On May 20, 2020, FERC issued a notice that it will convene a Commissioner-led technical conference on Wednesday and Thursday, July 8–9, 2020 from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time each day “to consider the ongoing, serious impacts that the emergency conditions caused by COVID-19 are having on various segments of the United States’ energy industry.” The notice stated that the technical conference will explore potential long-term impacts on FERC-regulated entities to ensure the continued efficient functioning of energy markets, electric transmission, transportation of natural gas and oil, and reliable operation of energy infrastructure, while also protecting consumers.

The notice also stated that technical conference will provide the public with an opportunity to hear high-level discussions of how COVID-19 has impacted the energy industry. In particular, the notice says that the technical conference will include panels and cover various issues, including (1) the energy industry’s ongoing and potential operational and planning challenges due to COVID-19, as circumstances change moving forward; (2) the potential impacts of changes in electric, natural gas, and oil demand on operations, planning, and infrastructure development; and (3) issues related to access to capital, including credit, liquidity, and return on equity issues.

The technical conference will be open for the public to attend remotely.  Members of the public are encouraged to preregister online here.  A copy of the notice is available here.