Luce Forward has broad experience representing upstream and downstream energy industry participants in matters related to regulation of and transactions in the energy industry.
The firm is at the forefront of legislative and regulatory efforts to restructure the natural gas and electric industries. The firm advises and represents end-use customers, suppliers and marketers concerning their competitive service opportunities in an evolving energy industry structure. In the natural gas market, our energy lawyers are at the center of the California Public Utilities Commission's restructuring initiatives, including "unbundling" of utility services in order to enhance competition for all consumers. Our energy attorneys also are active in ongoing efforts to reform the electric industry. We advise clients of risks and opportunities in the California energy market.
When the energy crisis erupted in 2000-2001, our firm assisted clients in both the gas and the electric industries through litigation, regulatory proceedings, and the development and restructuring of energy transactions. Our energy attorneys have been active in CPUC proceedings concerning the "direct access" program, restructuring of contracts with the Department of Water Resources, electric utilities' return to procurement, electric transmission facility additions, and rulemakings and investigations on gas and electric industry structure issues. The firm has assisted with the development and analysis of proposed legislation. Luce Forward has also worked with clients to increase their energy independence through the installation of onsite generation facilities and through participation in self-procurement. Our attorneys draft and negotiate contracts for the purchase and sale of energy, as well as contracts for energy facilities and management.
We have represented producers and marketers, as well as large and small energy users, in a variety of administrative matters before the California PUC, the California Energy Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
- Our clients have helped shape federal and state energy policies through our participation in industry-wide rulemaking and investigation proceedings.
- We have been involved in enforcement proceedings and challenges to PUC policies for the energy industry.
- We represent clients in disputes between energy utilities and customers or competitors.
- Clients rely upon our advice in negotiating contracts and developing energy facilities.
- We assist in the environmental review of energy facility projects.