A weekly update on state and federal energy regulatory developments.
Overview
Melan Patel is an associate in Stoel Rives’ Energy Development group. He primarily represents clients in the energy industry in regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Melan has experience drafting and defending applications for the construction and authorization of natural gas pipeline facilities. He has represented natural gas pipeline companies in rate proceedings before FERC and defended them in administrative litigation related to shipper-initiated complaints. Melan has also negotiated and drafted a variety of natural gas and liquids agreements, including processing, gathering, sales, and intrastate and interstate transportation agreements.
Before joining Stoel Rives, Melan was an associate with Vinson & Elkins LLP (2017–2021) and Schiff Hardin LLP (2016–2017).
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 2015; Associate Editor, Michigan Journal of International Law
University of Michigan, B.A., Political Science, 2012, with high honors
Admissions
District of Columbia
Texas
New York
Languages
- Gujarati
Experience
- Representation of natural gas pipelines in the preparation and prosecution of cost-of-service rate cases under Section 4 of the Natural Gas Act before FERC.
- Conducted regulatory assessments and due diligence on behalf of lenders and purchasers in acquisitions of natural gas and liquids assets, power generation facilities, and energy companies.
- Representation of a number of clients in the negotiation and drafting of midstream natural gas and liquids agreements, including natural gas gathering and processing agreements, crude oil purchase and sale agreements, and transportation service agreements.
- Successful defense of interstate natural gas pipeline in a FERC complaint proceeding related to offshore outages in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Defense of public utility in a FERC complaint proceeding related to RTO designation of a facility as a system support resource.
- Advised clients on new and proposed rulemaking proceedings before FERC and provided analysis regarding implementation of new rules.
- Counseled electric utilities, natural gas local distribution companies, and public utility holding companies on FERC regulatory requirements.
- Assisted in negotiation and drafting of power purchase agreements with the Army Corps of Engineers related to future power supplies from hydroelectric facilities.
Insights
Insights & Presentations
- “FERC Proposes Broad Reforms to Interconnection Process,” Stoel Rives’ Renewable + Law® blog, June 22, 2022
- “Reactive Power Compensation for Renewable Generators—On the Chopping Block?” Stoel Rives’ Renewable + Law® blog, December 14, 2021
- “Public Utilities Commission of Texas Adopts New Winter Weatherization Rules in Response to Winter Storm Uri,” Stoel Rives’ Renewable + Law® blog, November 19, 2021
Publications
Press Releases
Special Reports
Recognition
- Included in Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch in America (Energy Law, Oil & Gas Law), 2023–2024
- Stoel Rives LLP Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award, Recipient, 2023