(220 ILCS 5/2-106) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 2-106)
    Sec. 2-106. (a) The executive director shall employ hearing examiners to make valuations of public utility properties, or to estimate proper rates of service of public utilities, or to examine other questions coming before the Commission, by taking testimony or by independent investigation. The executive director shall designate one hearing examiner to serve as chief hearing examiner who shall be responsible for supervising and directing the activities of all hearing examiners, subject to the approval of the executive director. Hearing examiners shall, under the direction of the chief hearing examiner, take testimony of witnesses, examine accounts, records, books, papers and physical properties, either by holding hearings or making independent investigations, in any matter referred to them by the chief hearing examiner; and make report thereof to the chief hearing examiner, and attend at hearings before the Commission when so directed by the chief hearing examiner, for the purpose of explaining their investigations and the result thereof to the Commission and the parties interested; and perform such other duties as the chief hearing examiner may direct.
    (b) All hearing examiners employed by the Commission shall be thoroughly familiar with applicable rules of evidence, procedure and administrative law. At least every two years after a hearing examiner is employed by the Commission, the executive director and chief hearing examiner shall review the performance of such hearing examiner based on whether the examiner:
    (i) is, and is perceived to be, fair to all parties;
    (ii) has a judicious and considerate temperament;
    (iii) is capable of comprehending and properly conducting proceedings and other duties to which he is assigned;
    (iv) is capable of understanding and rendering rulings on legal and evidentiary issues;
    (v) is capable of independently evaluating the evidentiary record and drafting a proposed final order which reflects careful, impartial and competent analysis; and
    (vi) meets any other qualifications deemed relevant or necessary by the executive director or chief hearing examiner.
(Source: P.A. 84-617.)