Part II, Section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) states that exports of electric energy should be allowed unless the proposed export would impair the sufficiency of electric power supply within the U.S. or would impede or tend to impede the coordinated use of the U.S. power supply network. Based on these guidelines, DOE will grant authorization to export electric energy if it is determined that:

1. Sufficient generating resources exist such that the exporter could sustain the export while still maintaining adequate generating resources to meet all firm supply obligations; and,
2. The export would not cause operating parameters on regional transmission systems to fall outside of established industry criteria.

DOE must also comply with NEPA before granting authorization to export electric energy. However, in many instances DOE is able to cite a categorical exclusion (10 CFR 1021.410) for exports over existing international transmission lines.

A filing fee, currently $500, payable to the Treasurer of the United States, must be submitted with the original application and 15 copies.

Export authorizations issued since 1995 authorize the last entity that holds title to electricity inside the United States to export the electricity using a specific transmission line or collection of lines.

Requests for export authorizations, not currently on the website, should be addressed to Odessa.Hopkins@hq.doe.gov. Questions concerning orders can be directed to Mrs. Ellen Russell at (202) 586-9624.

Copies of applications are available on request. All questions concerning orders can be directed to Mrs. Ellen Russell at (202) 586-9624.