Power & Utilities

As large end users such as data centers become more involved in sourcing the electricity on which their facility operations rely, we help interpret the sometimes not intuitive electric markets rules and practices and the vexatious combination of federal and state jurisdiction over major electric assets. We understand cost allocation and rate design issues, which are particularly important for large electric users as their presence becomes more prevalent on the electric grid. We also advise and assist with load interconnections and means for generation to serve the load. 

Sheppard advises developers, investors and utilities on renewable energy projects across solar, wind, battery storage and hybrid assets. Our work spans early development, permitting and land use, interconnection, power offtake, construction, financing and portfolio transactions. With deep experience across U.S. power markets, we help clients navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, interconnection challenges and incentive regimes while structuring projects that are both bankable and operationally sound. 

We represent owners, developers, utilities and investors in gas-fired generation projects across competitive and regulated markets. Our work covers the full project lifecycle, including development and permitting, interconnection, construction contracting, financing, commodity and transportation arrangements for fuel supply, interconnection and tolling or power sales agreements. We also advise on regulatory compliance, rate, certificate, accounting and market participation issues before FERC and state commissions. Clients rely on us for help in positioning gas assets strategically, balancing reliability, dispatch economics and evolving policy and decarbonization considerations.

Our team advises clients involved in nuclear power generation on regulatory, transactional and operational matters. Our experience includes licensing and compliance, ownership and governance structures, financing arrangements and asset transactions involving existing facilities and emerging nuclear technologies. Working closely with regulatory and project teams, we help clients navigate extensive oversight requirements while supporting long-term operation, life-extension strategies and investment decisions in a highly regulated and technically complex sector. 

Sheppard counsels clients on the development, acquisition and operation of merchant and competitive transmission infrastructure critical to modern power markets. Our work includes siting, permitting, interconnection, rate and tariff matters and construction contracting. We regularly advise on projects within organized markets and bilateral regions, helping clients navigate regulatory approvals, cost allocation and stakeholder engagement to deliver transmission assets that support grid reliability and market expansion. 

We represent public agencies, utilities, developers, investors and large consumers of water and producers of wastewater regarding infrastructure projects critical to communities and industry. Our work includes project development, permitting and environmental review, public-private partnerships (P3s), financing and operational agreements. We advise clients on regulatory compliance, water rights and governance issues, helping them deliver resilient infrastructure while balancing environmental, public policy and stakeholder considerations in an increasingly scrutinized regulatory environment. 

We advise clients developing and investing in carbon capture, utilization and sequestration projects across the power and industrial sectors. Our work spans regulatory analysis, project structuring, permitting, pipeline and transport arrangements, and tax credit monetization. Drawing on our experience in energy infrastructure and project finance, we help clients navigate emerging legal frameworks and integrate CCUS into their broader generation, industrial and decarbonization strategies.