Electricity & Natural Gas Regulatory Matters

The aggregate experience of Aird & Berlis LLP’s energy regulatory lawyers is unmatched in Ontario. This experience includes participating in a broad range of applications and proceedings before the Ontario Energy Board (”OEB”), including rates, facilities, licensing, code development, compliance and generic proceedings. Our lawyers also represent clients in cases before the National Energy Board.

We assist stakeholders with the development of applications and interventions and the preparation of supporting evidence. We have  deep knowledge of  the principles of public utility regulation and of the legislative and regulatory instruments that  apply to Ontario’s dynamic energy sector.  We engage and assist experts in the preparation of reports in anticipation of their appearance at  proceedings before the OEB. We provide opinions in respect of the interpretation of statutes, regulations and codes, and we  provide comments and submissions to the OEB in the development of new codes and proposed amendments to existing codes. Our lawyers are well known to OEB staff and counsel and, by virtue of our numerous attendances before the OEB,  by Board members themselves.

Our lawyers have appeared on many energy-related court hearings over the years, including trials and application hearings, judicial review applications, stated cases and appeals. We have extensive experience before all levels of court in these matters and have acted in these court hearings on behalf of applicants, appellants and respondents. Some of the subject areas that have been at issue in these court proceedings include rate-making issues, policy issues, consumer protection issues, expropriation applications and natural gas storage. We also have experience in putting forward and responding to petitions made to the Lieutenant Governor in Council in respect of OEB matters. Through our extensive experience in all of these matters, we have a strong understanding of the principles and requirements of administrative law and judicial review.  Our lawyers keep up-to-date with developments in Canada's energy sector, and share their knowledge of the industry, through energyinsider.ca, a blog which features commentary, analysis and news about legal and regulatory developments, with a  particular focus on regulated entities in Ontario.