Jon Wellinghoff, Chairman, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Jon Wellinghoff was appointed Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was by President Barack Obama in 2009 after serving as a FERC Commissioner since 2006. The independent agency oversees wholesale electric transactions and interstate electric transmission and gas transportation in the United States.

Wellinghoff is an energy law specialist with more than 35 years of experience. Before joining FERC, he led a private law practice in Nevada, where he focused on cases pertaining to renewable energy and energy efficiency, causes he continues to promote as FERC Chairman. He was the primary author of Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), one of two state RPS programs to receive an “A” rating from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Wellinghoff’s priorities at FERC were the integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid; the implementation of advanced technologies aimed at making the use and distribution of energy more efficient; and the promotion of demand-side energy practices, including real-time electricity pricing and the use of electric cars. These priorities emphasize improvements to the overall efficiency of the nation’s energy infrastructure. Wellinghoff has pursued his priorities through the implementation of regulatory practices that ensure a fair and competitive energy market, pointing out that it is through competitive energy markets that consumers will reap the full benefits of new technology.

As Chairman he created FERC’s Office of Energy Policy and Innovation (OEPI), which is responsible for investigating and promoting new efficient technologies and practices in the energy sectors under FERC’s jurisdiction. Wellinghoff is co-chair of the Smart Response Collaborative launched jointly by FERC and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and is a member of NARUC’s Committee on Energy Resources and the Environment.

Although Wellinghoff submitted his resignation as FERC Chairman to President Obama on May 5, he will continue to serve in the post until a new chairman is appointed.