[6] At the DCPSC, Phillips approved the merger of Exelon and Pepco in 2016, which was challenged by D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine but upheld by the courts.

[7] President Joe Biden appointed Phillips to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in September 2021 and he was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on November 16,[8] taking office on December 3, 2021.

[3] Since Phillips became chair, the commission has approved multiple natural gas projects and pipelines,[14] resulting in criticism from environmental advocates.

[16] In July 2023, it approved a rule directing how grid operators study proposed projects, which Phillips called "historic.

"[17] Phillips has also emphasized grid reliability during his term:[18] in May 2024, FERC approved a rule regarding interstate electricity transmission and cost-sharing of large projects.