Overview

Meghan O’Brien, an associate in Stoel Rives’ Energy Development Group, offers a solid energy regulation and policy background. Her practice includes representing clients before the California Public Utilities Commission and in stakeholder proceedings at the California Independent System Operator to advocate for favorable state energy policies and ensure compliance. Meghan advises independent power producers, utilities, investors, and large users of gas and power resources on matters arising in power markets under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). She also assists project developers with regulatory due diligence associated with mergers and acquisitions, as well as energy project financings.

Her professional path includes notable roles at both federal and state levels, particularly her time as an attorney-advisor in the Office of the General Counsel at FERC. Meghan’s work included significant contributions to regulatory decisions and policy development, such as adjudicating complaints and petitions under the Federal Power Act, and resolving D.C. circuit remands.  Meghan also engaged in the reform of generator interconnection procedures and emerging technologies at FERC. In this role, Meghan provided critical advice on public utilities regulation and participated in key decision-making processes. Before joining FERC, Meghan was a regulatory analyst at the California Public Utilities Commission. There, she applied her analytical skills to assess utility applications and commission proposals, demonstrating her ability to navigate the complexities of energy regulation effectively.

Education

University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 2017, Energy and Environmental Law concentration; Energy Law Clinic; Pro Bono Service Recognition Award, CALI Excellence for the Future Award

University of San Diego, B.A., Philosophy, 2011; Dean’s List

Admissions

California

Experience

  • Advises clients regarding regulatory processes, compliance, and requirements before the California Public Utilities Commission, Regional Transmission Operators, Independent System Operators, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. With particular expertise regarding interconnection procedures and reforms, hybrid and co-located resources, and capacity market regulations and participation.
  • Offers regulatory expertise to support project developers, owners and operators in drafting and negotiating various project documents, regulatory approvals, and mergers and acquisitions. 
  • Contributed to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Standard Generator Interconnection Procedures and Agreements Final Rule and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
  • Advised the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on resolution of D.C. Circuit remand regarding removal of ISO-NE’s Forward Capacity Market price-lock and zero-price offer rules.
  • Adjudicated petition for declaratory order asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to assert jurisdiction over net energy metering under the Federal Power Act and Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978.
  • Resolved Federal Energy Regulatory Commission complaint alleging undue preference for gas generators in ISO-NE capacity accreditation and operating reserve market rules.
  • Successfully organized and led Federal Energy Regulatory Commission workshops and technical conferences regarding grid-enhancing technologies, modernizing electricity market design, hybrid resources, and performance-based ratemaking.
  • Participated in regulatory proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission and provided written testimony.
  • Evaluated AB 2514 and AB 2868 utility energy storage procurement and utility integrated resource plans.

Insights

Insights & Presentations

  • Energy Regulatory Alert Tile Image - Powerlines
    Energy Regulatory Updates

    A weekly update on state and federal energy regulatory developments.

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Special Reports

Affiliations

Professional

  • Institute of Public Utilities, Michigan State University, IPU Annual Regulatory Studies Program Fundamentals Course, 2019
  • National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, Western Rate School, 2018
  • Guest Speaker, University of San Diego Center for Public Interest Law: Celebrating Changemakers, 2018
  • Energy Bar Association, Member, 2016–present
  • Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy, Member
  • Southern California Energy Innovation Network, Technical Advisory Committee Member
  • Cleantech San Diego Energy Working Group, Member

Civic

  • Save More Kids Inc., Board Member, 2019–present
  • Women EmPOWERing Women, Board Member, 2019–2022

Industries

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