FERC Shelves Probe on Industry Dues and Political Spending
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has decided to stop looking into how companies recover costs and report dues paid to industry groups and certain political or civic expenses. They also denied a request to change the rules about these payments. This means companies won’t see new rules or cost changes anytime soon, with the decision effective April 16, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Case-by-Case Review of Dues Continues
FERC said it will handle questions about whether industry association dues or civic and political expenses may be recovered in rates on a case-by-case basis, consistent with existing practice and precedent. The Commission will continue to apply existing rules and USofA instructions (including use of nonoperating Account 426.4 for certain civic, political and related activities) when evaluating individual filings.
Rulemaking Halted; Proceeding Ended
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission withdrew its December 23, 2021 Notice of Inquiry and terminated Docket No. RM22-5-000 as of April 16, 2026. The Commission also denied the separate petition for rulemaking filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, so there will be no new general rule from this proceeding on how industry association dues are treated.
Encouragement to Improve Tariff Transparency
Although FERC declined general rulemaking, it encouraged regulated entities to adopt tariff revisions that enhance transparency about industry association costs included in rates. This is a recommendation from the Commission and not a new mandatory rule.
Petition to Require Account 426.4 Denied
The Commission denied the Center for Biological Diversity's March 17, 2021 petition that sought to require utilities to record all industry association dues in USofA Account 426.4. The denial means FERC will not impose a blanket accounting change forcing all dues into Account 426.4.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09811 — Texas Gas Transmission, LP; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues for the Proposed Longwall Mining Panel M2 and M3 Project
Texas Gas Transmission wants to do some mining work in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. They’re gathering comments until June 11, 2026, to help decide if the project should move forward. This could change local land and facilities, so your voice matters before any big money or construction starts!
2026-09636 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds from companies like Questar Gas and Tennessee Gas Pipeline. These filings include changes to operating conditions and new rate agreements that could affect how much customers pay starting as soon as May 12, 2026. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act by the listed deadlines in May and July.
2026-09685 — WBI Energy Transmission, Inc.; Notice of Scoping Period Requesting Comments on Environmental Issues and Notice of On-Site Environmental Review for the Proposed Line Section 32 Expansion Project
WBI Energy wants to expand a gas pipeline in North Dakota, and the government is asking people to share their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before June 10, 2026. This project could change local land and wildlife, so your input helps decide if it moves forward safely and smartly.
2026-09562 — Texas Eastern Transmission, LP; Notice of Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Kosciusko Compressor Station Replacement Project
Texas Eastern Transmission wants to replace 14 old compressor units with 3 new, cleaner gas turbines at their Kosciusko Compressor Station in Mississippi. This upgrade will keep the station safe, reliable, and better for the environment without major disruptions. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts before the project moves forward.
2026-09563 — Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and certificates. Companies like Louisville Gas and Electric and Black Hills/Kansas Gas want to change rates or abandon certificates, which could affect gas prices or services soon. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until late May to file your comments or join the discussion.
2026-09561 — Kinetica Energy Express, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Kinetica Energy Express is planning to build a powerful new compressor and related equipment in Louisiana to boost gas flow and fix pressure problems for their current customers. This $40 million project will make the system more reliable and flexible. If you want to speak up or get involved, you need to act before the set deadline!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07710 — Information Collection: NRC Form 314, Certificate of Disposition of Materials
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is renewing its form called NRC Form 314, which tracks how certain nuclear materials are handled and disposed of. This affects companies and people who deal with these materials, and the NRC wants your comments by May 21, 2026. There’s no new cost, just a chance to keep the paperwork clear and up to date.
Next: 2026-07712 — Combined Notice of Filings #1
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got a bunch of new electric rate filings from several power companies, including Tri-State, Tucson Electric, and Southwest Power Pool. These filings include updates to agreements and rate schedules that could affect how electricity is priced and managed starting as soon as April 1, 2026. If you’re involved with these companies or rely on their services, keep an eye on comment deadlines in early May to have your say!