The Commission or the Department of Public Service, their representatives, or any party in any investigation or hearing conducted by virtue of this title may cause the depositions of witnesses, wherever residing, to be taken in such manner and used for such purposes as the Supreme Court may by rule provide for taking depositions in civil actions in the Superior Court. (Added 1961, No. 263, § 10, eff. July 31, 1961; amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 212, eff. March 29, 1972; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1979, No. 204 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. Feb. 1, 1981.)