Christina Cress

Practice Areas

Energy and Utilities Policies & Programs

Utility Regulatory Proceedings

Business Climate Issues

Utility Resource Planning

Electric and Natural Gas Rate Cases

Career

Christina heads Ward and Smith's Energy + Utilities Practice, focusing on assisting clients with the intricacies of regulatory compliance, energy policies, and complex utility issues, including rate cases and resource planning for electric and natural gas. Her considerable experience encompasses advising on electric and water utility matters and successfully navigating new energy programs' regulatory frameworks in North Carolina, particularly those established by House Bill 589, "Competitive Energy Solutions for NC." Christina also actively participated in the legislative stakeholder process preceding the enactment of House Bill 951 in 2021.

Christina's previous position as a staff attorney at the North Carolina Utilities Commission ("NCUC") allowed her to gain profound insights into state energy policies and regulatory procedures and play a crucial role in executing state programs created by legislation. Christina previously served as in-house counsel for the North Carolina Board of Funeral Service, where she also served as Interim Executive Director. She prosecuted licensing violations, provided advice on regulatory compliance, and held roles as the Board's Ethics Liaison, Rulemaking Coordinator, Records Custodian, and Legislative Liaison.

Education