Dickstein Shapiro’s Energy Practice is at the forefront of the burgeoning wind power sector and this sector’s efforts to develop, construct, finance, and sell wind energy. The firm advises the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the leading trade association of wind energy developers and operators, and an ever-increasing number of clients engaged in wind power development or in acquiring wind generation assets. The firm guides its clients through all phases of project development and provides advice with respect to transmission and power markets, as well as the unique business and regulatory challenges confronted by the owners and operators of wind generation. The firm has actively been involved before the FERC in all wind-related interconnection and transmission rulemakings and other initiatives. The firm also represents its clients before the FERC with respect to market-based rate tariffs, transfers of jurisdictional facilities, and other regulatory filings under the Federal Power Act (FPA) and exempt wholesale generator determinations under the PUHCA.
In addition, Dickstein Shapiro advises clients on how best to take advantage of market opportunities and regulations associated with renewable portfolio standards. One of Dickstein Shapiro’s partners is a former board member and officer of the Emissions Marketing Association, a professional trade group that advocates efficient markets for implementing renewable portfolio standards. The firm also monitors environmental trading markets and has considerable experience with the allocation of environmental attributes, including renewable energy credits associated with renewable generation.
Dickstein Shapiro has also represented and counseled multiple clients on QF requirements and related state regulatory proceedings; transmission access and pricing issues associated with the construction of transmission network upgrades to facilitate the development of wind generating projects in the SPP and Midwest ISO regions; interconnection queue reform initiatives; RTO rules regarding the capacity accreditation, cost allocation, and congestion management; and regulatory issues associated with the New York ISO tariff exemption from generator imbalance and persistent undergeneration penalties.