Department profile
Fasken

Energy: Power (Regulatory)

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


Fasken

Rankings

About

Provided by Fasken

Fasken’s team of Power lawyers knows the power industry up and down the line, and can help with legal advice and solutions on every matter. Our work for utilities means we understand utilities regulation and EPCs for energy infrastructure, our work for independent power producers means we know environmental assessments, consultation with Indigenous Group and project finance, and our work for retailers means we understand energy markets and energy trading.

We advise on project approval processes, project financing and procurement, and handle complex construction arbitration and litigation. We negotiate mergers, acquisitions and sale agreements, prepare transactions, power purchase agreements and land option acquisition and lease agreements. We also assist with integrated resource planning, revenue requirements and rates, rate design and provide advice on all aspects utilities regulation.

We have won awards for our work in the energy industry, and we are well known for our expertise in transmission line projects. We’ve spent decades working on such projects across Canada and South Africa. We have a deep level of experience and understanding of project approval processes, environmental assessments, consultation, financing, procurement, as well as construction arbitration and litigation related to large, complex projects.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Power (Regulatory) - Nationwide - Canada


What the Team is Known For

Fasken operates a robust power practice in Canada, offering considerable experience in M&A and financing related to power infrastructure across Western Canada and Québec. The energy group also provides advice on a host of other matters in the space, such as ratemaking and power purchase agreements. The team’s capabilities span both conventional and renewable power projects, particularly in the hydroelectric field. The lawyers regularly act for utilities, power marketers and transmitters, and provide additional expertise in energy regulatory, Aboriginal and environmental law.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Fasken continued to represent BHE Canada Limited in its complaint filed with the Alberta Utilities Commission against the Alberta Electric System Operator.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Fasken have a strong sense of how to build a credible reputation with regulators.

    Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada
  • All members of the Fasken team are highly responsive. They have always provided us with extremely high levels of service.

    Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada
  • Not only does Fasken provide strategic direction and risk mitigation advice, but they are always open to exploring new ideas and concepts.

    Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Brenden Hunter
    Band 3Brenden Hunter

    Brenden Hunter

    Based in the firm's Calgary office, Brenden Hunter provides counsel on a wide range of regulatory issues, including rate design and project development applications. He often acts on behalf of Crown corporations and transmission companies.
  • Band 3Matthew Ghikas
    Band 3Matthew Ghikas

    Matthew Ghikas

    Vancouver-based Matthew Ghikas is experienced across a broad array of regulatory mandates in the power sector, including project applications, ratemaking approaches and disputes.
    • Matthew's communication style is very measured, very strategic and thoughtful. He doesn't look to pick fights, he looks for solutions.

      Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada
    • I have always admired his legal and writing skills, his knowledge of utility business and his ability to identify potential problems and recommend solutions.

      Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada
  • Band 4Christopher Bystrom
    Band 4Christopher Bystrom

    Christopher Bystrom

    Christopher Bystrom offers robust litigation credentials to clients in the power sector, with notable experience in advising on regulatory matters for utilities companies.
    • He is responsive to our needs and can adapt his approach based on the level of support that is required on each application/regulatory matter.

      Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada
    • Chris’ strengths include his clear and persuasive writing and his the ability to translate complex technical and legal material into accessible language.

      Energy: Power (Regulatory) respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Fasken (3)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Fasken

Fasken has rankings in the following guides

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