(a) Department.--Upon request of any admitted party to a regulatory proceeding, including a contributor that is a public utility, the department may agree to appear in proceedings before or present appropriate submittals to that contributor's public utility regulatory body regarding the contributor's contribution to the fund. A contributor making such request shall compensate the department for its actual costs for travel, lodging and other out-of-pocket or administrative expenses incurred in compliance with this request.

(b) Affidavit.--If the department does not appear, it may submit an affidavit providing information relative to such contributions and surcharges relating to the fund and made or imposed under this act.