Mission Statement
Provide and promote collaborative conflict prevention and alternative dispute resolution services, to prevent and resolve energy and environmental conflicts.
Vision
To successfully resolve disputes by providing innovative, efficient, cost-effective, and impartial resources.
The Dispute Resolution Service (DRS) provides neutral and independent alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, assisting parties in the voluntary resolution of their energy and environmental disputes-- prior to, during, or after a complaint is filed with the Commission.
DRS staff are trained professionals highly skilled in conflict resolution, prevention, negotiation, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques. All communication with a DRS representative is confidential, unless otherwise agreed to. DRS staff are not involved in Commission decisional processes and do not advocate positions or conduct investigations for the Commission. Learn more about the processes and services DRS provides.
How to Contact Us for Assistance
DRS Toll-Free ADR Helpline: 1-844-238-1560
ADR Email: ferc.adr@ferc.gov
Benefits of the ADR Process
Using ADR may have a variety of benefits, depending on the type of ADR process used and the circumstances of a particular case. ADR is usually less formal, less expensive, and less time-consuming than a trial. ADR can also give people more opportunity to determine when and how their dispute will be resolved.
DRS Services
ADR encompasses a variety of dispute resolution methods, including:
Mediation –The neutral mediator assists the disputing parties to voluntarily achieve a mutually satisfactory resolution or agreement through confidential communication.
Conciliation - Relationship building through the use of a third party conciliator to help bridge communication gaps, clarify misconception, deal with strong emotions, and build trust so the disputing parties can work together.
Facilitation - A third party facilitator uses techniques to improve the flow of information in a meeting or a series of meetings to accomplish particular goals.
Subject Mater Expert or Early Neutral Evaluation – The parties in consultation with the neutral may request the non-binding opinion of a technical or legal expert on how the Commission may view a particular set of circumstances based on case precedent.
The DRS also provides other services in its effort to promote collaborative conflict prevention and alternate dispute resolution, please contact us for more information:
- Trainings
- Workshops
- Consultation