(1) The commission may grant an exemption of any rule in this chapter, if consistent with the public interest, the purposes underlying regulation, and applicable statutes.

(2) To request a rule exemption, a person must file with the commission a written request identifying the rule for which an exemption is sought, and giving a full explanation of the reason the exemption is requested.

(3) The commission will assign the request a docket number, if needed, and schedule the request for consideration at one of its regularly scheduled open meetings or, if appropriate under chapter 34.05 RCW, in an adjudication. The commission will notify the person requesting the exemption, and other interested persons, of the date the commission will consider the request.

(4) The commission will enter an order granting or denying the request, or setting it for hearing pursuant to chapter 480-07 WAC.