Federal Regulation of Electric Public Utilities

Catalog description

This course provides an overview of the Federal Power Act (FPA) and the agency charged with its implementation, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Students will learn how “electric public utilities” are defined under the FPA, and which of their activities are regulated by the federal government under the FPA. They will also learn the rules that govern FERC’s regulation of various utility activities, from rates and services to mergers and acquisitions. Students will explore the differences between types of public utilities (including independent power providers, regional transmission organizations, and vertically integrated utilities). The course will also address FERC’s policymaking procedures and will include a discussion of ongoing public policy initiatives. Please note that the course does not cover the Natural Gas Act (gas pipelines and related facilities) or the Interstate Commerce Act (oil pipelines).