Yesterday, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Willie L. Phillips, chairman of the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (DCPSC), as a Commissioner of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission). Prior to his tenure at DCPSC, which began as a commissioner in 2014, Chairman Phillips served as assistant general counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Currently, Chairman Phillips serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) board of directors and the Committee on Electricity, and he chairs the NARUC Select Committee on Regulatory and Industry Diversity. In addition, Chairman Phillips serves on the Electric Power Research Institute’s Advisory Council and on the Organization of PJM States, Inc. (OPSI) board of directors. Chairman Phillips has just completed a term as president of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC).
Given former FERC Commissioner Neil Chatterjee’s recent departure, President Biden’s nomination is intended to fill the vacant seat on the Commission. FERC Chairman Richard Glick has issued a statement in support of Chairman Phillips and his nomination. Chairman Glick stated, “[a] five-member Commission is critical to ensuring this important work continues. As is tradition, the Commission stands ready to support Chairman Phillips during the confirmation process.”
We will continue to monitor the nomination process and provide updates accordingly.
News Flash 2021-241