About

Provided by Troutman Pepper

Support of the electric and gas utility industry has been a focus of our firm since its founding more than 100 years ago. More than 140 attorneys practice in the power sector – serving the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities on the electric industry’s most pressing issues.

  • Broad regulatory capability: We help utility clients obtain successful outcomes in various regulatory proceedings before their state utility commissions. These matters include rate cases, fuel cases, integrated resource planning, certifications of new generation including new nuclear generation, RFPs for purchase power, renewable development, certifications, and RFPs for renewable resources and qualifying facility contracting processes.

  • Extensive experience: Our lawyers collectively have more than 100 years of experience in representing clients before state governing regulatory bodies. We also have substantial experience addressing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues and coordinating strategies for clients to address matters that cross state and federal jurisdictions.

  • Structuring successful transactions: We help energy clients, including utilities, unregulated subsidiaries of holding companies, developers, and other entities in structuring transactions in the acquisition and development areas.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers
Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation) - USA - Nationwide
2
Band 2
What the team is known for

Troutman Pepper has an impressively broad practice that is well-regarded for expertise on electricity and natural gas regulatory matters. Its partners possess a deep understanding of FERC, in addition to state regulators. The firm is frequently seen advising IPPs, utilities and renewable operators. It also offers expertise in transmission and power market and rate design issues. The firm's natural gas partners often feature at FERC both on behalf of utility shippers and pipeline owners in respect of rate cases and permit filings. It is further noted for electricity finance expertise.

Work Highlights

Provided by Troutman Pepper
  • Troutman Pepper advised utilities including PacifiCorp, NV Energy and Public Service Company of New Mexico on waiver proceedings at FERC in connection with prices charged during the 2020 California heat wave.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers
Eric A Koontz
1
Eric A Koontz
1
Band 1

Eric Koontz has particular strengths in representing public utilities in corporate and project financing transactions, including debt, equity and hybrid securities.

"Eric is really smart, diligent and he understands the industry and the law."

Christopher R Jones
2
Christopher R Jones
2
Band 2

Christopher Jones assists with a broad range of FERC matters. He is often called upon in connection with commercial and transactional matters, including seeking regulatory approval for M&A and power supply agreements.

"Christopher always provides a very high level of service. He demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how best to achieve business objectives within the relevant regulatory parameters."

"Christopher has taken the time to learn our business, understand it and provide us with great advice and counsel."

"Christoher Jones provides excellent legal advice. He is strategic, easy to work with and highly experienced."

Donna Byrne
2
Donna Byrne
2
Band 2

Donna Byrne focuses her practice on enforcement and investigations before FERC, with particular experience handling non-public investigations relating to MISO capacity issues.

"Donna Byrne is a true business partner for us. She is careful, deliberate and she helps us look at things from all angles."

"Donna understands FERC particularly well and her insights on what to expect are invaluable."

"Donna is calm, measured and very effective."

Amie V Colby
4
Amie V Colby
4
Band 4

Amie V Colby serves as Troutman Pepper's managing partner. She has expertise representing utilities in RTO and ISO matters as well as advising on FERC and NERC compliance.

"Amie Colby is highly practical. She can balance business considerations with candid advice."

"Amie provides a first class service."

Daniel Archuleta
4
Daniel Archuleta
4
Band 4

Daniel Archuleta regularly acts on behalf of pipelines, handling Section 4 rate cases before FERC, as well as investigations and enforcement matters.

"Daniel Archuleta is an outstanding advocate."

"Daniel is so responsive, we feel like his only client."

"Daniel is very sharp and thoughtful. He understands all aspects of his client's work."

Charles Sensiba
5
Charles Sensiba
5
Band 5

Charles Sensiba is an experienced attorney with particular prowess in hydropower law. He often advises on relicensing and compliance matters for various projects before FERC.

"Charles is an expert and leader in the hydroelectric space."

Melinda (Mindy) McGrath
5
Melinda (Mindy) McGrath
5
Band 5

Mindy McGrath is widely acclaimed for her federal regulatory practice. She is a frequent participant in FERC rate cases, largely on behalf of natural gas distribution utilities.

"Mindy is very experienced and knowledgeable."

Russell Kooistra
Russell Kooistra
Associates to watch

Russell Kooistra has experience assisting oil and gas and pipeline companies with rate cases as well as FERC compliance and permitting matters.

"Russell is extremely responsive."

"Russell Kooistra is a jack of all trades."

"Russell is very detail-oriented."

Ranked Lawyers at
Troutman Pepper

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

USA - Nationwide

Energy: Electricity (Finance)

Eric A Koontz
1
Eric A Koontz
1
Band 1
Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation)

Christopher R Jones
2
Christopher R Jones
2
Band 2
Donna Byrne
2
Donna Byrne
2
Band 2
Amie V Colby
4
Amie V Colby
4
Band 4
Charles Sensiba
5
Charles Sensiba
5
Band 5
Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory & Litigation)

Daniel Archuleta
4
Daniel Archuleta
4
Band 4
Melinda (Mindy) McGrath
5
Melinda (Mindy) McGrath
5
Band 5
Russell Kooistra
Russell Kooistra
Associates to watch