Firm News and Announcements

Sean Neal will present on Critical Energy Infrastructure Information Considerations at the State and Federal Level at the APPA 2019 Legal and Regulatory Conference

DWGP Attorney Sean Neal will discuss how ensuring that sensitive information is protected concerning key infrastructure is a priority of public power systems at APPA’s October 2019 Legal and Regulatory Conference in Portland, Oregon. He will describe how law, regulations, and industry practice have defined Critical Energy Infrastructure, and the limitations of such designations under the Freedom of Information Act and state public records acts. In addition, he will outline how definitions of critical infrastructure used in reliability compliance regimes interplay with definitions used in other legal regimes. For more information, please contact Sean Neal.

Bhaveeta Mody Presented on FERC’s Electric Transmission Incentives Policy at APPA National Conference

On June 11, 2019, DWGP Attorney Bhaveeta K. Mody presented on the topic of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) electric transmission incentives regulations and policy (Incentives Policy) at the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in Austin, Texas.

Ms. Mody discussed FERC’s implementation of its current Incentives Policy as established in FERC Order No. 679. Order No. 679 was issued pursuant to the mandates of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, which added a new Section 219 to the Federal Power Act, directing FERC to promulgate a rule providing incentive-based rates for electric transmission for the purpose of benefitting consumers through increased reliability and lower costs of power.

Matthew Rudolphi Completes Service as Energy Bar President

DWGP congratulates Matt Rudolphi for a successful year as President of the Energy Bar Association (EBA). In serving as EBA President, Matt oversaw the energy industry’s preeminent organization committed to promoting the excellence of energy attorneys, professionals and students within the legal, regulatory, and political realm. During his tenure, Matt worked to advance EBA’s strategic goals of: (1) building and growing a regional focus, (2) optimizing membership strategies, (3) enhancing content and its accessibility, and (4) expanding participation and leadership opportunities. Under Matt’s leadership EBA established, fostered, and received initial reports from three new affinity groups: the Energy Professionals Council, the Masters Council, and the In-House Counsel Task Force. EBA greatly benefitted from Matt’s stewardship, and we are proud to have him as a valued member of the DWGP team.

Lisa Gast Elected to EBA Board

DWGP is delighted to announce that Shareholder Lisa S. Gast has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Energy Bar Association (EBA). This will be Lisa’s second three-year term on the EBA Board.

DWGP is pleased to support the Light Up Navajo Initiative to bring electricity to rural Navajo households

Several attorneys of DWGP presented a check to Wally Haase, General Manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, in support of the Light Up Navajo Nation initiative.
(left to right: Derek Dyson, Lisa Gast, Tom Rudebusch, Wally Haase, Adriana Velez-Leon, Lee Ewing, Pete Scanlon).

Modesto Irrigation District Awarded Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Designation

DWG&P client Modesto Irrigation District (MID) has been awarded the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA). MID, located in the Central Valley of California and organized and operating pursuant to the State of California Water Code since 1887, undertakes both electric and water operations on behalf of its customers. APPA’s RP3 designation recognizes the commitment of public power utilities in ensuring and promoting reliability, safety, workforce development, and system improvement.

Matt Rudolphi Presented on Regulation of Broadband by FCC

On Tuesday, February 5, 2019, DWGP Shareholder Matthew R. Rudolphi presented on the Regulatory Overview panel at the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s (“TVPPA”) “Fiber University” conference. Mr. Rudolphi’s presentation provided an overview of FCC regulation of broadband and voice providers, with specific emphasis on the particular periodic filing requirements. The Fiber University conference provides a venue for public power utilities to share experiences and learn from subject matter experts in technology, law, finance, and marketing of broadband systems. For more information or to request a copy of his presentation, please contact Matt Rudolphi.

Derek Dyson Presented on the Implications of Grid Modernization for Tribal Communities

On Friday, December 7, 2018, Derek Dyson presented to the National Conference of State Legislatures Capitol Forum on Grid Modernization, with a focus on electrification and bringing water services to tribal communities. Mr. Dyson specifically addressed work with the Navajo Nation and identified opportunities for legislators to help ensure that basic electric and water services are provided to tribal communities. Founded in 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures supports state legislatures by providing tools, information and resources to allow them to craft solutions for complex problems. Mr. Dyson is shareholder at DWGP and serves as counsel to the Navajo Nation Tribal Utility Authority.