; Subpoenas; Fees
Section 5b - Rules and Regulations
Section 5c - Hazardous Materials; Rail Transportation Regulations
Section 5d - Trade Secrets, Confidential Information; Protection From Disclosure; Burden of Proof
Section 7 - Duties Relative to Common Carriers; Employees; Division of Railroad Track Inspection
Section 8 - Duties Relative to Common Carriers; Expenditures
Section 9 - Duties Relative to Water, Gas and Electric Companies; Expenditures; Employees
Section 10 - Officers and Employees; Supervision and Control
Section 12f - Transportation Division; Director; Assistants
Section 12g - Transportation Division; Investigations and Inquiries
Section 12n - Facility Siting Division
Section 12o - Department of Telecommunications and Energy Trust Fund
Section 12p - Department of Public Utilities Storm Trust Fund
Section 12q - Department of Public Utilities Energy Facilities Siting Board Trust Fund
Section 12r - Department of Public Utilities Unified Carrier Registration Trust Fund
Section 22 - Energy Efficiency Advisory Council; Membership; Duties; Quarterly Report to Council