About

Provided by Torys LLP

With robust experience in the power industry, we are a go-to firm for clients in their complex and innovative power projects and transactions. We have one of the most active power practices in Canada and are known for leading transactional and regulatory counsel, advising on projects covering all forms of renewable energy and power generation technologies.

From initial commercial arrangements and procurement, through to permitting, financing and regulatory compliance, we know how clients can navigate project challenges and deal hurdles.

Our team has a distinguished history of working on many innovative, first-of-kind projects. Our decades spent working in the industry gives us deep understanding of the drivers at play across transactions. Our clients include developers, project sponsors, investors, lenders, governments and Indigenous peoples.

Our team acts for some of the largest utilities in Canada and has considerable experience in matters ranging from power generation and transmission, to distribution and retail. Notably, our experience covers regulatory processes necessary to obtain various licenses and approvals for the development, generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. We often appear before regulators, including on rate applications, licensing matters and facilities applications.

We work with our clients wherever their business takes them. Through our integrated team in Canada and New York, we have advised on transactions around the world. 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Energy: Power - Nationwide - Canada

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Torys offers substantive expertise across a range of transactional power matters, from generation to distribution. The infrastructure and energy team is also particularly strong in the power regulatory space, and is singled out for its renewables and nuclear expertise. It is best known for its work in Ontario, and has a growing profile in Alberta, as well as in cross-border mandates. The group's clients include major domestic and international players, including developers, generators, buyers, sellers, financiers, First Nations organisations and public authorities.

Work Highlights

  • Torys acted for Toronto Hydro in its custom incentive rate application to the Ontario Energy Board for approval of 2025-2029 electricity distribution rates.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Charles Keizer
1
Charles Keizer
1
Band 1
Based in the firm's Toronto office, Charles Keizer maintains his reputation as a leading regulatory practitioner in the power space. He regularly represents generators, marketers and distributors before the Ontario Energy Board, with further recognition for his counsel on project development and financing matters.

Charles's services are always well balanced between practice and theory. He is very adept at translating the regulatory context to our unique circumstances.

Charles provides clear, practical advice that reflect technical requirements, considerations, or limitations in a pragmatic way that resonate with the regulator.

Krista F Hill
1
Krista F Hill
1
Band 1
Toronto-based Krista Hill co-chairs the firm's infrastructure and energy group. She commands an impressive reputation in the space and is lauded for her representation of significant energy clients across a wide range of transactional mandates, including M&A and project development.

We count on Krista for her legal and commercial insights, knowledge and invaluable support on so many matters, and she always delivers.

Her leadership, vision, experience and sophistication are by far the best in the industry. Her insights, drive and service have enabled the commercial success of a number of our initiatives.

She provides exceptional service, she knows our business exceptionally well. She is the one that picks up the phone and gets the right people together.

Luigi Cusano
2
Luigi Cusano
2
Band 2
Managing partner of the firm's Calgary office Luigi Cusano represents an impressive range of power companies and utilities before the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Valerie Helbronner
2
Valerie Helbronner
2
Band 2

Valerie Helbronner attracts plaudits for her skilled handling of energy project financing matters on behalf of power project developers, and she is further noted for her experience in relation to Aboriginal law and the renewables space. Valerie is based in Toronto.

Val consistently provides a high degree of service.

Valerie has a lot of experience in indigenous law and can support clients with her knowledge of the law as well as her experience of how to make projects successful.

Huw Evans
4
Huw Evans
4
Band 4
Huw Evans frequently supports clients in the energy and infrastructure sectors with M&A transactions, joint ventures, project financings and wider commercial issues. He is particularly active in renewable power project and PPP asset matters.

Huw is a tremendous asset for his clients when entering into complex partnership or acquisition discussions.

Huw is very commercial.

Huw has business and legal sense, and he's also a deep academic thinker. He has a really unique combination. You know he has thought of everything and that you are in good hands with him.

Jonathan Myers
4
Jonathan Myers
4
Band 4
Jonathan Myers frequently advises on the regulatory aspects of large transactions in the power space, including assisting with applications to the Ontario Energy Board.

Jonathan brings a breadth of experience and knowledge to the table and is very proficient in understanding and advising on extremely technical issues

Ranked Lawyers at
Torys LLP

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Nationwide - Canada

Energy: Power (Regulatory)

Charles Keizer
1
Charles Keizer
1
Band 1
Luigi Cusano
2
Luigi Cusano
2
Band 2
Jonathan Myers
4
Jonathan Myers
4
Band 4
Energy: Power (Transactional)

Krista F Hill
1
Krista F Hill
1
Band 1
Valerie Helbronner
2
Valerie Helbronner
2
Band 2
Huw Evans
4
Huw Evans
4
Band 4

Members

Provided by Torys LLP