This subpart sets forth the organization, mission and functions of the Commission, and its offices and divisions.

The Commission is established as an independent regulatory Commission within the DOE by the DOE Act. The Commission is composed of five members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. One of the members is designated by the President as the Chairman. To carry out its mission and functions, the Chairman has organized the Commission into a number of major offices, some of which are further organized into divisions and lower units. The organization of the Commission staff structure may be obtained from the Division of Public Information.

The Commission is responsible for developing, managing, and directing energy regulatory programs and activities assigned to it by statute, executive orders, or by the Secretary, DOE. The Chairman serves as the chief executive officer of the Commission and is responsible for the conduct of all Commission executive and administrative functions. In carrying out its mission, the Commission and its employees are not subject to the supervision or direction of any other official of DOE.

The functions of the Commission include:

(a) All functions vested in the Commission under the DOE Act;

(b) All functions delegated to the Commission by the Secretary of Energy in accordance with the DOE Act; and

(c) All functions vested in the Commission by statute.

(a) Administrative head of agency. The Chairman is the administrative head of the Commission.

(b) Administrative responsibilities. The Chairman is responsible on behalf of the Commission for the executive and administrative operation of the Commission, including functions of the Commission with respect to—

(1) The appointment and employment of Administrative Law Judges in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, United States Code.

(2) The selection, appointment, and fixing of the compensation of such personnel as he deems necessary.

(3) The supervision of personnel employed by or assigned to the Commission, except that each Commissioner may select and supervise personnel for his personal staff.

(4) The distribution of business among personnel and among administrative units of the Commission.

(5) The procurement of services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of Title 5, United States Code.