Overview

Drew Moratzka helps large industrial customers manage costs associated with electricity and natural gas consumption via participation in various regulatory proceedings and utility-specific contract negotiations. Drew also assists energy project developers in advancing projects through regulatory proceedings and utility-specific tariff development. In furtherance of this work, Drew has also advocated for clients at the appellate level. Given his experience, Drew is also periodically retained to consult on legislative matters.

Drew is a former managing partner for Stoel Rives’ Minneapolis office. He previously served as chair of the firm’s Energy Development practice group.

Education

Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., 2002; Cornelius Honor Society; Editor in Chief, Journal of Small and Emerging Business Law (n/k/a Lewis & Clark Law Review)

St. Olaf College, B.A., Mathematics and Economics, 1999

Admissions

Minnesota

United States District Court for the District of Minnesota

United States Courts of Appeals for the Seventh and Eighth Circuits

United States Supreme Court

Experience

Industrial Consumer, Project Development, and Regulated Industries

  • Extensive involvement in major gas and electric utility rate case proceedings on behalf of large industrial consumers, most recently the following:
    • Various cases concerning the lawfulness of utility investment in electric vehicle infrastructure (2019, 2020, 2023).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Services in the State of Minnesota (2022).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Services in the State of Minnesota (2022).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation for Authority to Increase Rates for Natural Gas Service in the State of Minnesota (2022).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Avista Corporation for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric and Natural Gas Service in the State of Idaho (2022).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Services in the State of Minnesota (2019).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Services in the State of Minnesota (2019).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation for Authority to Increase Rates for Natural Gas Service in the State of Minnesota (2017).
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Petition for Approval of the EnergyForward Resource Package (2017).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company For Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Services in the State of Minnesota (2015).
    • In the Matter of a Petition by Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation for Evaluation and Approval of Rider Recovery for its Rochester Natural Gas Extension Project (2015).
    • In the Matter of the Investigation into Environmental and Socioeconomic Costs Under Minn. Stat. § 216B.2422, Subd. 3 (2014).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation for Authority to Increase Rates for Natural Gas Service in Minnesota (2014).
    • In the Matter of the Application of Black Hills Power, Inc. for Authority to Increase Electric Rates (2014).
  • Representation of SoCore Energy in gaining approval for its potential acquisition of equity interests in 22 community solar garden development projects in Minnesota, subject to certain conditions, which upon completion will produce up to 140 megawatts of renewable energy. The projects are being acquired as part of bankruptcy proceedings for renewable energy company SunEdison.
  • Numerous appearances before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on such matters as utility resource planning, community solar gardens, certificate of need proceedings, the Minnesota solar energy standard, rate design, and renewable energy credits, including the following recent dockets:
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Application for Approval of its 2021–2035 Resource Plan.
    • In the Matter of Northern States Power Company - Minnesota’s Application for Approval of its 2020–2034 Resource Plan.
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Petition to Ensure Competitive Electric Rates for Energy-Intensive Trade-Exposed Customers.
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Application for Approval of its 2015–2029 Resource Plan.
    • In the Matter of Northern States Power Company - Minnesota’s Application for Approval of its 2016–2030 Resource Plan.
    • In the Matter of the Petition of Northern States Power Company d/b/a/ Xcel Energy for Approval of Its Proposed Community Solar Garden Program.
    • In the Matter of a Commission Inquiry into Privacy Policies of Rate Regulated Energy Utilities.
    • In the Matter of the Implementation of Solar Energy Standards Pursuant to 2013 Amendments to Minnesota Statutes, Section 216B.1619.
    • In the Matter of the Request of Minnesota Power for a Certificate of Need for the Great Northern Transmission Line Project.
    • In the Matter of the Investigation into Environmental and Socioeconomic Costs Under Minn. Stat. 216B.2422, subd.3.
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Application for Approval of its 2013–2027 Resource Plan.
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Petition for Approval of Deferred Accounting Related to Pension Plan Contributions and Expense.
    • In the Matter of an Investigation of Whether the Commission Should Take Action on Demand Response Bid Directly into the MISO Markets by Aggregators of Retail Customers (ARCs) under FERC Orders 719 and 719-A.
    • In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Petition to Purchase Square Butte Cooperative’s Transmission Assets and for Restructuring Power Purchase Agreements from Milton R. Young Unit 2 Generating Station.
    • In the Matter of Utility Renewable Energy Cost Impact Reports Required by Minnesota Statutes Section 216B.1691, Subd. 2e.
  • On behalf of a group of large industrial consumers, participate in energy regulatory reform in the Minnesota e21 Initiative.
  • Numerous applications for exemption from the Minnesota Conservation Improvement Program.
  • Litigated and negotiated dispute before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regarding application of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
  • Power contract negotiations, including development of the 2015 Minnesota energy-intensive trade-exposed rate legislation, associated tariffs, and underlying electric service agreements.

Appellate Law

  • Arguments before the Minnesota Court of Appeals regarding the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s application of Minn. Stat. § 216B.1696 (the EITE Statute); cases arising out of In re the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power for Authority to Increase Rates for Electric Service in the State of Minnesota, Docket No. E-015-16-664, and In re Minnesota Power’s Revised Petition for Competitive Rate for EITE Customers, Docket No. E-015-16-564.
  • Argument before the South Dakota Supreme Court regarding application of South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-24A, and South Dakota Administrative Rule, Chapter 20; In the Matter of the Application of Black Hills Power, Inc. for Authority to Increase Electric Rates, 2016 S.D. 92 (S.D. 2016).
  • Argument before the Minnesota Supreme Court regarding the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s application of Minn. Stat. § 216B.16 subd. 3 (the Interim Rate statute); In re Minnesota Power, 838 N.W.2d 747 (Minn. 2013).
  • Argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit regarding constitutional standing and the in pari delicto doctrine; In re Senior Cottages of America, LLC, 482 F.3d 997 (8th Cir. 2007).
  • Argument before the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Eighth Circuit regarding dischargeability of debt for willful and malicious injury.

Insights

Insights & Presentations

  • Regular contributor to the Stoel Rives Renewable + Law® blog
  • “States Address EV Charging Infrastructure” (co-author), POWER magazine, February 1, 2023
  • Presenting sponsor, “Minnesota Carbon Capture Forum,” Great Plains Institute, March 2, 2020
  • Speaker, “The State Backdrop for Energy and Environmental Policy: Demand Drivers for New Renewable Resources in the Midwest and Current Policy Responses,” Renewable Energy in the Midwest, Law Seminars International, Minneapolis, MN, October 2017
  • “Purchasing Power” (co-author), pv magazine, January 2017
  • “Community Solar” (co-author), Chapter 9, The Law of Solar - A Guide to Business and Legal Issues, Stoel Rives LLP, Fifth Edition, 2017
  • “What’s Ahead For Community Solar In 2017?” (co-author), Solar Industry Magazine, Dec. 2016
  • “Care in the Community” (co-author), pv magazine, September 2015
  • Speaker, “Midwest Markets: Market Outlook and Analysis,” 2015 Solar Power Finance & Investment, San Diego, CA
  • Speaker, “Solar Energy in Minnesota - Community Solar Gardens,” Stoel Rives LLP Masters Seminar, Minneapolis, MN, 2014
  • Moderator, “State Energy & Economic Policy Impacts on Industry Transformation,” 2014 Power Industry Summit, San Francisco, CA
  • Moderator, “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in Energy Law,” Minnesota State Bar Association CLE, St. Paul, MN, 2014

Recognition

  • JD Supra Readers’ Choice Award, Top Author—Utilities Sector, 2016
  • Top 50 Energy & Environmental Trailblazer, National Law Journal, 2015
  • Listed among Rising Stars (Energy & Natural Resources), Minnesota Super Lawyers®, 2007–2011, 2013, 2016–2017
  • Up and Coming Attorney, Minnesota Lawyer, 2008

Affiliations

Professional

  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Public Utilities Law Section, Member
  • Minnesota State Bar Association, Public Utilities Law Section, former Secretary-Treasurer
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