Verrill Dana’s Energy Group represents clients on natural gas matters before the Maine Public Utilities Commission (Maine PUC). Our attorneys are involved in all aspects of natural gas regulation, including certificate approvals, rate cases, cost of gas adjustments and gas procurement, accounting orders, and gas safety. We also advise clients on Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued by public bodies for construction of gas infrastructure. Our many years of experience before the Maine PUC ensure we are well positioned to help our natural gas industry clients navigate the regulatory sphere. Our Energy Group also assists clients with all aspects of the federal, state and local regulatory approval processes necessary to construct and operate natural gas pipelines and storage facilities.
The following are significant examples of natural gas matters handled by our Energy Group:
- Access Northeast Pipeline Expansion - Beginning in 2014, our firm has represented Spectra Energy subsidiaries Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, L.L.C. and Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC before the Maine PUC in advancing the Atlantic Bridge and Access Northeast pipeline expansion projects. The Maine PUC is considering means of implementing the Energy Cost Reduction Act, a law that authorizes the state to contract for new natural gas pipeline capacity.
- Approval of Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline - Verrill Dana secured state and federal environmental approvals for Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, L.L.C. to construct more than 200 miles of interstate natural gas pipeline facilities connecting New Brunswick to Massachusetts, as well as a subsequent expansion of those facilities.
- Regulatory Approval for Summit Natural Gas of Maine - In early 2013, Verrill Dana secured regulatory approval for Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc. to become Maine’s fourth natural gas local distribution company (LDC). Verrill Dana has represented Summit in a wide range of matters before the Maine PUC.
- Approval of Maine's First Private Natural Gas Pipeline - In 2011, Verrill Dana secured regulatory approval for the state’s first private natural gas pipeline, a direct connection off the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline serving Woodland Pulp LLC and now represents Woodland Pulp in connection with shared use of the pipeline with another industrial consumer.
- Representation of Large Natural Gas Consumers - Our natural gas attorneys also provide legal counsel to Bowdoin College and other larger consumers of gas.
