Miller, Balis & O'Neil, P.C. attorneys are experienced in the legal and regulatory aspects of every phase of the natural gas industry: production, transportation, local distribution, and wholesale and retail rate design.
Our Clients include more than 300 natural gas distribution systems, most of which are owned and operated by municipalities, counties and gas districts. Our practice continues to grow town-by-town and pipeline-by-pipeline, as utility managers and community leaders learn about us from neighboring systems. We also represent public agencies and often help local officials form associations and ad hoc groups of consumer-owned gas distribution systems.
FERC Proceedings
We represent clients on more than 15 interstate pipelines and are regularly involved in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission - in rate and certificate matters, as well as matters involving "open access" transportation, take-or-pay billings, gas inventory charges, and restructuring of pipeline services. We strive to resolve these matters successfully through negotiation, but are prepared to litigate when necessary.
Transactions
Communities call on us to help them in a wide range of transactions - from renegotiating franchises for provision of gas service, to provide legal advice on construction of new facilities, to organizing gas purchasing authorities.
"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."
-- Thomas Jefferson
Supply Contracts
We prepare and negotiate gas supply contracts and transportation agreements with producers, marketers, and pipelines. As gas supply options have increased, our attorneys have often been instrumental in obtaining contracts that permit our clients to reduce their gas costs.
Representation before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state regulatory agencies, and federal and state courts in rate, certificate, contract, bankruptcy, and rulemaking proceedings.
Negotiation of gas supply contracts, franchise agreements, transportation agreements with producers, brokers, and pipelines, as well as negotiation and settlement of matters before various regulatory agencies.
Legislation
Our contacts throughout the gas industry allow us to identify common interests and to forge alliances to achieve legislative objectives before the U.S. Congress.
Advice and Counsel regarding planning, financing, rate design, and operation of gas distribution systems.
Litigation and Arbitration of rates and agreements concerning all aspects of natural gas production, transportation, and sales.
