Ulmer & Berne’s energy practice provides timely and effective legal representation to natural gas, electric, chilled water and steam generation companies. Whether these companies are subject to the rules and regulations of the state public utility governing authority or are subject to “home rule” by their cities or municipalities in which they operate, we can support and counsel our clients on all matters facing them including:
- Filing and gaining approval for rate tariffs with state regulatory authorities;
- Drafting and negotiating ordinances for the provision of utility services to individuals and businesses in cities or municipalities;
- Arranging and consummating financing for the energy company;
- Negotiating and gaining approval for the energy company’s large business clients that are outside of general tariffs and ordinances;
- Assisting and advising in stock or asset purchases;
- Providing expertise on costs that can be paid through to the customer in the company’s cost recovery; and
- Litigating issues effecting energy companies including rate disputes, right-of-ways and easements;
Ulmer & Berne attorneys also have extensive experience in representing electrical and natural gas companies regulated by the Ohio Power Utilities Commission. We appear before the Power Sitting Board in administrative proceedings to assist the client to obtain certifications of environmental compatibility and public need. Other services include seeking from the Ohio EPA and Army Corp of Engineers 401/404 wetland and stream impact certifications and permits, other environmental matters and concerns, and regulatory permits of coal, industrial minerals, and oil and gas before the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resources.
As with our representation of other businesses, the energy practice draws on the experts of our litigation, securities, tax, ERISA, technology and environmental areas to deliver high quality legal counsel and client service.
At Ulmer & Berne, our mission is to provide our clients with exceptional, value-added service by a team of highly skilled attorneys who possess not only legal expertise but the business expertise to produce the desired results in a timely and cost-effective manner.