FERC is hosting a number of workshops and technical conferences over the next several months.   They are as follows:

Resource Adequacy Technical Conference

On March 23, 2021, FERC will host a virtual technical conference on resource adequacy in the evolving electricity sector.  The technical conference will include a Commissioner-led discussion on capacity markets in ISO New England Inc., New York Independent System Operator, Inc., and PJM Interconnection L.L.C. (“PJM”), as well as a FERC Staff-led discussion of the implications of the status quo Minimum Offer Price Rule in PJM and alternative approaches to resource adequacy in PJM.

Click here for information on the Technical Conference on Resource Adequacy in the Evolving Electricity Sector.

Listening Tour for Office of Public Participation

From March 17, 2021, to March 25, 2021, FERC staff will host virtual listening sessions to solicit public input on how FERC should establish and operate the Office of Public Participation (“OPP”) pursuant to section 319 of the Federal Power Act.  The public may also submit written comments by April 23, 2021.  On April 16, 2021, FERC Commissioners will lead a workshop to allow interested parties to provide input on the creation of the OPP.  FERC desires input on the following considerations in forming the OPP, including:

1. The office’s function and scope as authorized by section 319 of the FPA;
2. The office’s organizational structure and approach, including the use of equity assessment tools;
3. Participation by tribes, environmental justice communities, and other affected individuals and communities, including those who have not historically participated before the Commission; and
4. Intervenor compensation.

Click here for information on the Workshop on the creation of the Office of Public Participation.

Workshop on Compliance with Order No. 860

On March 25, 2021, FERC will host a virtual workshop on Data Collection for Analytics and Surveillance and Market-Based Rates (“MBR”).  The purpose of the workshop is to consider the functionality and features of the relational database through which FERC will begin to collect MBR information in accordance with Order No. 860. .

Click here for information on the Technical Workshop on Data Collection for Analytics and Surveillance for MBR.

Conference on Electrification and the Grid

On April 29, 2021, FERC will host a virtual conference on electrification and the grid of the future.  The purpose of this conference is to begin a conversation between Commissioners and stakeholders to discuss ways to prepare for an increasingly electrified future, such as the shift from non-electric to electric sources of energy at the point of final consumption (e.g., to fuel vehicles, heat and cool homes and businesses, and provide process heat at industrial facilities).

Click here for information on the Technical Conference on Electrification and the Grid of the Future.

Technical Conference on Threat Climate Change Poses to the Grid

On June 1-2, 2021, FERC staff will convene a virtual technical conference to discuss issues surrounding the threat to electric system reliability posed by climate change and extreme weather events.  FERC seeks to understand the near, medium and long-term challenges facing the regions of the country; how decisionmakers in the regions are evaluating and addressing those challenges; and whether further action from the Commission is needed to help achieve an electric system that can withstand, respond to, and recover from extreme weather events.

Click here for more information on the Technical Conference on Climate change and Extreme Weather Events.