In these rapidly changing sectors, our attorneys assist a variety of clients in addressing issues such as siting of electric generation and transmission facilities and pipeline projects, renewable energy credits, water and wastewater issues, the purchase and sale of electricity and electric generation facilities and purchase and sale and distribution of natural gas.  Having represented a leading wholesale power supply organization, American Municipal Power, Inc., for over 30 years and the country’s largest independent natural gas marketer, IGS Energy, Inc., for over 20 years, our attorneys are well positioned to advise clients in all aspects of the natural gas and electric industries, including hydroelectric, wind and solar energy projects.  This experience provides our attorneys with broad access to the industry and state and federal regulatory agencies.  We also represent several large entities as electric consumers, including The Kroger Company, one of the nation’s leading growing chains and have had significant success negotiating substantial utility cost discounts in connection with industrial redevelopment projects.  Taft also represents Ohio’s largest investor owned water company, Aqua Ohio, Inc. in regulatory matters. 

Our attorneys routinely represent clients on a wide range of electric, natural gas, and water and telecommunications matters before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and in proceedings before other state and federal courts and regulatory agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Importantly, Taft attorneys bring a working knowledge of government oversight, having previously served in positions such as technical staff and counsel to the PUCO, assistant Ohio Attorney General, assistant City Attorney for the City of Columbus, service assistant City Solicitor for the City of Cincinnati, and City Attorney for the City of Lebanon.

Taft’s Energy practice is actively advising clients with respect to oil and gas law issues arising from the emerging Utica and Marcellus shale exploration in Eastern Ohio.  These unique geological formations are capable of producing unprecedented quantities of natural gas and petroleum products through a drilling technique known as hydrofracturing, or “fracking.”  Our attorneys represent landowners in the negotiation of oil and gas leases.  Additionally, our attorneys represent companies in all facets of the growing pipeline and natural gas processing industries, including regulatory and environmental matters related to the Utica and Marcellus shale formations.  As Ohio and neighboring states become leaders in the production of natural gas and related by products.  Taft’s attorneys have the experience and knowledge to assist our clients through the evolving regulatory and transactional issues related to this opportunity.