1) Review relevant documents: a. from this proceeding, including Minnesota Power’s Petition, comments from other parties, discovery responses, etc.; b. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including 8-Ks, Proxy Statements, etc.; c. from prior proceedings before the MPUC related to significant corporate transactions, including petitions, testimony, Commission Orders, etc.; and d. from the related proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, including FERC Docket No. EC24-105 (ALLETE’s application for approval of the proposed Acquisition by GIP and CPP Investments) and FERC Docket No. EC24-58 (BlackRock’s acquisition of GIP). 2) Identify potential topics/subjects that should be investigated through written discovery. 3) Assist with developing specific questions relating to technical topics to be asked through written discovery and potentially depositions. 4) Assess whether the proposed acquisition is consistent with the public interest, meaning that the potential risks or detriments do not outweigh the potential benefits. 5) Provide an oral report summarizing their findings prior to providing final written testimony (direct, rebuttal, and surrebuttal) and/or expert reports. 6) Consistent with the deadlines the Administrative Law Judge sets, provide written testimony (direct, rebuttal, and surrebuttal) and/or expert reports. 7) Assist the Department with responding to discovery issued by other parties. 8) Testify and answer questions from the Administrative Law Judge and other parties during an evidentiary hearing (a trial-like proceeding) when scheduled. 9) Review drafts of written briefs and proposed findings of facts drafted by the Department’s attorneys for technical accuracy. 10) Assist the Department in preparing for the meeting(s) of the MPUC at which the Commissioners will discuss this matter and make a final decision, attend the meeting(s) and answer questions from Commissioners during the meeting(s).
