Utilities and Energy

Defrees & Fiske has been engaged in the representation of gas, electric, sewer and water utilities, as well as pipelines, for over 40 years.  We also have represented and advised telecommunications companies and other parties, including customers, municipalities and independent energy suppliers, in connection with regulatory and tariff matters. The Utilities and Energy Practice Group has an in-depth knowledge of the Illinois Public Utilities Act, associated Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) orders, rules and regulations, and the case law interpreting and applying these authorities. The Practice Group also has a strong working knowledge of federal law and regulations applicable to utility matters. The firm has represented utilities, customers and competitive providers in contested regulatory litigation and court cases, and has a history of achieving successful outcomes for the firm’s clients, at a reasonable cost. Contact us to learn how we can help you in areas such as:.

• Counsel regarding regulatory issues arising out of a broad range of transactions and activities, and various legislative proposals for utility-related lobbying efforts; 
• General revenue requirement rate increase cases, rate design tariff filings, and automatic adjustment clause reconciliations for major Illinois gas and electric utilities, water and sewer utilities;
• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) electric and gas utility proceedings related to wholesale, transmission tariffs and rates;
• ICC initiatives and rulemakings, including proceedings to implement the landmark Illinois Customer Choice Law, policies related to competitive electric and gas supplier certification, Market Value Index purchased power options, affiliated interest and functional separation rulemakings and compliance plans; 
• Facility certification, cancellation and retirement proceedings, and service territory disputes and certification;
• ICC approval of utility reorganization, mergers, and transactions;
• Utility least cost planning and service reliability proceedings;
• Utility customer complaint proceedings;
• Competitive contracts with utility customers;
• Counsel with respect to public offering of utility first mortgage bonds, and preferred and common stock;
• Judicial Review of ICC rate and rulemaking orders;
• Franchise agreements between utilities and municipalities;
• Certification for operation and provision of service to customers by competitive telecommunications carriers and negotiation of interconnection agreement with major incumbent telephone company.