Regulator

Note: This entry refers to an agency that regulates an energy company, not the piece of natural gas equipment that regulates pressure. (For that topic please see Natural gas regulator). 

A regulator is a governmental agency that sets the rules and orders issued by federal, state, or local agencies that dictate how natural gas and electric services are provided to customers. The term regulator may also be applied to an individual who is part of a regulatory agency.  

Various regulators oversee aspects of natural gas and electric companies in the U.S. including:

Federal 

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
• Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

State

• State utility commissions variously called the Public Utility Commission (PUC), Public Service Commission (PSC), Corporation Commission, Commerce Commission, or other names used in specific states

Local 

• Local energy boards or commissions