Distributed Energy and Virtual Power Plants: Regulatory Considerations, Challenges, Structures, Transactions, Risks
Course Details
- smart_display Format
On-Demand
- signal_cellular_alt Difficulty Level
Intermediate
- work Practice Area
Energy
- event Date
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
- schedule Time
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
- timer Program Length
90 minutes
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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This CLE webinar will discuss structuring distributed energy resources (DERs) and virtual power plant (VPP) transactions, as well as key regulatory considerations. The panel will guide counsel on recent regulatory developments impacting DERs and VPPs, structuring virtual PPA transactions, and mitigating risks, and will provide an overview of the shifting regulatory environment impacting DER and VPP transactions.
Ms. Bartlett is an Of Counsel attorney with Foley & Lardner LLP and is a member of the firm’s Environmental Practice. She advises a variety of clients on regulatory matters in the energy sector, including renewable and conventional generation developers, energy project financing, independent power producers, private equity funds, and institutional investors. Ms. Bartlett's experience includes counseling clients on matters regarding the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and relevant federal statutes such as the Federal Power Act, Public Utility Holding Company Act, and Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act.
Mr. Lowder is a partner and member of the firm’s Finance Practice. Although his practice extends to all aspects of business law, he currently focuses his practice on energy, project finance, project development, and related tax and public financing. He is also a member of the firm's Energy Industry Team. He has experience with numerous project technologies including commercial, utility-scale, and residential-scale solar photovoltaic systems; onshore and offshore wind development; biomass and biofuel projects; and other energy and alternative energy technologies.
DERs aggregated into VPPs can provide a sufficient integration of demand flexibility and renewables on the energy grid. Counsel must have an in-depth understanding of the current regulatory framework, challenges, and potential risks associated with DERs and VPPs in order to advise clients regarding certain structures and transactions.
VPPs aggregate several DERs to meet grid needs and optimize energy usage, delivering the same level of service as a large power plant. For this reason, many states are utilizing this model to increase reliability, enable energy optimization, and meet clean energy mandates. However, counsel must recognize key issues when structuring VPPs and related transactions in light of the shifting regulatory environment.
Listen as our panel discusses recent regulatory developments impacting DERs and VPPs, structuring virtual PPA transactions, and mitigating risks, and will provide an overview of the current regulatory environment impacting DER and VPP and transactions.
- Current federal and state developments
- Understanding DERs
- VPPs
- Structures and transaction considerations
- Best practices for counsel
The panel will discuss these and other key issues:
- What are the most recent federal and state regulatory developments regarding DERs and VPPs?
- What regulatory hurdles exist to successfully structure VPPs?
- How are DERs and VPPs integrated into grid planning toward clean energy?
- What funding options are available to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy resources?
- How are risks evaluated and mitigated?
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