On January 3rd, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced that President Biden has named Willie L. Phillips FERC Acting Chairman. Mr. Phillips joined the FERC in December 2021 after practicing regulatory law for nearly 20 years in both the public and private sectors. Mr. Phillips also has a comprehensive background in the areas of public utility regulation, bulk power system reliability, and corporate governance.
Prior to Mr. Phillips joining the FERC in 2021 and his appointment to FERC Acting Chairman, he served on the Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia and as its Chairman. Mr. Phillips also served as Assistant General Counsel for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and worked for two law firms where he advised clients on energy regulatory compliance and policy matters.
Mr. Phillips has expressed that during his chairmanship, he will focus on continuing the FERC’s endeavors to:
- modernize the energy grid
- achieve aggressive clean energy and climate goals
- pursue environmental justice and equity
- ensure that consumers have access to reliable, safe, secure and efficient energy services at reasonable cost
- prioritize public engagement in pursuit of the FERC’s mission
Mr. Phillips earned a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Montevallo. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children.
Source:
President Biden Names Willie Phillips Acting Chairman (ferc.gov)
