standing commissioners, and seven non-standing commissioners). The Plenary Committee meetings are presided over by the Chairperson, and decisions are made by a majority vote of the members on the register. However, items concerning the operation and procedures of such meetings are decided by a majority vote of the members in attendance. The Plenary Committee meets twice a month and may be convened additionally if necessary. ■ Standing Committee The Standing Committee, which is composed of the Chairperson and three standing commissioners, is chaired by the Chairperson and makes decisions with three or more present and three or more voting in favor. The Standing Committee refers to the Plenary Committee any matters that are deemed to be critical in nature, to have significant possible impacts, and to be appropriate for the Plenary Committee to deliberate and decide. The Standing Committee meets regularly every week. It is also convened upon request by two or more standing commissioners or if deemed necessary by the Chairperson. ■ Subcommittees We operate the subcommittees in charge of different areas in order to more efficiently execute our specific functions such as the deliberation on filed petitions. Currently, a total of five subcommittees are in operation. Each subcommittee may comprise no less than three commissioners and no more than five commissioners. At the moment, each subcommittee consists of one standing commissioner and two non-standing commissioners designated by the Chairperson. Each subcommittee is chaired by a subcommittee chairperson who is a standing commissioner. Decisions are made with three or more votes in favor and with three or more subcommittee members in attendance. The subcommittees refer to the Plenary Committee any matters that are deemed to be critical in nature, to have significant possible impacts, and to be appropriate for the Plenary Committee to deliberate and decide. 10 Introduction