The commission may conduct a contested case hearing on any application. If the commission has received a request for a contested case hearing, which it determines is in compliance with §55.251 and §55.255 of this title (relating to Requests for Contested Case Hearing, Public Comment; and Commission Action on Hearing Request), if it determines that a contested case hearing would serve the public interest, or if a commissioner requests a contested case hearing, the commission shall conduct a contested case hearing or refer the matter to the State Office of Administrative Hearings for a contested case hearing. See §295.157 of this title (relating to Notice of Hearing).