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Energy

  • Overview
  • Who To Contact
  • Representative Matters
  • Recent Developments

Navigating Canada’s dynamic energy sector and complex regulatory environment requires innovative, multi-faceted legal strategies. At Aird & Berlis, our dedicated Energy Group delivers tailored counsel to help clients navigate every facet of the energy business. Whether you are involved in strategic transactions relating to local distribution companies, development of renewable or other generation projects, grid connection, power purchase agreements or matters before the Ontario Energy Board, our team offers the insight, expertise and advocacy you need to succeed.

The Aird & Berlis Energy Group is widely recognized for its deep corporate and regulatory expertise in Canada’s electricity and gas sectors. Our team is acknowledged by the energy law community—including the Ontario Energy Association, distributors, transmitters, generators, municipalities, financial institutions and other energy market participants—for our commitment to excellence and results-driven service.

Our group consists of a diverse team of lawyers from our Corporate, Environmental, Indigenous, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate, Municipal, Land Use Planning & Development, Financial Services, Intellectual Property and Tax Groups, and is well equipped to advise clients on a broad spectrum of matters. We offer strategic guidance to private and public sector clients, helping them navigate the complex regulatory landscape that governs electricity and gas transmission and distribution and development of major infrastructure projects.

Our clients include producers, brokers, industrial users, utilities, developers, governments and lenders engaged in both traditional and alternative energy projects such as wind, solar, renewable natural gas (RNG), hydrogen and biofuel. We work closely with regulated gas and electric utilities in Ontario and across Canada, providing advice and support on a broad range of regulatory and commercial matters. Whether you are pursuing a new project or require ongoing support, we have the experience and insight needed to help you achieve your objectives in Canada and internationally.

Our group includes subject matter experts in specialized areas such as cogeneration, district energy, geothermal and geo-exchange systems, conservation and demand-management initiatives, emissions trading, power transmission and submetering. Our team’s experience extends to advising on the unique regulatory and commercial considerations associated with these technologies, enabling us to deliver comprehensive legal support across the evolving energy landscape.

Through our affiliation with Interlaw, a global network of independent law firms, the Aird & Berlis Energy Group is part of the Interlaw Energy Special Business Team, granting clients access to legal experts in the energy field worldwide. In 2022, we updated Ontario Energy Law: Electricity (2nd Edition), which provides valuable insights on the regulatory dynamics governing Ontario’s electricity sector. Whether you’re pursuing growth, advancing new technologies or facing regulatory challenges, our experience and global reach ensure you achieve your objectives in Canada and beyond.

Our core services include:

  • Corporate Structures & Transactions: We advise on the formation, structuring and governance of energy sector entities, including joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions and outsourcing arrangements. Our experience ensures that your corporate transactions are compliant, efficient and strategically sound.
  • Regulatory Advice and Support: We often represent utilities and other parties in regulatory proceedings, including for rates, facilities, mergers, compliance and policy matters. Our team guides clients through the regulatory requirements imposed by provincial and federal bodies, including representation before the Ontario Energy Board and courts at all levels. We provide targeted and knowledgeable support to help clients obtain necessary licences, navigate strategic issues, address compliance issues and advocate for favourable outcomes in regulatory proceedings.
  • Litigation & Dispute Resolution: We regularly appear before the Ontario Energy Board and have represented energy sector clients in applications before the Federal Court of Canada and the Supreme Court of Canada. With a proven track record in litigation, we have successfully resolved cases involving licensing and contract disputes, patent issues and trade secrets for our energy clients.
  • Project Financing: We offer comprehensive project financing services tailored to the unique needs of energy sector clients. We assist with structuring and securing funding for both large-scale and emerging energy projects, including debt and equity arrangements, syndicated loans and public-private partnerships. Our lawyers guide clients through all stages of financing, from initial negotiations with lenders and investors to closing.
  • Consumer Contracting: We support clients in structuring, negotiating and managing contracts with consumers, ensuring clarity and compliance with relevant regulations. Our services include drafting agreements and resolving disputes as needed.

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