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On March 15, APGA staff and a member representative had the opportunity to meet with the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Willie Phillips.  The meeting focused on the ongoing gas-electric harmonization discussions and the need for additional natural gas infrastructure, as well as the importance of FERC’s role in mitigating excessive pipeline rates and needed reform of Section 5 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) by Congress.  APGA Board member Mike Casper from Jo-Carroll Energy joined APGA staff at the meeting to discuss how some of these issues are playing out in his own system.

APGA leadership meets with FERC Commissioners to communicate information and positions on federal regulatory matters of concern to public gas systems and met with Commissioners Clements (D), Christie (R), and Danly (R) earlier this year.  President Biden named Phillips as the Acting Chair of FERC at the beginning of this year, as former Chairman Glick’s nomination to serve another term never received the necessary Senate approvals.  This meeting provided APGA with an opportunity to educate the Chairman and his staff on the unique challenges facing public natural gas utilities, including how FERC’s actions may impact APGA members’ systems.  All FERC meetings play a critical role in APGA’s advocacy efforts, as they have allowed APGA to develop and maintain a relationship with the Commissioners.

For questions on this article or APGA’s engagement with FERC, please contact Renée Lani of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-0836 or by email at rlani@apga.org.