Project Finance
We represent owners and operators of United States and foreign energy projects in all phases of financing and in the sale of interests in energy projects. We have handled transactions that included limited partnership vehicles and subsequent syndications, recourse and non-recourse bank and insurance company financings and sale-leasebacks. We advise our clients on a wide range of financing options, including interest swaps and other hedge arrangements, credit enhancements, carried interests and subordination arrangements. In addition, our Municipal Finance group has handled numerous tax-exempt financings. We prepare offering documents, loan documents and project documents.
Permitting
We help clients obtain government authorizations for new power projects, including air and water quality permits, land use approvals, water rights, and public rights-of-way. We regularly handle issues under the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and relations with Tribal governments.
Energy Facility Siting and Licensing
We assist clients in siting gas fired power plants, wind generation facilities, geothermal facilities, natural gas pipelines, high voltage power lines, underground gas storage facilities, coal mines and oil and gas fields throughout the western states area. We handle permit proceedings, licensing and certification proceedings before state and federal agencies, including the public utility commissions of several states and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. We are currently involved in the relicensing of a variety of hydroelectric projects.
Real Estate
We help our clients acquire the property needed for power plants, power lines, pipelines, coal mines, oil and gas fields, natural gas storage, geothermal facilities, wind plants and related facilities. We negotiate purchase agreements, leases, options, right-of-way agreements, co-tenancy agreements and other real estate documents.
Construction and Design
We advise owners, contractors, engineers and suppliers on the design and construction of power plants and other energy facilities. We draft and negotiate construction agreements, litigate and arbitrate construction disputes, file and respond to liens and deal with bonding and insurance requirements.
Fuel Supply and Transportation
We draft and negotiate coal and natural gas supply agreements for utility and independent power plants.
Energy Marketing and Transmission
We draft and negotiate contracts for sale of power and thermal energy, operating agreements and transmission wheeling agreements to utilities and industrial customers.
Utility Regulation
Stoel Rives represents utilities and independent power clients before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state Public Utility Commissions in California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Wyoming. We negotiate transmission, rate and power contracts with the Bonneville Power Administration. We also advise clients on compliance with the Public Utility Holding Company Act, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act ("PURPA") and state and federal regulations governing qualifying facilities and independent power projects.
Corporate Securities and Finance
We advise domestic, United States and foreign energy companies on corporate, tax, securities and finance matters, including project financing, public offerings, limited partnerships, joint venture agreements, equipment leasing and state and federal taxation.
Mergers and Acquisitions
We structure, negotiate and obtain regulatory approval for mergers and acquisitions in the energy industry. During the last five years, these transactions have involved more than $15 billion in assets. Our experience with these transactions enables us to perform quick and thorough due diligence on project development and acquisition opportunities.
International Transactions
We advise our clients on due diligence, tax, corporate, securities and finance matters involving international energy transactions. We have substantial experience transactions in Australia, Mexico, Canada, Turkey and the Philippines.
Litigation
We represent utilities and independent power clients in state and federal courts as well as arbitration proceedings involving a variety of issues, including matters arising out fuel supply agreements, power purchase agreements, transmission tariffs, and acquisition agreements.