Energy Law

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McDowell Rackner & Gibson’s energy clients include major gas and electric investor-owned utilities, energy cooperatives and public utility districts, and developers and purchasers of electric facilities. We regularly appear before state and federal regulatory commissions throughout the West on behalf of our clients, including the following:

• Public Utility Commission of Oregon
• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
• Regulatory Commission of Alaska
• Public Service Commission of Utah
• Idaho Public Utility Commission
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
• Bonneville Power Administration
• Compliance Advice

Our clients are governed by complex legal frameworks at the state, federal, and municipal levels. More importantly, our clients participate in the legislative and regulatory process of shaping and developing the policies with which they will need to comply in the future. As our clients’ businesses increasingly reach out to regional and national markets, compliance with those frameworks becomes more challenging. Our attorneys have a strong background in regulatory law, and we work closely with our clients to ensure that they comply with all regulatory requirements without sacrificing their business goals. We provide compliance advice with respect to all aspects of business development and maintenance, including business formation, mergers and acquisitions, and local franchising advice.

Utility Operations/Resource Development

We advise our energy clients on a broad range of fuel supply, rate design, and resource development matters. We are involved in complex transactions, such as the development of wind, solar, geothermal, natural gas, coal, and hydro power generation projects, as well as the development and management of transmission lines in the Northwest and Alaska.

Public Policy Advice

Helping our clients to shape public policy is the foundation of our practice. At state public utilities commissions and legislatures, our attorneys represent clients in all aspects of public policy development. From state and federal policy dockets and rulemaking proceedings to legislative hearings, we work closely with our clients to understand what regulatory changes will be most to their advantage, and work creatively and proactively to anticipate and influence policy changes.

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