Energy + Utilities

Our energy and utilities practice represents the interests of large energy users, electric cooperatives, manufacturers, businesses, customer groups, homebuilders, economic developers, and other entities in regulatory proceedings before the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Practice attorneys have advocated for the interests of various business clients in complex utility matters, helping them navigate the evolving regulatory landscape while managing their energy costs and advancing their objectives.

Core Services

Regulatory Advocacy

Representation in general rate cases, rate rider dockets, and other cost recovery proceedings
Representation in utility resource planning and North Carolina Carbon Plan proceedings
Advocacy in a variety of energy and utilities stakeholder groups and initiatives
Representation in utility merger proceedings
Representation in a variety of federal and state energy and utilities regulatory dockets

Energy Infrastructure & Development

Support for economic development projects requiring utility infrastructure
Guidance on power purchase agreements and special contracts
Advisory services for facility expansion and relocation
Assistance with utility service agreements and infrastructure requirements
Navigation of interconnection requirements and processes

Energy Cost Management

Strategic intervention in rate proceedings affecting business operations
Analysis and advocacy regarding rate rider and surcharge proposals
Representation in disputes over utility rates and services
Guidance on energy efficiency and demand-side management program participation
Advisory services for demand response and customer renewable programs

Renewable Energy Integration

Guidance on renewable energy procurement options
Support for on-site generation projects
Navigation of net metering and avoided cost proceedings
Advisory services for community solar participation

Our Approach

We understand that energy costs, reliability, and generation resource mix are crucial factors in business operations and expansion decisions. Our practice combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical business insight to help clients achieve their objectives.

Team members work closely with our government affairs, environmental, land use and zoning, appellate, and corporate practices to provide comprehensive solutions to complex energy challenges.

Christina Cress, who leads the Energy and Utilities practice at Ward and Smith, regularly appears before the North Carolina Utilities Commission and maintains strong working relationships with key stakeholders. Her experience will allow us to effectively advocate for your interests while navigating the technical and regulatory complexities of energy and utilities proceedings.

We are your established legal network with offices in Asheville, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, and Wilmington, NC.