Phillips’ departure tees up FERC Republican majority

The FERC sphere received the news with a mix of surprise, sorrow and disappointment as it awaits news of who Trump will tap to replace Phillips. At stake is the agency’s reputation for consensus decision-making — something experts said has been especially apparent in the past few months.

“We’ve had six to ten months of getting along. I hope this doesn’t upend that,” said Kent Chandler, former chair of Kentucky’s utility regulator and a fellow at the R Street think tank. “I hope [the White House] nominates someone with an interest in being agreeable, even when disagreeing.”

Chandler said Phillips’ tenure will be remembered for his strong pursuit of bipartisanship, including in amending the landmark Order 1920 to provide more state input in long-term grid planning. While the original order passed along partisan lines, the amendment drew unanimous support, including from now-Chair Mark Christie, a Republican appointed by Trump.