Electricity Policy

U.S. Congress

The U.S. Congress enacts laws that govern the electric power industry and oversees the federal agencies that regulate electricity.

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
In December 2007, Congress approved—and President Bush signed into law—a far-reaching energy bill that includes favorable provisions for the electric power industry.

Energy Policy Act of 2005
In 2005, Congress passed—and President Bush signed into law—the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This law includes a number of key provisions that affect electric utilities.

Advocacy Activities
Access EEI testimony, filings and briefs on key policy issues.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC is the federal agency that regulates electricity transmission and wholesale electricity sales in interstate commerce. FERC implements the laws of Congress through orders and rulemakings on electricity policy. EEI actively participates in numerous FERC proceedings and files comments on behalf of our shareholder-owned electric company members.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Learn more about current issues and proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

State Public Utility Commissions & Legislatures

State governments regulate shareholder-owned electric company retail service, as well as the construction and siting of power plants and transmission lines. In recent years, states have explored ways to restructure electric service to introduce retail competition and other regulatory reforms. Some local governments also are pursuing takeovers of the electric system.

State & Local Policies
Learn more about rising electricity costs, state policy research, and state restructuring and regulatory policy.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure/Smart Grid

With electric rates on the increase and concerns mounting over decreasing reserve margins, many utilities and state regulatory commissions are exploring the use of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).

Advanced Metering Infrastructure/Smart Grid Resources
Find out how AMI will provide consumers with the ability to use electricity more efficiently.