State Public Utility Commissions

Overview

All proceedings before state and local regulators, including state public utility commissions. Full representation and litigation (if necessary) on rate cases, large project certification, and complaint filings. Related representation for site acquisition, zoning/land use and environmental permits, energy entity mergers, and service area issues.

Michael Best represents energy industry participants such as utilities, cooperatives, and power producers, as well as transmission and distribution providers, in their dealings with state public utility commissions (PUCs) and regulatory agencies.

Experience

We counsel energy clients at every stage, advising on which state laws and regulations apply to their activities, and on strategies to maximize compliance and minimize liability risk. We assist with the following types of state law matters, among others:

  • Siting or expansion of any type of generation facility (traditional or renewable), including environmental, real estate, and land use permits
  • Siting and permitting of transmission lines, pipelines, and other utility infrastructure
  • Negotiating and obtaining approval of power purchase agreements
  • Energy provider merger approvals and challenges
  • Ratemaking proceedings
  • Tariff and rate disputes
  • Stranded-cost claims
  • Service territory agreements and disputes
  • PUC proceedings regarding resource planning, utility procurement, and renewable energy and emissions reduction programs
  • Renewable portfolio standards
  • Government relations and advocacy in connection with state legislative initiatives and PUC rulemaking
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