Water Utility Regulation
Nossaman frequently represents investor-owned water utility clients in rate cases, water supply assessments, service area extensions, water resource planning, water quality regulation and other matters before the California Public Utilities Commission and the State Legislature. Nossaman attorneys have participated actively and influentially in the development of rules and regulations for the investor-owned water industry, an industry that remains subject to traditional monopoly utility regulation.
We advise and represent clients in all types of application, rulemaking and investigatory proceedings, ranging from those that adopt regulations applicable to the entire industry, to individual utility rate increase proceedings, merger and acquisition transactions, and water quality matters before the CPUC and other state administrative agencies.
Our advisory work includes providing legal advice and opinions about the limits of regulatory agency jurisdiction, agency authorization and procedural requirements, expectations as to the substance and timing of action by the CPUC and other regulatory agencies on proposed or pending matters, and strategic advice as to how to achieve success on issues and cases before various state and federal agencies.
Our compliance work includes preparing, submitting, and overseeing the progress of applications to the CPUC and other governmental agencies for operating authority and rate changes, as well as more routine matters such as tariff filings, license renewals, financial reports and other compliance filings.
Our representation also includes more complex matters such as negotiations with regulatory agency enforcement and compliance staff regarding alleged violations of applicable rules or regulations, and addressing penalties that may be imposed in connection with such cases.