Utilities

Utilities face complex and unique issues given the regulated environment in which they operate, requiring experienced advice in identifying, managing and resolving those issues.

Our lawyers regularly represent utilities in a variety of transactions and regulatory proceedings. They have also been involved extensively in local government, environmental, regulatory, and other issues such as the development of air quality, liquid and solid waste plans, watershed management, and water quality options and enhancement programs.

Utilities require advice on matters such as the structuring and completion of change of control, share purchase, asset purchase, financing, and other transactions. Farris lawyers act at all stages of such transactions, including planning, negotiation, contract drafting and the seeking of regulatory approval where required. Our lawyers assist with cross-border and foreign regulation, and on matters related to international trade.

Expropriation law is complex. Utilities (and other expropriating authorities) need sound advice on issues concerning the nature and scope of statutory powers of expropriation, and the requirements for lawful expropriation and compensation. Our lawyers have conducted numerous expropriations, from initial acquisition procedures through to the final determination of compensation at hearings. In other cases, we represent landowners whose interests have been expropriated. In these capacities, we have appeared in the British Columbia Supreme Court and before the former Expropriation Compensation Board.

Farris lawyers regularly represent utilities before the British Columbia Utilities Commission and have extensive experience in both oral and written hearings. Those hearings address a variety of subjects including rate design and cost of service, revenue requirements, certificates of public convenience and necessity, resource planning, demand side management, mandatory reliability standards and capital expenditure plans. We also appear in prudency reviews and complaint processes.

Farris litigators have represented utilities in proceedings before all levels of court in British Columbia, on matters including expropriation and other property disputes, tort claims, billing disputes, and the jurisdiction of the British Columbia Utilities Commission.