3. Standard of Review for Settlements

The Commission reviews all settlements under the criteria set forth in Article 12, Rules 12.1 - 12.7 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (Rules). Specifically, Rule 12.1(d) provides that, prior to the Commission's approval, the Commission must find a settlement "reasonable in light of the whole record, consistent with law, and in the public interest." We will discuss the terms of the Settlement as reflected in GO 172 and determine whether it meets these criteria.