A. In hearings governed by this chapter, the Commission shall not be bound by technical rules relating to evidence and witnesses. The Commission shall admit all testimony having reasonable probative value, but shall exclude immaterial, irrelevant or unduly repetitious testimony. The Commission shall give effect to the rules of privilege unless such privilege is waived. Basic principles of relevancy, materiality and probative force shall govern the proof of all questions of fact. Objections to evidentiary offers and offers of proof of evidence not admitted may be made and shall be noted in the record.

B. All evidence, including records and documents in the possession of the Commission or of which the Commission desires to avail itself, shall be duly offered and made a part of the record in the case. Every party shall be afforded adequate opportunity to rebut or offer countervailing evidence.

C. The Commission may take official notice of any generally recognized fact or any established technical or scientific fact, but parties shall be notified either before or during the hearing or by full reference in preliminary reports or otherwise, of the facts so noticed, and they shall be afforded an opportunity to contest the validity of the official notice.

D. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies or excerpts, if the original is not readily available. Upon request, parties shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy to the original.

E. The record in a hearing governed by these rules shall include: