Regulated utilities

Regulated utilities are key to our global energy practice. Members of our regulatory team have worked inside regulators’ organisations, giving us a better understanding of the approach and priorities of competition officials, policymakers and enforcers, and enhancing the value of the services we offer.

We advise utilities on all aspects of their business - from employment and labour law issues to major M&A transactions. Our energy experts understand the importance of the rating agencies to the business of many utilities, and we work with our clients to design structures for financing and capital expenditure which are efficient and innovative. We have experts in market design and have worked for governments, regulators and market participants on the development of new market rules. We have experts who understand the regulatory and licensing regimes and the interface between regulatory regimes and antitrust and competition legislation.

We believe it is critical to have a global perspective on regulated utilities and we look to share our experience, whether gained in Canada, Australia, South Africa, Asia or Europe. Our global experience means that we are uniquely placed to offer clients effective advice and insight on best practice, innovation and solutions across the regulated utility sectors.

What we offer you

We undertake a wide range of work for utility companies including:

• Securing regulatory clearances in the context of M&A transactions involving utility companies
• The application of rules concerning access to infrastructure and unbundling of networks from production and supply activities
• Specialised skills in the design and structuring of cross border interconnectors and the associated regulatory regime.
• Acting as counsel for utilities in rate application proceedings and major new facility approval proceedings
• Representing utilities in major investigations and appeals concerning licence obligations and price controls
• Dealing with antitrust and competition rules on anti-competitive agreements, abuse of monopoly power and affiliate transactions
• Day-to-day regulatory compliance advice