Before Commissioners: Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman; Nora Mead Brownell, and Suedeen G. Kelly; Enforcement of Statutes, Orders, Rules, and Regulations; Policy Statement on Enforcement, 66378-66382 [05-21899]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 211 (Wednesday, November 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66378-66382]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21899]


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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

[Docket No. PL06-1-000]


Before Commissioners: Joseph T. Kelliher, Chairman; Nora Mead 
Brownell, and Suedeen G. Kelly; Enforcement of Statutes, Orders, Rules, 
and Regulations; Policy Statement on Enforcement

Issued October 20, 2005.
    1. The Commission issues this Policy Statement to provide guidance 
and regulatory certainty regarding our enforcement of the statutes, 
orders, rules, and regulations we administer. The Policy Statement 
discusses the factors we will take into account in determining remedies 
for violations, including applying the enhanced civil penalty authority 
provided by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005).\1\ Our purpose 
is to provide firm but fair enforcement of our rules and regulations 
and to place entities subject to our jurisdiction on notice of the 
consequences of violating the statutes, orders, rules, and regulations 
we enforce.
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    \1\ Public Law 109-58, 119 Stat. 594 (2005).
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    2. In discussing the factors we will take into account in 
determining the severity of penalties to be imposed for violations, we 
also recognize the importance of demonstrable compliance and 
cooperation efforts by utilities, natural gas companies, and other 
entities subject to the statutes, orders, rules, and regulations 
administered by the Commission. We encourage regulated entities to have 
comprehensive compliance programs, to develop a culture of compliance 
within their organizations, and to self-report and cooperate with the 
Commission in the event violations occur.\2\
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    \2\ We will apply this policy statement on enforcement, and the 
remedies available for any given violation, in the same manner for 
jurisdictional market-based rate sellers, natural gas pipelines, and 
holders of blanket certificate authority as well as for other 
entities as described by EPAct 2005, including governmental 
utilities and other market participants. We also note that the 
factors will be applied, as appropriate, to individuals as well as 
to corporate entities.
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    3. Contemporaneously herewith, we are issuing a Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking in Docket No. RM06-3-000 (published in the Federal Register 
October 27, 2005 (70 FR 61930)), proposing new regulations to implement 
sections 315 and 1283 of EPAct 2005. The proposed regulations would 
make it unlawful for any entity to use or employ any device, scheme, or 
artifice to defraud, or to make any untrue statement of a material fact 
or to omit to state a material fact, or to engage in a fraud or deceit 
in connection with the purchase or sale of electricity, natural gas, or 
related transmission or transportation services subject to the 
jurisdiction of the Commission. The proposed regulations will provide 
another basis for imposition of civil penalties. It is therefore 
important that we articulate how we intend to apply our new and 
expanded civil penalty authority, so as to assure the industry that we 
will temper strong enforcement measures with consideration of all 
relevant factors, including mitigating factors, in determining the 
appropriate remedies.

Background

    4. We have a variety of enforcement tools under the principal 
statutes we administer: the Federal Power Act (FPA), Natural Gas Act 
(NGA), Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (NGPA), and Interstate Commerce 
Act (ICA).\3\ If

[[Page 66379]]

regulated utilities and natural gas companies violate the FPA, NGA, or 
NGPA we can order, among other things, disgorgement of unjust profits. 
We have the option of conditioning, suspending, or revoking market-
based rate authority, certificate authority, or blanket certificate 
authority.\4\ We also have the ability to refer matters to the 
Department of Justice for criminal prosecution.\5\
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    \3\ Federal Power Act, 16 U.S.C. 791a, et seq. (2000); Natural 
Gas Act, 15 U.S.C. 717, et seq. (2000); Natural Gas Policy Act of 
1978, 15 U.S.C. 3301, et seq. (2000); Interstate Commerce Act, 49 
App. U.S.C. 1, et seq. (2000).
    \4\ See, e.g., Enron Power Marketing, Inc., 103 FERC ] 61,343 P 
52 (2003); Fact-Finding Investigation of Potential Manipulation of 
Electric and Natural Gas Prices, 99 FERC ] 61,272 at 62,154 (2002); 
San Diego Gas & Electric Company, 95 FERC ] 61,418 at 62,548, 62,565 
(2001), order on reh'g, 97 FERC ] 61,275 (2001), order on reh'g, 99 
FERC ] 61,160 (2002); accord Show Cause Order, 102 FERC ] 61,316 at 
P 8 & n.10, and cases cited therein.
    \5\ NGA section 20(a), 15 U.S.C. 717s(a); FPA section 314(a), 16 
U.S.C. 825m(a); NGPA section 504(b)(5),15 U.S.C. 3414(b)(5).
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    5. Beyond these authorities, we have civil penalty authority for 
violations of specific provisions of the FPA and NGPA.\6\ In EPAct 2005 
Congress recently granted the Commission enhanced authority to assess 
civil penalties for violations of the FPA, NGA, and NGPA. EPAct 2005 
made three major changes to our civil penalty authority. First, 
Congress expanded the Commission's FPA civil penalty authority to cover 
violations of any provision of part II of the FPA, as well as of any 
rule or order issued thereunder.\7\ Second, Congress extended the 
Commission's civil penalty authority to cover violations of the NGA or 
any rule, regulation, restriction, condition, or order made or imposed 
by the Commission under NGA authority.\8\ Third, Congress established 
the maximum civil penalty the Commission may assess under the NGA, 
NGPA, or part II of the FPA as $1,000,000 per violation for each day 
that it continues.\9\ In addition, Congress expanded the scope of the 
criminal provisions of the FPA, NGA, and NGPA by increasing the maximum 
fines and increasing the maximum imprisonment time.\10\
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    \6\ FPA section 316A, 16 U.S.C. 825o-1; NGPA section 504(b)(6), 
15 U.S.C. 3414(b)(6).
    \7\ EPAct 2005 section 1284(e)(1), amending FPA section 316A(a).
    \8\ EPAct 2005 section 314(b)(1), inserting new NGA section 22.
    \9\ EPAct 2005 section 314(b)(1), inserting new NGA section 
22(a); EPAct 2005 section 314(b)(2), amending NGPA section 
504(b)(6)(A); and EPAct 2005 section 1284(e)(2), amending FPA 
section 316A(b).
    \10\ EPAct 2005 section 314, amending NGA section 21 and NGPA 
section 504; EPAct 2005 section 1284, amending FPA section 316. We 
are limited to civil enforcement of our statutes, orders, rules, and 
regulations, but we may also refer matters to the Department of 
Justice for criminal prosecution.
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    6. In our past enforcement actions we have given credit when 
appropriate for cooperative conduct in audit and enforcement matters, 
and orders issued in past matters have discussed aspects of 
cooperation.\11\ With the advent of enhanced civil penalty authority, 
we are making our existing practice of recognizing cooperation explicit 
and describing some of the factors that we will consider when deciding 
on remedies, including penalties, for violations. We also discuss the 
importance of creating and maintaining effective internal compliance 
processes, of self-reporting violations, and of cooperation.
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    \11\ See, e.g., Dominion Resources, Inc., ``Order Approving 
Stipulation and Consent Agreement,'' 108 FERC ] 61,110 (2004) 
(Stipulation noting that ``Dominion Resources voluntarily disclosed 
these events to Enforcement in July 2003, virtually 
contemporaneously with the discovery by the company. Dominion 
Resources fully and completely cooperated with Enforcement's efforts 
to investigate and resolve this matter'').
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Enforcement Policies of Other Agencies

    7. In considering the appropriate enforcement policy, we have 
reviewed the policies of other Federal agencies for guidance. In 2001, 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a decision in which 
it outlined conditions under which it will give credit for self-
policing, self-reporting, remediation, and cooperation when determining 
the appropriate penalty for wrongdoing.\12\ The SEC noted the 
importance of vigorous enforcement action and the imposition of 
appropriate sanctions when violations occur, but also recognized the 
value of cooperation by companies when violations occur. While not 
making specific commitments or limiting itself to the criteria 
discussed, the SEC provided a list of questions it would consider in 
deciding whether to bring reduced or no charges, seek lighter 
sanctions, or provide other mitigation of the severity of enforcement 
remedies that would otherwise be sought for a violation.
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    \12\ Accounting and Auditing Enforcement, SEC Release No. 1470 
(October 23, 2001).
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    8. In 2003, the Department of Justice issued a memorandum to all 
United States Attorneys entitled ``Principles of Federal Prosecution of 
Business Organizations,'' with guidance on charging corporate entities 
along with individuals in corporate fraud cases.\13\ The memorandum 
stated that credit may be given for corporate cooperation in detecting 
and correcting wrongdoing, and outlined nine factors to be considered 
when weighing whether to bring criminal charges against business 
entities. In 2004, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines were amended to 
include a detailed discussion of effective compliance and ethics 
programs and the impact that such programs can have on the calculation 
of the culpability score used to determine the sentence to be imposed 
after conviction of a corporation or other business entity.\14\
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    \13\ Memorandum from Deputy Attorney General Larry D. Thompson 
to Heads of Department Components and United States Attorneys, 
``Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations'' 
(Jan. 20, 2003).
    \14\ Effective Compliance and Ethics Programs, Federal 
Sentencing Guidelines, Chapter 8, Part B, Section 2 (2004).
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    9. In 1994, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued 
a policy statement with guidelines regarding the CFTC's authority to 
impose civil penalties and the authority of CFTC-supervised, self-
regulating organizations to impose sanctions.\15\ The CFTC policy 
statement set out various factors to be considered with respect to the 
gravity of the offense, the financial condition of the business entity, 
and various other considerations that may bear on the appropriate 
penalty to be imposed. In 2004, the CFTC enforcement staff announced a 
policy of giving credit for cooperation in futures trading 
investigations.\16\ Noting that consideration of cooperation is 
discretionary and depends on the circumstances presented, the CFTC 
staff identified three general areas of cooperative factors to be taken 
into account in deciding whether staff should recommend reduced 
sanctions to the CFTC: (1) The nature of a company's efforts to uncover 
and investigate violations, (2) the quality of a company's efforts in 
cooperating and managing the aftermath of misconduct, and (3) a 
company's efforts to prevent future wrongdoing.\17\
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    \15\ CFTC Policy Statement Relating to the Commission's 
Authority to Impose Civil Monetary Penalties and Futures Self-
Regulatory Organizations' Authority to Impose Sanctions, ``Penalty 
Guidelines,'' Comm. Fut. L. Rep. (CCH) ] 26,265 (Nov. 1994).
    \16\ CFTC Enforcement Advisory, ``Cooperation Factors in 
Enforcement Division Sanction Recommendations,'' August 11, 2004.
    \17\ In addition to the three general areas, the CFTC staff 
noted that it would consider additional factors, such as the level 
or organization at which misconduct occurred, whether misconduct was 
the result of pressure from superiors, how long the misconduct 
lasted after discovery, whether the company responded with adequate 
resources, and whether actions were taken to mitigate the 
misconduct.
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    10. In adopting enforcement policies, the SEC and the CFTC declined 
to establish a penalty schedule or formulas for how certain factors 
would be weighed for given violations. Instead, they emphasized the 
importance of considering a range of factors that may lead to different 
penalty decisions

[[Page 66380]]

depending on the circumstances presented by each case.

Relation of Existing and New Civil Penalty Authority

    11. Existing section 316A of the FPA provides that ``[i]n 
determining the amount of a proposed penalty, the Commission shall take 
into consideration the seriousness of the violation and the efforts of 
such person to remedy the violation in a timely manner.'' \18\ Section 
314 of EPAct 2005 includes identical language in new section 22(c) of 
the NGA. Thus, the seriousness of the violation is the first touchstone 
for our determination of the level of penalty to be imposed. Second, 
the actions by an entity that has engaged in misconduct are relevant to 
deciding whether the penalty should be reduced or even eliminated. 
These requirements are reflected in our existing regulations governing 
imposition of civil penalties under section 31 of the FPA for 
violations related to hydropower projects.\19\ The guidance of this 
Policy Statement is consistent with the existing rule on factors we 
consider in the context of hydropower project violations and penalties. 
In addition, we have a generally applicable policy for considering 
reductions or waivers of penalties for small entities.\20\
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    \18\ 16 U.S.C. 825o-1(b) (2000).
    \19\ 18 CFR 385.1505 (2005).
    \20\ 18 CFR 2.500 (2005).
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    12. Our enhanced civil penalty authority will operate in tandem 
with our existing authority to require disgorgement of unjust profits 
obtained through misconduct and/or to condition, suspend, or revoke 
certificate authority or other authorizations, such as market-based 
rate authority for sellers of electric energy. This is similar to the 
ability of the SEC to require an accounting and disgorgement to 
investors for losses and also to impose penalties for the misconduct, 
or of the CFTC to order restitution or obtain disgorgement and also to 
impose fines for violations.\21\ In doing so, we intend to take the 
full range of possible remedies into account in determining whether a 
penalty should be imposed in addition to other remedies and, if so, the 
appropriate amount of the penalty.\22\ Entities faced with enforcement 
thus will be subject to the full array of possible enforcement tools, 
but we will exercise our discretion to apply remedies in a fair, 
reasonable, and appropriate manner.
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    \21\ See sections 21-21C of the Securities Exchange Act, 15 
U.S.C. 78u-78u-3 (2000). The CFTC can revoke or suspend a 
registration, suspend or prohibit certain trading, issue cease and 
desist orders, order restitution, and seek equitable remedies 
(injunction, rescission, or disgorgement), all in addition to 
imposing a monetary fine. 7 U.S.C. 13a & 13b (2000); Comm. Fut. L. 
Rep. (CCH) ] 26,265, p. 42,247.
    \22\ In considering all available remedies for a violation, we 
are mindful that the new and enhanced civil penalties are applicable 
only to violations on and after August 8, 2005. To the extent a 
previous violation is continuing, however, the new and enhanced 
penalties are applicable to that violation as of August 8, 2005.
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    13. We noted that the practice of the SEC and CFTC is to decide on 
remedies on a case-by-case basis, and not to create a schedule of 
penalties. Likewise, we will not prescribe specific penalties or 
develop formulas for different violations. It is important that we 
retain the discretion and flexibility to address each case on its 
merits, and to fashion remedies appropriate to the facts presented, 
including any mitigating factors.
    14. In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued in Docket No. RM06-
3-000 today we propose rules to implement the anti-manipulation 
provisions of EPAct 2005 while retaining Market Behavior Rule 2 issued 
in 2003.\23\ We note there that we will not seek duplicative sanctions 
for the same conduct in the event it violates both the new rules and 
the Market Behavior Rules. This is because both rules, although 
different in scope and application, address manipulation. In other 
contexts, violations of more than one statute, order, rule, or 
regulation may result in separate penalties. Moreover, under our 
enhanced civil penalty authority, we will develop a consistent approach 
to the amount of penalties for misconduct so that the penalties are 
similar in analogous cases, and are evenhanded for similar conduct, 
taking all relevant factors into account.
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    \23\ Investigation of Terms and Conditions of Public Utility 
Market-Based Rate Authorizations, ``Order Amending Market-Based Rate 
Tariffs and Authorizations,'' 105 FERC ] 61,218 (2003), reh'g 
denied, 107 FERC ] 61,175 (2004); Order No. 644, Amendment to 
Blanket Sales Certificates, FERC Stats. & Regs. ] 31,153 (2003), 
reh'g denied, 107 FERC ] 61,174 (2004).
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    15. We do, of course, reserve the right to impose remedies, 
including civil penalties, and also to refer a violation for criminal 
prosecution if the facts of the case so warrant. There is no doubt that 
entities and individuals are subject both to prosecution under criminal 
provisions of our statutes and to civil remedies.\24\ Moreover, 
perjury, obstruction, and making false statements to members of the 
Commission staff are criminal offenses.\25\ If the misconduct is 
serious enough, we may refer the matter for criminal prosecution to 
provide adequate punishment and deterrence. We will take all factors 
into account in deciding what cases should be referred for criminal 
prosecution, including the seriousness of the violation, the extent of 
the harm done, the evidence of willful behavior, and the strength of 
the evidence of wrongdoing.
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    \24\ See FPA sections 316 and 316A, 16 U.S.C. 825o and 825o-1; 
NGA sections 21 and 22, 15 U.S.C. 717t; and NGPA section 504, 15 
U.S.C. 3414. We note that in EPAct 2005 section 1284(d), Congress 
repealed FPA section 316(c), which previously had exempted FPA 
sections 211, 212, 213, and 214 from the criminal sanctions of FPA 
section 316(a) and (b). Thus, in addition to extending civil penalty 
authority to all matters under FPA part II, Congress made clear that 
both civil penalties and criminal sanctions apply to violations of 
any rule or order issued under FPA part II.
    \25\ See, e.g., 18 U.S.C. 1001 (2000).
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    16. When we exercise our new civil penalty authority under the NGA, 
and the expanded authority under part II of the FPA, we are required to 
provide ``notice and opportunity for a public hearing.'' \26\ While 
procedures for issuing civil penalties are in place under the FPA,\27\ 
EPAct 2005 is silent with respect to procedures under the NGA. When we 
issue civil penalty notices under the NGA, we intend to provide 
companies with hearing procedures before an administrative law judge.
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    \26\ EPAct 2005 section 314(b), inserting new NGA section 22(b); 
FPA section 316A(b), 16 U.S.C. 825o-1(b) (2000).
    \27\ 16 U.S.C. 823b (2000).
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Factors Guiding the Selection of Enforcement Remedies

    17. Vigorous and even-handed enforcement of our statutes, orders, 
rules, and regulations protects energy markets and consumers. At the 
same time it is in the best interest of all segments of the industry 
that compliance, self-reporting, and cooperation in dealings with the 
Commission are emphasized. We therefore describe below factors we will 
take into account in determining the appropriate level of penalty to be 
imposed for violations of our rules or regulations. We recognize that 
no list can cover every possible significant factor, and we will 
consider other pertinent factors as appropriate.
    18. In doing so, we first emphasize that we must make enforcement 
decisions based on all relevant factors, and we therefore must retain 
the flexibility to weigh all relevant information and apply the policy 
in light of the facts of each case. This Policy Statement does not 
confer any rights or guarantees with respect to enforcement actions. We 
reserve the right to impose appropriate sanctions based on all the 
facts presented, and we recognize that there may be circumstances where 
the conduct is so egregious that the full use of the

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Commission's penalty authorities is necessary regardless of the 
presence of other factors.
    19. In addition, the enhancement of our civil penalty authority 
does not mean that we will refrain from ordering the disgorgement of 
unjust profits or economic benefits that are the result of wrongdoing. 
To the contrary, companies will be expected to disgorge unjust profits 
whenever they can be determined or reasonably estimated. The purpose of 
disgorgement is to nullify the value of gains acquired through 
misconduct. When evaluating an appropriate remedy, above disgorgement 
of profit, the Commission will assess the factors described below to 
determine whether and to what extent other remedies, including 
suspension or revocation of certificate or market-based rate authority 
and/or civil penalties, are warranted.
    20. As mandated by sections 316A of the FPA and new section 22 of 
the NGA, the seriousness of the offense is the first consideration in 
determining appropriate penalties. Factors that may be considered in 
judging the seriousness of the offense include:
     What harm was caused by the violation? Was there loss of 
life or injury or endangerment to persons? Was there damage to property 
or the environment? Was the harm widespread across markets or 
customers, or was it limited in scope and impact? Did it involve 
significant sums of money? Were others indirectly affected by the 
wrongdoing? What benefit did the wrongdoer gain from the violation?
     Was the violation the result of manipulation, deceit, or 
artifice? Did the wrongdoer misrepresent material facts? Was the 
conduct fraudulent? Were the actions reckless or deliberately 
indifferent to the results?
     Was the action willful? Was the violation part of a 
broader scheme? Did the wrongdoer act in concert with others?
     Is this a repeat offense or does the company have a 
history of violations? Is this an isolated instance or a recurring 
problem? Was the wrongdoing systematic and persistent? How long did the 
wrongdoing last?
     Was the wrongdoing related to actions by senior 
management, the result of pressure placed on employees by senior 
management to achieve specific results, or done with the knowledge and 
acquiescence of senior management? Did management engage in a cover-up?
     How did the wrongdoing come to light? Did senior 
management resist or ignore efforts to inquire into actions or 
otherwise impede an inquiry into the violation?
     What effect would potential penalties have on the 
financial viability of the company that committed the wrongdoing?

Credit for Internal Compliance, Self-Reporting, and Cooperation

    21. The second point to be taken into account as required by 
section 316A of the FPA and new section 22 of the NGA is what efforts 
the company made to remedy the violation in a timely manner. This 
aspect of company reaction to wrongdoing involves what consideration 
will be given for steps taken by entities to prevent, monitor, and 
immediately stop misconduct, to report violations to the Commission, 
and to cooperate with the Commission's enforcement actions.

1. Internal Compliance

    22. Internal compliance is an important proactive tool. We 
encourage companies engaged in jurisdictional activities to take steps 
to create a strong atmosphere of compliance in their organizations. To 
this end, the following are factors that will be taken into account in 
determining credit given for a company's commitment to compliance:
     Does the company have an established, formal program for 
internal compliance? Is it well documented and widely disseminated 
within the company? Is the program supervised by an officer or other 
high-ranking official? Does the compliance official report to or have 
independent access to the chief executive officer and/or the board of 
directors? Is the program operated and managed so as to be independent? 
Are there sufficient resources dedicated to the compliance program?
     Is compliance fully supported by senior management? For 
example, is senior management actively involved in compliance efforts 
and do company policies regarding compensation, promotion, and 
disciplinary action take into account the relevant employees' 
compliance with Commission regulations and the reporting of any 
violations?
     How frequently does the company review and modify the 
compliance program? How frequently is training provided to all relevant 
employees? Is the training sufficiently detailed and thorough to 
instill an understanding of relevant rules and the importance of 
compliance?
     In addition to training, does the company have an ongoing 
process for auditing compliance with Commission regulations?
     How has the company responded to prior wrongdoing? Did it 
take disciplinary action against employees involved in violations? When 
misconduct occurs, is it a repeat of the same offense or misconduct of 
a different nature? Does the company adopt and ensure enforcement of 
new and more effective internal controls and procedures to prevent a 
recurrence of misconduct?
    23. The answers to these questions will indicate what credit, if 
any, can be given for the existence of a compliance program when we are 
considering enforcement action and penalties. We reiterate that credit 
extends to penalties, compliance plans, and the like but not to 
disgorgement of unjust profits. As noted earlier, at a minimum a 
company involved in wrongdoing must disgorge any unjust profits 
resulting from the wrongdoing.

2. Self-Reporting

    24. We place great importance on self-reporting. Companies are in 
the best position to detect and correct violations of our orders, 
rules, and regulations, both inadvertent and intentional, and should be 
proactive in doing so. When a company self-reports violations to the 
Commission it facilitates remedies to affected parties. The following 
are considerations in deciding what level of credit to give for self-
reporting violations to the Commission when determining the penalties 
for violations so reported:
     How did the company uncover the misconduct? Was it through 
a self-evaluation, internal audit, or internal compliance program? Did 
the company act immediately when it learned of the misconduct?
     Did the company notify the Commission promptly? Did senior 
management actively participate and encourage employees to provide 
information to identify the misconduct?
     Did the company take immediate steps to stop the 
misconduct? Did it implement or create an adequate response to the 
misconduct?
     Did the company arrange for individuals with full 
knowledge of the matter to meet with Commission enforcement staff?
     Did the company present its findings to the Commission and 
provide all relevant evidence regarding the misconduct, including full 
disclosure of the scope of the wrongdoing; the identity of all 
employees involved, including senior executives; the steps taken by the 
company upon learning of the misconduct; communications among involved 
employees; documents evidencing the misconduct; and

[[Page 66382]]

measures taken to remedy the misconduct?
    25. As stated earlier, we cannot determine in advance how much 
credit is given for self-reporting. It is possible, however, that 
prompt and full self-reporting of violations, coupled with steps to 
correct the adverse impact on customers or third parties from the 
misconduct, may result in a significant reduction in the amount of 
civil penalty or no civil penalty being assessed. Companies should 
still expect to disgorge any unjust profits.
3. Cooperation
    26. Cooperation may come in any context--a company response to a 
Commission inquiry, audit, or investigation, or in voluntary self-
reporting of misconduct. We expect cooperation, as entities subject to 
our jurisdiction are required to provide us with information at our 
request.\28\ Still, we will give some consideration to exemplary 
cooperation, that is, cooperation which quickly ends wrongful conduct, 
determines the facts, and corrects a problem. Cooperation must come 
very early in the process, however, and must be in good faith, 
consistent, and continuing. No credit will be given if a company does 
no more than the minimum, or delays cooperation, or purports to 
cooperate but actually engages in conduct that impedes the Commission's 
activities or consumes Commission resources unnecessarily. The 
following are indicative of cooperation for which credit may be given 
when we determine the appropriate penalty to be imposed for wrongdoing. 
Although these factors are similar to those described above with 
respect to self-reporting, they remain relevant in the context of 
cooperation because, under appropriate circumstances, the Commission 
will consider these factors even for entities that did not self-report 
violations, provided that cooperation was provided once the violation 
was uncovered.
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    \28\ FPA section 301(b), 16 U.S.C. 825b(b); NGA section 8(b), 15 
U.S.C. 717g(b); NGPA section 304(a), 15 U.S.C. 3314(a).
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     Did the company volunteer to provide internal 
investigation or audit reports relating to the misconduct? Did the 
company hire an independent outside entity to assist the company's 
investigation?
     Did senior management make clear to all employees that 
their cooperation has the full support and encouragement of management 
and the directors of the company?
     Did the company facilitate Commission access to employees 
with knowledge and information bearing on the issue, and actively 
encourage such employees to provide the Commission with complete and 
accurate information?
     Did the company identify culpable employees and assist the 
Commission in understanding their conduct?
     Did the company make records readily available, with 
assistance on searching and interpreting information in the records?
     Did the company fairly and accurately determine the 
effects of the misconduct, including identifying the revenues and 
profits resulting from the misconduct and the customers or market 
participants adversely affected by the misconduct?
    27. It is possible for an entity to comply with the majority of the 
stated factors in part, but without wholeheartedly devoting its 
resources and efforts to cooperation. Likewise, it is conceivable for 
an entity to cooperate in certain aspects yet hinder enforcement 
investigation in others. Lack of cooperation is a serious matter and 
will be weighed in deciding appropriate remedies. Uncooperative conduct 
includes such things as failing to respond to data requests in a timely 
manner; failing to produce documents and witnesses within a reasonable 
period; misrepresenting the nature or extent of the misconduct; 
claiming that records are unavailable when they are; limiting staff 
access to employees; inappropriately directing or influencing employees 
or their counsel not to cooperate fully or openly with the 
investigation; engaging in obstructive conduct during investigative 
testimony or interviews; providing specious explanations for instances 
of misconduct that are uncovered; failing properly to search computer 
hard drives for documents and electronic images; and failing to provide 
documents in the way they are maintained in the normal course of 
business. The manner in which a company approaches cooperation will be 
an important factor in determining whether, and how much, credit may be 
given for cooperation.

Conclusion

    28. The factors discussed in this Policy Statement provide guidance 
to the industry on the approach we will take to future enforcement. It 
is consistent with past Commission practice, and with the practices of 
other federal agencies with similar powers. Entities subject to the 
Commission's jurisdiction should expect firm but fair enforcement in 
the future, including the use, as appropriate, of the substantial new 
civil penalty authority provided by EP Act 2005.
    29. At the same time, entities can take steps to improve and ensure 
compliance by their officers, employees, and agents with our statutes, 
orders, rules, and regulations. We place a high value on internal 
compliance, self-reporting, and cooperation. The credit we will give 
for mitigating factors, including proactive steps taken by companies, 
depends on many factors and cannot be reduced to a predictable 
quantity. But where many of the positive factors of internal 
compliance, self-reporting, and cooperation are present, we will take 
those factors into account in determining the appropriate penalties for 
violations.

    By the Commission.
Magalie R. Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 05-21899 Filed 11-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P