What to Ask Before You Switch FERC Filing Software

Early in my career, I worked in accounting and finance roles where regulatory reporting was part of my day-to-day responsibilities. I know what it feels like to be heads down, juggling deadlines, while continuing to rely on a software solution or process that no longer fits your needs. Not because it's the best option, but because you're so busy getting the work done that evaluating other options keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list. 

Not every FERC filing software solution was designed specifically for FERC's eForms XBRL requirements. Some evolved from broader reporting or disclosure software, while others were purpose-built for FERC compliance. 

Most FERC filing software demos look remarkably similar.

Everyone promises automation. Everyone promises easier XBRL tagging. Everyone says implementation is simple.

The real differences usually don't show up until after you've signed the contract, when a filing deadline is approaching, a validation error appears, or FERC releases a taxonomy update. 

Over the years, I've learned there are a handful of questions that quickly separate mature FERC filing solutions from those that create unnecessary work for your team. I put those questions together in this guide. 

Here are a few examples:

"What happens when FERC updates the taxonomy?" A good vendor absorbs that update centrally, before the effective date. A red flag sounds like "you'll need to install a patch" or "your team will need to re-map fields." That's not automation. That's a chore with extra steps.

"What are the real costs beyond the license?" Ask this one directly. Per-filing fees, implementation fees, professional services you didn't know were required. Get the real number before you sign, not after.

"What happens when FERC rejects a filing?" Under FERC's own rules, a rejected filing is treated as if it was never filed at all, so you need to know ahead of time whether your vendor gets you back on track in an afternoon or in a week.

The guide includes ten questions organized around the areas that matter most: tagging risk, total cost, implementation, and vendor support when something goes wrong. For each question, you'll see what a strong answer sounds like and what should give you pause. Use it with any vendor you're evaluating, including us. 

Read the full checklist here: What to Ask Before You Switch FERC Filing Software