(a)      In appearances before the Commission and courts on behalf of residential and noncommercial users, the Office of People's Counsel has the rights of counsel for a party to the proceeding, including those rights specified in § 3-107 of this article.

      (b)      The Office of People's Counsel may appear before any federal or State unit to protect the interests of residential and noncommercial users.

      (c)      (1)      Except as otherwise provided in this article and consistent with any applicable Freedom of Information Act, the Office of People's Counsel shall have full access to the Commission's records and shall have the benefit of all other facilities or information of the Commission.

            (2)      The Office of People's Counsel is entitled to the assistance of the Commission's staff, if the staff determines that the assistance is consistent with the staff's responsibilities and if the staff and the Office of People's Counsel agree that the assistance, in a particular matter, is consistent with their respective interests.

      (d)      If the Office of People's Counsel considers that the legislation would affect the interests of residential and noncommercial users, the Office of People's Counsel may recommend to the General Assembly legislation on any matter related to the Commission's jurisdiction.