The administrative litigation process begins when the Commission sets a proceeding for hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). The Chief Administrative Law Judge assigns a presiding judge and sets a hearing schedule.

FERC trial staff participates in the administrative litigation process pursuant to 18 CFR 385.102(b) as an impartial representative of the public interest. Trial staff includes attorneys as well as technical staff that serve as expert witnesses whose goal is to settle or litigate cases in a timely, efficient and equitable manner while ensuring the outcomes are consistent with Commission policy.

Chief Judge's Notices to the Public:

• » Procedures Governing Rule 602 Settlement Filings
• » Elimination of the Requirement to Include Draft Commission Letter Orders with Filed Settlements and Certifications of Uncontested Settlements
• » Revisions to the Model Protective Order and Related Guidance
• » Notice of Document Labelling Guidance for Documents Submitted to or Filed with the Commission or Commission Staff
• » Amended Notice to the Public on Information to be Provided with Settlement Agreements and Guidance on the Role of Settlement Judges
• » Notice to the Public for Clarification and Revision of the Previous Notice to the Public on Settlement Negotiations before Administrative Law Judges
• » Addendum to Prior Notices on Procedures for Handling Exhibits and Developing the Electronic Hearing Record (Issued 10/18/16)
• » Model Protective Order
• » New ADR Procedures for Initial Prehearing Conferences
• » Notice of Additional E-tariff Type of Filing Codes
• » Procedures for Handling Exhibits and Developing the Electronic Record
• » Motions to Place Interim Settlement Rates Into Effect
• » Settlement Negotiations Before Administrative Law Judges
• » Uniform Exhibit Numbering System;
• » Time Standards for Discovery;
• » Protected and Critical Energy Infrastructure Material; and
• » Addendum to Procedures for Handling Exhibits and Developing the Electronic Hearing Record
• » Additional eTariff Type of Filing Code (TOFC) for Modifications to Pending Rule 602 Settlement Filings