In the wake of widespread power outages in Texas and other states, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced on February 22, 2021 that it’s Office of Enforcement is examining the wholesale natural gas and electricity market activity during that time to determine if market manipulation or other violations occurred. FERC has also opened a new proceeding on the potential impact of climate change and extreme weather on electric reliability. The proceeding will include a technical conference, the date and details will be announced later.
To provide the Commission with input on the creation of its new Office of Public Participation, FERC also announced an April 16 Commissioner-led workshop. The Commission invites nominations for stakeholder panelists to discuss the office’s function and scope; its organizational structure; how tribes, environmental justice communities and historically underrepresented communities can participate in proceedings before FERC; and potential intervener compensation. Nominations are due on March 10, 2021, further instructions on how to nominate participants can be found on FERC’s website.