Kevin J. McIntyre — American energy lawyer and FERC chairman

Overview

McIntyre built a career advising utilities, independent power producers, transmission developers and other market participants confronted with rapid technological and policy change. He was widely regarded as a specialist in electricity market design, transmission and interconnection issues, and the regulatory aspects of natural gas and hydroelectric infrastructure. His professional background combined legal practice with technical understanding of energy systems, which shaped his approach to regulation.

Role and responsibilities at FERC

As chairman, McIntyre led an independent federal agency responsible for the interstate transmission of electricity and natural gas, and for certain aspects of hydroelectric licensing. The chair guides commission rulemaking, oversees market monitoring and enforcement, and works with federal and state partners on system reliability and security. During his tenure, the commission engaged with questions about wholesale market rules, resource adequacy, and the integration of new generation technologies and distributed resources.

Career highlights and focus areas

• Advised on regulatory compliance, market transactions and siting or interconnection of transmission projects.
• Worked on policy matters related to grid reliability, modernization, and cybersecurity for critical energy infrastructure.
• Participated in debates over market design as generation mixes shifted toward more renewable and variable resources.

McIntyre’s move from private practice to the chairmanship reflected a common path for technical specialists who alternate between industry roles and public service. His experience at a major international law firm informed a pragmatic, market-focused perspective intended to balance commercial realities with statutory obligations and reliability needs.

Death and legacy

Kevin J. McIntyre died on January 2, 2019, of brain cancer in Arlington, Virginia. Although his term as chairman was relatively brief, it occurred during an active period of national discussion about how markets and regulation should respond to technological innovation and changing reliability concerns. He is remembered for bringing deep industry knowledge to public service and for his contributions to ongoing debates over the future of the U.S. power system.

Notable distinctions

McIntyre’s career exemplifies the intersection of technical, legal and policy expertise required in modern energy regulation. Colleagues noted his ability to navigate complex regulatory and transactional matters, and his work remains part of broader efforts to adapt regulatory frameworks to evolving energy technologies and market structures.