Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is portrayed as a bulwark against authoritarian interference. Despite external pressure from Trump’s administration to subject independent agencies to direct presidential oversight and potential defunding, FERC leadership emphasizes its commitment to nonpartisan, stable regulation. This public stance is a positive step in resisting authoritarian tendencies and protecting democratic oversight over energy regulation.

Trump wants agencies on a short leash. What does that mean for FERC?

FERC's proposal to enhance internal network security monitoring and update CIP reliability standards reflects a proactive approach to strengthening technological defenses. This action minimizes the risk of cyber intrusions targeting critical infrastructure, aligning with broader efforts to safeguard societal functions against potential authoritarian misuse of technology.

FERC Acts to Improve Reliability by Closing Supply Chain Cyber Risk Management Gaps

The directive forces utilities to adopt more transparent and ethical accounting practices regarding political activities by clearly segregating political expenses from recoverable charges to ratepayers. This development promotes fair business practices and reduces the unethical cross-subsidization that often privileges politically influential interests over consumer protection.

Legislation introduced by Rep. Kathy Castor instructs FERC to ban utilities from using ratepayer dollars for political activities

The updated cybersecurity standard targets technological vulnerabilities in the nation’s bulk electric system. By ensuring robust vendor electronic remote access controls and enhancing supply chain risk management, this measure significantly contributes to the resiliency of critical infrastructure, countering potential cyber threats that can be exploited by authoritarian forces.

FERC Approves New Cybersecurity Standards for Low-Impact Electric Assets

The updated cybersecurity requirements enhance the technological security framework of the bulk power system. By mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities on low-impact assets, FERC’s measure supports robust defense mechanisms against disruptive cyber threats, aligning with progressive efforts to protect critical infrastructure.

FERC expands cybersecurity supply chain standards to low-impact assets

FERC's inquiry into revising accounting rules to block the recovery of political and lobbying expenses by utilities is a significant move towards increasing governmental and corporate transparency. By potentially preventing ratepayers from funding political activities indirectly, this action supports democratic accountability and serves as a check against dark money in politics, which aligns with anti-authoritarian principles.

FERC eyes rule changes to prevent utilities from charging ratepayers for political expenses

The proactive review of accounting rules by FERC represents a positive move to increase transparency in how utilities can recover expenses. By addressing concerns that utility trade association dues may conceal lobbying costs, FERC is aligning its practices to protect ratepayers and uphold democratic accountability. This action counters potential corporate overreach in political spending and is supportive of anti-authoritarian and public interest values.

14 states urge FERC to tighten accounting rules to prevent utilities from recouping lobbying expenses

The senators’ call for FERC to reclassify industry association fees as non-recoverable is a proactive measure to safeguard ratepayers and promote transparency in utility accounting practices. Such a move addresses concerns about funds being diverted to support political lobbying by groups with questionable ethics, thus countering practices that could contribute to authoritarian and anti-environment policies.

Senators Urge FERC to Stop Utility Companies from Charging Customers for Polluter Lobbying