In the highly competitive energy market, it has never been more important for businesses to be at the cutting edge. Our expert energy lawyers provide practical and innovative advice on all aspects of the retail and wholesale energy markets, energy networks, electricity transmission and the water sector.
Our legal experts act for both energy businesses and regulators, and this unique perspective allows us to provide the robust advice our clients expect. Our lawyers have acted on some of the biggest and most innovative projects across Scotland, the UK, Europe and Asia and we continue to support some of the biggest names across the sector, including Dong (Orsted), E.ON, Bord Gais Network and Transmission capital.
Energy markets
With expertise spanning both the retail and wholesale energy markets, Shepherd and Wedderburn’s energy lawyers provide innovative advice covering the full spectrum of industry operations, from fundraising and corporate finance to power station development, and the intricacies of cross-border trading and energy settlement systems. We also help our clients deal with all manner of contracts, governance and litigation.
Energy networks
Shepherd and Wedderburn’s reputation advising on regulatory and contractual matters in gas and electricity transmission and distribution in the UK and abroad is unparalleled. Our energy team has advised on the introduction of nearly all major reforms to transmission arrangements in the UK since privatisation, and we count both regulators and industry participants among our clients.
The team also regularly advises on issues related to electricity interconnection and transmission in various markets and on all aspects of its ownership, operation and funding.
Electricity transmission
The UK is undergoing a quiet revolution in transmission investment. With significant new investment by the incumbent network companies approved by the regulator and new players arriving in the offshore transmission market, this is an exciting and dynamic time in transmission investment.
Shepherd and Wedderburn has played a key role in advising clients on transmission projects across the UK and beyond. Our knowledge of the regulatory framework is unmatched and we use that experience to provide clients with innovative solutions across electricity transmission, distribution and generation.
Our expertise also extends to advising funders investing in offshore transmission assets. We have carried out diligence on OFTO assets and have also advised on complex syndicated funding, banking and security packages.
As a result, our team is well versed in the issues currently facing bank lenders providing senior debt to offshore renewables projects.
Water
Our market-leading water practice has a reputation for excellence in advising on a wide range of regulatory issues and major projects across the water sector, both in the UK and internationally.
Over the past decade, our expert team has advised a number of leading water companies, providing us with a knowledge and depth of expertise our clients value. Investment in the water industry is consistently evolving, and our team of experts understands the changing patterns and is able to advise businesses and regulators alike on the potential challenges and opportunities.
Underpinning our approach is our in-depth expertise of the regulatory framework, along with the practical approach needed to navigate issues of political or ethical sensitivity, as well as operational and infrastructure design.
Waste and resource management
As businesses diversify and compete for renewable energy opportunities, energy from waste and resource management is more important than ever.
Our team has cultivated extensive technical knowledge and cross-border expertise in the waste and resource management sector. We have been involved in major waste and resource projects in the UK over the last five years, and can offer current, relevant advice to both the public and the private sector as they seek solutions that meet their regulatory obligations.
Our legal experts advise on all aspects of waste and resource management activities, including procuring, consenting, constructing and financing new infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions in the sector, regulation of activities, regulatory compliance and enforcement. Our experience in the sector can also prove invaluable in areas such as environmental consenting and large-scale regeneration schemes.
ScottishPower
Advising ScottishPower on the wholesale trading arrangements which preceded BETTA in Scotland and in Great Britain (NETA) and then on the introduction of BETTA.
BETTA trading - Various
Advising various parties on the BETTA trading arrangements in Great Britain, including on matters arising under the Balancing and Settlement Code (BSC), such as disputes between code parties and modification of code provisions.
Renewable Generators - Various
Advising various parties, including renewable generators, on current and proposed arrangements for supporting the participation of renewable generators in the electricity wholesale market in Great Britain.
Electricity Market Reform (Great Britain)
Acting for various parties in relation to the replacement of the current arrangements for participation of renewable and low carbon generators in the Great Britain wholesale market with those under the new Electricity Market Reform (EMR) regime (together with the proposed capacity mechanism).
Single Electricity Market Committee (Ireland)
Acting for the Single Electricity Market (SEM) Committee as sole legal advisers to the SEM Committee (established between the Commission for Energy Regulation and Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation) on various aspects of its work in regulating the electricity wholesale market on the island of Ireland.
