(a) An informational and comment proceeding on the application shall not be mandatory and whether an informational and comment proceeding is held shall be within the commissioner's discretion, regardless of whether any person has requested one.
(b) If the commissioner determines that an informational and comment proceeding is warranted, the commissioner shall notify the applicant and every person who has requested an informational and comment proceeding of the time, date, and place of the proceeding at least ten days prior to the proceeding.