About FERC
Mission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates and oversees
energy industries in the economic and environmental interest
of the American public.
Vision
Dependable, affordable energy through sustained competitive
markets.
Values
Employees – People are our most valued asset. We
provide the support needed for all employees to excel.
Integrity – We maintain the highest level of professionalism
and an environment of fairness, trust, respect and honesty.
Diversity – We value diversity in people and ideas.
Working Together – We clearly communicate expectations,
encourage cooperation and teamwork, and share responsibility.
Progress and Innovation – We are creative and flexible,
and seek out opportunities to improve.
Action – Prompt and fair resolution of matters
before the Commission is essential to our mission.
Reaching Out – two-way communication with the public
is key to our effectiveness.
Public Service – Our ultimate objective is to provide
valued services to the public.
What FERC Does
FERC is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission
of natural gas, oil, and electricity. FERC also regulates natural
gas and hydropower projects.
Economic Regulation
- Transmission and sale of natural gas for resale in interstate
commerce;
- Transmission of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce;
- Transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate
commerce;
- Administers accounting and financial reporting regulations
and conduct of regulated companies, and;
Infrastructure Regulation
- Licenses and inspects private, municipal, and state hydropower
projects;
- Approves the siting of and abandonment of interstate
natural gas facilities, including pipelines, storage and
liquefied natural gas; and
- Oversees environmental matters related to natural gas
and hydropower projects and major electricity policy initiatives.
What FERC Does NOT Do
Areas considered outside of FERC's jurisdiction are:
Economic Regulation
- Retail electricity and natural gas sales to consumers;
- Oil company mergers and acquisitions;
- Regulation of municipal power systems, federal power
marketing agencies like the Tennessee Valley; Authority,
and most rural electric cooperatives; and
Infrastructure Regulation
- Approval to construct electric generation, transmission,
or distribution facilities, except hydropower;
- Nuclear power plant regulation;
- Oversight of oil pipeline construction;
- Abandonment of service related to oil facilities;
- Pipeline safety or pipeline transportation on or across
the Outer Continental Shelf;
- Regulation of local distribution pipelines of natural
gas; and
- Development and operation of natural gas vehicles.
How the Commission is Appointed
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is composed of five
commissioners who are appointed by the President of the United
States with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners
serve five-year terms, and have an equal vote on regulatory
matters.
To avoid any undue political influence or pressure, no more
than three commissioners may belong to the same political party.
There is no review of FERC decisions by the President or Congress,
maintaining FERC's independence as a regulatory agency, and
providing for fair and unbiased decisions. The Commission is
funded through costs recovered by the fees and annual charges
from the industries it regulates.
One member of the Commission is designated by the President
to serve as Chair and FERC's administrative head.
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