Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and members of the Missouri Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) asking for a review of the natural gas supply in light of electricity outages, rolling blackouts, and controlled service interruptions across Missouri and the Midwest during extreme winter weather.
“Due to the surge in energy demand across the state, residents have been experiencing electricity outages, rolling blackouts, and controlled service interruptions during an incredibly precarious time as temperatures continue to drop,” the lawmakers write. “We respectfully request FERC to expeditiously review the circumstances of this situation as it relates to natural gas supplies, the rates of interstate transmission of natural gas, and take the necessary steps needed to address this crisis.”
“In light of these challenges, we need to ensure there is an adequate supply of affordable energy and natural gas for families, farmers, and businesses in Missouri and the Midwest.”
The letter was also signed by Senator Roy Blunt, and Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II, Blaine Luetkemeyer, Jason Smith, Sam Graves, Vicky Hartzler, Ann Wagner, and Billy Long.
Read the letter here or below.
February 18, 2021
The Honorable Richard Glick
Chairman
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20426
Dear Chairman Glick,
On behalf of our constituents, including residents, farmers, and businesses in Missouri, we write today to raise a dire situation relating to natural gas shortages in Missouri and across the Midwest as the increase in energy demand continues to strain the electric grid. We wanted to make certain that you and your fellow Commissioners are aware of the concern in an effort to ensure there is a continued supply of affordable natural gas in Midwest states.
Due to the surge in energy demand across the state, residents have been experiencing electricity outages, rolling blackouts, and controlled service interruptions during an incredibly precarious time as temperatures continue to drop. Our offices have also received information suggesting that limited supplies of natural gas are also exacerbating the situation and are forcing utility providers to find alternative sources of energy during this time of emergency in an effort to provide reliable sources of power to residents and customers to heat their homes and keep businesses from operating or manufacturing.
We appreciate the initial steps that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) have taken to date in opening a joint inquiry on the impacts of severe winter weather on grid operations. We respectfully request FERC to expeditiously review the circumstances of this situation as it relates to natural gas supplies, the rates of interstate transmission of natural gas, and take the necessary steps needed to address this crisis. In light of these challenges, we need to ensure there is an adequate supply of affordable energy and natural gas for families, farmers, and businesses in Missouri and the Midwest. We look forward to working with you and stand ready to assist in any way possible.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincere regards,
Josh Hawley, United States Senator
Roy Blunt, United States Senator
Emanuel Cleaver, II, Member of Congress
Blaine Luetkemeyer, Member of Congress
Jason Smith, Member of Congress
Sam Graves, Member of Congress
Vicky Hartzler, Member of Congress
Ann Wagner, Member of Congress
Billy Long, Member of Congress
Cc: Commissioner Chatterjee
Commissioner Danly
Commissioner Clements
Commissioner Christie
