US FERC 18 CFR 385.215: Guide to Pleading Amendment Procedures (August 2026)

Key Takeaways

• You have 15 days to file a motion opposing a pleading amendment.
• An unopposed amendment becomes effective after 15 days from filing.
• An opposed amendment becomes effective on the twentieth day unless rejected.
• Amendments in hearings must be filed more than five days before the prehearing conference or evidentiary hearing.

Understanding FERC Rule 215 for Pleading Amendments

This guide outlines the procedures for amending pleadings and tariff or rate filings under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) Rules of Practice and Procedure. Specifically, we detail 18 CFR 385.215, titled "Amendment of pleadings and tariff or rate filings (Rule 215)." This rule is part of "RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE" under Part 385.

You may answer a written or oral amendment in accordance with Rule 213.

Motions Opposing Amendments

You may file a motion opposing the acceptance of any amendment. This motion must be filed not later than 15 days after the filing of the amendment. This timeframe applies to most amendments, with specific exceptions.

Effectiveness of Amendments

The timing for an amendment to become effective depends on whether it is opposed:

• Unopposed Amendments: An amendment becomes effective as an amendment at the end of 15 days from the date of filing. This applies if no motion in opposition to its acceptance is filed within the 15-day period.
• Opposed Amendments: If a motion opposing the acceptance of an amendment is filed, the amendment becomes effective as an amendment on the twentieth day after the filing of the amendment. This is unless the decisional authority issues an order rejecting the amendment, wholly or in part, for good cause, before that date.

Amendments in Hearing Proceedings

Special rules apply to amendments in proceedings set for hearing. An amendment is accepted only if it is filed more than five days before the earlier of either the first prehearing conference or the first day of evidentiary hearings. An oral amendment may also be made to a presiding officer during a hearing or conference.

Restrictions on Tariff and Rate Filings

A tariff or rate filing may be amended or modified only as provided in the regulations under this chapter. A tariff or rate filing may not be amended, except as allowed by statute.

Related FERC Rules

This rule operates alongside other FERC regulations. For example, you may answer a written or oral amendment in accordance with Rule 213. We provide additional guides on related FERC rules:

• US FERC 18 CFR 385.206: Guide to Complaints (Rule 206)
• US FERC 18 CFR 385.213: Guide to Answers (Rule 213)
• US FERC 18 CFR 385.214: Guide to Intervention (Rule 214)