Part II, Section 202(e) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) states that exports of electric energy should be allowed unless the proposed export would impair the sufficiency of electric power supply within the U.S. or would impede or tend to impede the coordinated use of the U.S. power supply network. Based on these guidelines, DOE will grant authorization to export electric energy if it is determined that:

  1. Sufficient generating resources exist such that the exporter could sustain the export while still maintaining adequate generating resources to meet all firm supply obligations; and,
  2. The export would not cause operating parameters on regional transmission systems to fall outside of established industry criteria.

DOE must also comply with NEPA before granting authorization to export electric energy. However, in many instances DOE is able to cite a categorical exclusion (10 CFR 1021.410) for exports over existing international transmission lines.

DOE encourages electronic submissions of applications for Export Authorization. Please prepare your application as noted on this page and regulations at 10 CFR 205.300 and email it to electricity.exports@hq.doe.gov.

Every application should be accompanied by proof of payment of the applicable filing fee. Filing fees are currently $500 for Export Authorizations (10 CFR 205.309). Filing fees can be paid by "check, draft, or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States" or electronically to DOE's General Collections via pay.gov (Pay.gov - U.S. Department of Energy General Collections).

Please note that electricity.exports@hq.doe.gov is a monitored inbox and responses should generally be expected within [7] business days. Please allow [14] business days prior to contacting GDO with requests for status updates.

Export authorizations issued since 1995 authorize the last entity that holds title to electricity inside the United States to export the electricity using a specific transmission line or collection of lines.

Requests for export authorizations not currently on the website should be addressed to electricity.exports@hq.doe.gov

Additional Information