What is FERC?

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas and oil. FERC also reviews proposals to build liquefied natural gas terminals and interstate natural gas pipelines as well as licensing hydropower projects.

Congress first established the Federal Power Commission in 1920 to coordinate hydroelectric projects under federal control.

Amid the energy crisis in the 1970s, Congress reorganized the FPC as FERC. Since then, the responsibilities of the Commission have continued to evolve and expand.

FERC is composed of up to five commissioners who are appointed by the president with the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate.