Regulatory uncertainty, unprecedented demand, outdated infrastructure,
emerging technologies, and fierce competition both for and among natural resources.
Today’s energy world is transformed from its not-so-distant past as a regulated,
monopoly-driven industry.

Stoel Rives established an energy practice 70 years ago, representing Pacific
Power in its expansion across the Northwest. Today, we remain primary regulatory
counsel and provide a host of other legal services to Pacific Power’s successor
entity PacifiCorp, which is among the West’s largest electric utilities.

As the industry has diversified, so has our practice. Our clients include independent
power producers like Calpine Corporation, one of the nation’s largest IPPs.
The firm is at the forefront of renewable energy, assisting several leading
wind developers in project development nationwide. We also represent geothermal
energy producers and biofuels companies.

Our practice focuses on meeting the legal and business needs of national and
international energy generators, utilities, and renewable energy developers.
Industry services include:

  • Project Finance. We represent owners and operators of domestic and
    foreign energy projects in financing and sale of interests in energy projects.
    We have the capability to quickly prepare any documentation.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions. From the first utility merger between Utah
    Power and Pacific Power to one of the largest international energy mergers
    between PacifiCorp and Scottish Power, we have represented energy companies
    in the structuring, negotiation, and regulatory approval of corporate mergers,
    acquisitions, and sales.
  • Power Marketing. We represent utilities, power marketers, and power
    brokers throughout the nation in drafting and negotiation of contracts for
    sale of power, power exchanges, and power-derivative products.
  • Energy Regulation. We regularly represent clients before the Federal
    Energy Regulatory Commission, state utility regulators, and the Bonneville
    Power Administration. We draft and advise on legislation on behalf of clients
    and industry associations.
  • Transmission. We have represented clients in all major transmission
    developments impacting the West, including the NW Power Act, FERC’s development
    of open access policies, and various RTO proposals.
  • Siting, Licensing, and Permitting. We assist clients in siting and
    permits and approvals from federal, state, and local government agencies throughout
    the western United States.
  • Hydroelectric Facility Licensing. We represent clients before FERC
    in seeking or contesting licensing or relicensing of hydroelectric facilities,
    including structuring and negotiating environmental mitigation plans.
  • Construction and Design, Operations and Maintenance. We advise owners,
    contractors, engineers, and suppliers in the design, construction, and operation
    of power plants and other facilities.
  • Fuel Supply and Transportation. We draft and negotiate fuel supply
    agreements and transportation agreements, including trans-border agreements.
  • Natural Gas Pipeline Regulation. The firm represents clients in FERC,
    Department of Energy, and related appellate proceedings concerning natural
    gas pipeline regulation in several US regions.
  • Litigation. We represent utilities and independent power clients
    in state and federal litigation as well as arbitration proceedings.