Christopher Bills, J.D., Ccep
About Christopher Bills, J.D., Ccep
Christopher Bills, J.D., CCEP, is a Senior NERC Compliance Specialist at American Electric Power, where he provides technical advice on Reliability Standards and leads compliance investigations. He previously served as a Senior Lead Enforcement Attorney at the Western Electricity Coordinating Council and holds a J.D. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Work at American Electric Power
Christopher Bills serves as the Senior NERC Compliance Specialist in the Risk & Mitigation department at American Electric Power (AEP). He has held this position since 2019. In this role, he provides technical advice on the interpretations of Reliability Standards and develops compliance mechanisms for execution by various AEP Business Units. He also leads compliance investigations and coordinates all phases of NERC/SERC audits or reviews. His responsibilities include anticipating changes in compliance program requirements at both national and regional levels.
Previous Experience at Western Electricity Coordinating Council
Before joining AEP, Christopher Bills worked at the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) as the Senior Lead Enforcement Attorney from 2017 to 2019. During his tenure, he was responsible for establishing and maintaining effective relationships with industry stakeholders and regional entities. He directed teams focused on developing and implementing compliance processes and procedures, contributing to the enforcement of reliability standards in the electricity sector.
Education and Expertise
Christopher Bills earned his Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, William H. Bowen School of Law, where he studied from 2011 to 2014. Prior to this, he obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Business/Finance from Fort Lewis College, completing his studies from 1996 to 2001. His educational background supports his expertise in compliance and regulatory matters within the energy sector.
Compliance and Risk Management Skills
In his current role, Christopher Bills conducts risk-based security assessments to identify risks and process gaps in existing compliance processes. He directs teams in compliance investigations and develops strategies to enhance compliance with Reliability Standards. His ability to anticipate changes in compliance requirements positions him as a key resource in navigating the complexities of regulatory frameworks in the energy industry.