Matthew focuses his practice on the growing field of electric reliability compliance, as well as on regional transmission planning processes. He counsels clients on reliability standards development and compliance, critical infrastructure protection and transactions. He also provides counsel on transmission issues, including open access transmission tariff compliance, contract negotiation and drafting, and transmission project and policy development.

Representative Experience
Represented one of the nation’s largest banks in the financing of a 55MW utility-scale solar facility (approximately $250MM in value) in New Mexico. The bank provided the construction financing and will provide the long-term financing.

Represents utilities and developers in negotiating and drafting open access transmission tariff service agreements, generator interconnection agreements, and operational reliability service agreements.

Advises clients on compliance matters, including compliance with OATT requirements, FERC Code and Standards of Conduct, and Electric Reliability Organization reliability standards.

Managed Regional Entity’s defense of FERC audit of compliance with FERC policy and the terms of the Regional Delegation Agreement with NERC.

Negotiated agreements with Canadian crown corporations and regulatory entities relating to reliability coordination and compliance monitoring in British Columbia and Alberta.

Advised Regional Entity on implementation of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program and negotiated settlements of compliance audits and compliance violation investigations.

Created and presented training programs on Regional Entity compliance requirements, electric reliability standards development processes, internal compliance program requirements, and WECC’s scope of activities.

Advised Regional Entity on corporate compliance, governance, and operations.

Represented investor-owned electric utility in Regional Entity Reliability Compliance Audit.

Represented electric utility before FERC in disputes regarding electric transmission service, generator interconnections, and tariff compliance.

Drafted and conducted training on Standards of Conduct and OATT compliance.

Recent Presentations and Speaking Engagements
Discussion Leader, Regulatory and Operational Considerations for the Integration of Solar Power, Solar Power Finance & Investment Summit, March 21-24, 2011.