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SEIA Ethics Complaint Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The New York State Department of Public Service has issued guidelines for filing and responding to SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) ethics complaints. The process is outlined in a detailed document that explains the steps involved in submitting a complaint, the structure and charter of the SEIA Ethics Committee, and the procedures for evaluating and resolving complaints.

Key Takeaways:

  • Complainants must use the SEIA Ethics Complaint form and submit it via email or U.S. mail to the address listed, which includes the General Counsel's contact information.
  • The General Counsel will promptly submit the complaint to the Chair of the SEIA Ethics Committee for distribution to the full committee and notify the complainant of receipt.
  • The Ethics Committee will only consider complaints involving SEIA members, and SEIA reserves the right to not pursue action that is not in its best interest.
  • Complainants need not be SEIA members, but the complaint must involve one or more SEIA members.
  • The Ethics Committee will arrange an informal hearing in person or by telephone, contacting the complainant and respondent, and may request additional information from either party.
  • If the Committee finds a proper cause of action, they will set a date for the hearing within 30 business days of finding cause, and provide the respondent with a copy of the complaint and 15 business days to prepare a written reply.
  • All parties may be represented by counsel and use witnesses, provided they notify the association at least 15 days prior to the hearing.
  • Lack of responsiveness or refusal to follow procedures can result in an incomplete complaint, which is grounds for dismissal.
  • The Ethics Committee will make best efforts to find a mutually beneficial resolution to the matter, and the length and manner of the hearing is at their discretion.
  • Following the hearing, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Directors, which will vote to approve or reject the recommendation after proper notice.

Statistics:

  • 17 business days for the Ethics Committee to set a date for the hearing after finding cause
  • 15 business days for the respondent to prepare a written reply to the complaint
  • 30 business days for the Ethics Committee to set a date for the hearing after finding cause

Sources:

  • INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION FOR FILING AND REPLYING TO SEIA(r) ETHICS COMPLAINTS (Source: New York State Department of Public Service, publication date: October 17, 2013)

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