Utilities and Telecommunications

The communications marketplace has undergone an historic transformation from single to multiple providers of telecommunications services offering traditional landline and wireless intrastate interexchange resale, private line, and access services. Cable companies find themselves not only facing an uncertain regulatory environment, but also having to meet the challenge posed by telecommunications providers as each moves toward a more sophisticated, intelligent, and integrated market for services. Water companies struggle to maintain rate stability while confronting ever-increasing external cost pressure, and regulatory and construction requirements.

Our Utilities Group combines in-depth legal experience in regulatory, tax, employment, corporate finance, municipal finance, environmental, land use, and trial and appellate matters. In addition, our government relations lobbyists provide assistance in the regulatory and legislative environments. Clients have access to extensive legal and legislative experience in all areas concerning the regulation of public utility and cable companies.

• Counsel to electric providers regarding proposed legislation

• Counsel to energy providers and corporate and municipal clients regarding energy options and contracts

• Counsel for telecommunications companies seeking certification to provide service

• Counsel for companies seeking authorization to increase rates or modify tariffs, as well as municipalities and citizens groups contesting rate applications

• Representation of both water companies and citizens groups in water company involuntary transfer and receivership proceedings

• Representation of municipalities and companies or partnerships in cogeneration approval proceedings and advice as to transfer of ownership

• Counsel for hazardous and regulated waste treatment company in permitting efforts

• Counsel for water companies relating to land use and environmental permitting for new or expanded facilities