Energy and Public Utilities

Whether you are an independent power producer, private utility company, or a public utility, doing business in Hawai`i requires understanding Hawaii’s public utilities law and being able to effectively interact with the State of Hawai`i Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other stakeholders. Our attorneys understand the applicable law, know how Hawai`i PUC functions, and can get your matters properly represented before the commission. Our calls get returned and your interests get protected.

We provide certain Energy and Public Utilities services on a flat fee basis. Our Energy and Public Utilities Services include:

Applying for a certificate public convenience and necessity for energy, water, and wastewater utilities as well as for motor carriers
Obtaining change of control and other approvals from the public utilities commission
Negotiating power purchase agreements for independent power producers
Negotiating agreements for the creation of a microgrid
Intervening in utility dockets
Reviewing and negotiating financing agreements, contribution agreements, and other documents required for project development
Issuing legal opinions on regulatory and corporate matters for financing arrangements

Representative Experience

Represented a publicly-traded, energy corporation with over 200 million dollars market cap in an investment by a private equity fund to expand operations
Represented a land developer in negotiating a power purchase agreement with an independent power producer
Represented a telecommunications company in obtaining pole access on county-owned poles
Represented a nationally-known developer in the acquisition of water and wastewater utility
Represented a state-wide motor carrier in the attempted acquisition of substantially all the assets of a competitor
Issued legal opinions that allowed a publicly-traded energy company to obtain financing and investment to build solar farms with up to 110 MW capacity
Negotiated a proposed equity sale of a wind farm to a potential investor