Energy/Public Utility and Administrative Law

At Martin & Squires, we handle a wide range of energy (electricity, natural gas and steam) and utility matters, which have involved informal, administrative, and matters handled through litigation.

Our energy attorneys represent clients in both transactions and proceedings ranging from construction of industrial energy, combined heat and power (CHP), renewable (hydro, wind, biomass and solar) as well as disputes in administrative proceedings or through litigation.

Our projects include:

• Hydro in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  Negotiate Power Purchase Agreement with Xcel Energy for sale of power produced by hydroelectric facility and renegotiation for updated PPA pricing in 2014. Negotiate with public agencies in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) license process and land rights issues. Represent developer with respect to grant received from Xcel’s Renewable Development Fund, proceedings at FERC and Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

• Major University in Minnesota
  Represent University on construction of cogeneration project including 20MW of electric capacity, interconnection to electric grid and in negotiation of electric supply. Represented University system with respect to power sale and delivery contracts with Xcel Energy, standby and supplemental power agreements for facilities and various turbines used for interruptible agreements with Xcel’s system and with respect to the University’s southwest generating plant.

• Fortune 100 Corporation, Minnesota
  Designed a request for proposal, negotiated and drafted design and construction agreements with general contractor, and access agreements with Xcel Energy regarding a steam process and heating facility in Minnesota. This multi-million dollar biomass project was necessary for a major Minnesota employer to continue operations and maintain workforce.

• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, St. Paul, MN

  Representation of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and its Minnesota member businesses, and major municipal or public systems in the following rate cases before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission: Northern States Power d/b/a Xcel Energy’s, Otter Tail Power and Alliant Energy d/b/a Interstate Power and Light Company. Representation in numerous rider proceedings with respect to level of recovery and design. Negotiate settlements of revenue requirement issues, and argue rate design issues.

• Public Service Commission Advocacy Staff, Special Assistant Attorney General, Bismarck, North Dakota

  Retained by North Dakota Attorney General to represent the Public Service Commission’s Advocacy Staff in Montana-Dakota Utilities 2010 rate case. Argued on behalf of all ratepayers for necessary revenue requirement adjustments to rates.

• Electrical Contractor, Minnesota and Texas

  Negotiated contracts on behalf of contractor for multiple contracts for construction of wind and solar facilities. Also negotiated and drafted standardized contracts with regulated utilities to perform service and expansion work.

• Large Fresh Produce Grower, Owatonna, MN

  Worked with Farming Corporation and legislators to amend Minnesota Statutes to permit geothermal project for new greenhouse facility that re-injected water into the aquifer. Worked with Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and legislators to successfully move forward new legislation. Draft U.S. Department of Agriculture Grant for separate energy project.

• Numerous Minnesota manufacturers and large users of Electricity and Natural Gas

  Work on behalf of many clients with respect to supply agreements, service quality disputes and to resolve complaints with respect to electric, natural gas and steam supply services.

It is essential to have attorneys who can represent your interests from the beginning of planning to the resolution of disputes, including the ability to litigate in order to protect your interests. That is why our attorneys work closely with clients to provide legal services that are tailored to meet their specific needs.