Brett represents public utilities and other clients in developing strategies and obtaining regulatory approvals to achieve their business goals.
Brett has recently led the firm’s representation of major electric utility clients in numerous complex proceedings including multi-jurisdictional integrated resource planning and certificate proceedings for major new generating facilities. Brett also has particular expertise in the growing area of renewable energy regulation, including PURPA implementation, renewable energy procurement and green tariff programs, generator interconnection standard approval and administration, as well as demand side management/energy efficiency program approval and cost recovery. He has also represented clients in traditional base rate and rider cost recovery proceedings, affiliate approvals, electric territorial assignment and other regulatory matters.
Brett has been top-ranked by Chambers USA since 2021 and board certified as a specialist in utilities law by the North Carolina State Bar since 2017. Brett is also licensed to practice in Ohio.
Brett also co-chairs the McGuireWoods Raleigh Office’s pro bono initiatives.
Experience
- Represented multi-jurisdictional electric utilities in integrated resource planning proceedings.
- Represented electric utilities in matters involving certification of new supply-side resources, including natural gas combined-cycle and combustion turbine facilities as well as utility-scale solar resources.
- Represented electric utilities in PURPA implementation proceedings in multiple jurisdictions.
- Supported North Carolina electric utilities in implementing new renewable energy legislation, including designing and administering solar competitive procurement and green tariff programs.
- Represented North Carolina electric utility in obtaining approval of multiple demand side management and energy efficiency programs and cost recovery approvals.
- Represented North Carolina electric utility in base rate case proceedings in 2012, 2016, and 2019.
- Represented North Carolina electric utility in obtaining multiple affiliate agreement approvals.
- Advised North Carolina electric utility in North Carolina Utilities Commission proceeding on FERC Order No. 1000 compliance.
- Represented water utility in obtaining certificate of public convenience and establishing initial rates for service.
- The University of North Carolina School of LawJD2007
-
The University of North Carolina at AshevilleBA
cum laude
2004
North Carolina State Bar, Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Committee; Section Council Member, 2012-2016; Pro Bono Committee Co-chair, 2011-2013
- Summit Chair, Southeast Renewable Energy Summit, October 28 - 30, 2024
- Speaker, SEARUC 2024 Annual Education Conference, June 2 - 5, 2024
- Panelist, "Carbon Plan/Integrated Resource Plan," NC Sustainable Energy Association’s 2024 Clean Energy in North Carolina CLE, Raleigh, NC, January 31, 2024
- Summit Chair, Southeast Renewable Energy Summit, December 5-7, 2023
- Panelist, "NC Regulatory/Legislative Update: Timely discussions on the status of the Carbon Plan Integrated Resource Plan, rate cases, avoided costs, and other significant energy policy topics," 2023 Appalachian Clean Energy CLE, October 20, 2023
- Presenter, 2022 Appalachian Clean Energy CLE, October 21, 2022
- North Carolina
- Ohio
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Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law, Utilities Law, Woodward/White, Inc., 2023, 2024, 2025
Selected for inclusion in America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Energy & Natural Resources, North Carolina, Chambers USA, 2021-2024
Named to “North Carolina Rising Stars,” Energy & Resources, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2016-2017
- Author, FERC’s Broadview Solar Order Has Major Implications for Solar QFs and Utilities Implementing PURPA, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, September 8, 2020
- Author, FERC Issues Final PURPA Rule to Increase State Flexibility, Modify the Mandatory Purchase Obligation, Establish New LEO Standards, and to Reform the “One-Mile Rule”, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 21, 2020
- Author, FERC Declines to Assert Jurisdiction Over State-Run Net-Metering Programs, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 17, 2020
- Author, FERC to Consider Whether to Expand Jurisdiction Over State-Controlled Net Metering Sales, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, April 29, 2020
- Author, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper Approves Major Renewable Energy Reform Bill, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 27, 2017
- Author, North Carolina Legislature Approves Major Renewable Energy Reform Bill, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 6, 2017
- Author, IRS Extends Safe Harbor for Completion of PTC-Qualifying Facilities to Jan. 1, 2017, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, March 12, 2015
- Author, North Carolina’s First-in-the-Nation Coal Ash Law Takes Effect, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, September 22, 2014
- Author, Eligibility Under DOE’s Draft Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects Solicitation, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, June 2, 2014
- Author, North Carolina Enacts Hydraulic Fracturing Law over Governor’s Veto, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, July 5, 2012
- Author, "Going, Going – Clean Energy Jobs Will Be Gone Soon, if America Fails to Commit," Public Utilities Fortnightly, December 21, 2011
- Author, California Cap-and-Trade Program Overcomes Ballot Measure Challenge; Proposed Rules Released, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, November 5, 2010
- Author, Governor Creates Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, April 7, 2010
- Author, EPA Issues First-Ever Rule Regulating GHG Emissions from Light Duty Vehicles, Confirms GHG Stationary Source Permitting Begins January 2011, McGuireWoods Legal Alert, April 2, 2010