FERC Sees Gradual Reduction in Shutdown But Prolonged Stalemate Means Deep Cuts

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission will reduce its staff from 1,460 employees to 48 employees and 19 contractors if there is a prolonged government shutdown.

The reduction in workforce would begin gradually because the commission will rely on carryover funds until they are exhausted, a commission spokesman said.

“Upon a hiatus in appropriations, FERC will immediately utilize and exhaust all carryover funds to support operations for a limited term,” the commission said in a notice to employees.

Once prior-year funds are depleted, only personnel deemed essential would be retained to monitor operations at existing hydroelectric and liquefied natural gas terminals; ...