For Citizens About FERC

About FERC

Mission
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates and oversees energy industries in the economic and environmental interest of the American public.

Vision
Abundant, reliable energy in a fair competitive market.

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

What FERC Does NOT Do

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.

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.