The Corporation Commission shall establish and maintain a system providing telephonic capability for hearing of matters assigned to the conservation docket so that testimony at unprotested hearings may be offered by telephone and parties and witnesses need not be present in the courtroom. Where hearings are protested, testimony may also be offered by telephone with the consent of all parties and the administrative law judge assigned to hear the case. The cost of telephonic communication shall be paid by the person or persons requesting its use. The Commission shall promulgate rules implementing the provisions of this section.