This practice is extensively involved in energy law related projects, including renewable energy, and ensuing statutory and regulatory developments in Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Oil & Gas
We advise and assist clients in the petroleum industry on storage, transportation, wholesale, distribution and other matters. We provide counsel on the import, transportation, storage and use of natural gas and propane gas in our clients’ operations and on matters concerning the development, design, finance, build out and operation of alternative fuel manufacturing facilities.
Renewable Energy
We are actively involved in renewable energy projects. We have successfully represented clients before the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority in negotiating power purchase and operation agreements (PPOAs), letters of intent, and other development and contractual commitments related to wind, solar and resource recovery facilities.
Our practice group members have successfully represented proponents in key energy infrastructure projects, among these the first single base-load renewable energy generation and resource recovery project to be proposed and permitted in Puerto Rico.
Public Policy
We advise our clients on relevant federal and local developments—statutory, regulatory, and case law—in environmental law. We also assist them in the preparation of proposed revisions to statutory and regulatory provisions and/or the submittal of comments to proposals for statutory and regulatory provisions regarding issues that impact their operations.
Our team was extensively involved in the drafting of Acts No. 82 and 83 of July 19, 2010, known as the Puerto Rico Energy Diversification through Sustainable and Alternative Renewable Energy Policy Act and the Puerto Rico Green Energy Incentives Act, respectively. It was also involved in the enactment process of Act 57-2014, the Puerto Rico Energy Relief and Transformation Act, giving us particular insights into the major changes introduced by Act 57 to the legal framework of Puerto Rico’s energy industry.
In 2010, our practice group chair served as a private sector member representative of the Puerto Rico Wheeling Committee comprising representatives from the Puerto Rico Governor’s Office, Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, Department of Economic Development and Commerce, State Office of Energy Public Policy (former Energy Affairs Administration), and Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO), as well as other private sector stakeholders.
This practice group has strong, established professional relationships with all relevant regulatory agencies such as:
- Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority
- Puerto Rico Energy Commission
- State Office of Energy Public Policy
