Team size:  Nine 

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?  

During periods of instability or crisis, the management of legal aspects must be conducted with strategic precision. Effective risk management is essential to mitigate potential damages that could threaten the company’s operations and reputation. Our legal strategy encompasses:  Regulatory Vigilance: Monitoring regulatory and legislative developments to ensure our policies and procedures remain compliant with new regulations; Comprehensive Compliance: Establishing and maintaining thorough policies and procedures to ensure adherence to laws and regulations across all company operations; Crisis Response Planning; Formulating contingency plans to address potential legal issues that may arise during periods of instability or crisis, and  Proactive Legal Advisory: Providing ongoing legal counsel to the management team to navigate legal challenges effectively.  

Aligning the company’s legal strategy with its business strategy is vital. This is achieved by integrating legal considerations into all commercial decisions and operations, ensuring all business agreements and contracts comply with applicable laws and safeguard the company’s interests, and regularly conducting risk assessments to identify potential legal risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. 

What are the main cases or transactions you have been involved in recently?   

Thermal Power Plant Development and LNG Terminal:  Currently overseeing the management of all necessary permits and licenses for the development of a thermal power plant with a capacity of approximately 420MW combined cycle, alongside a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal to ensure the continuous supply of 1200MW. 

Solar Park Development: Successfully managed the acquisition of permits and licenses for an 80MW solar park recently interconnected to the national electricity system (SENI). 

Renewable and Thermal Projects:  Overseeing the procurement of permits for other significant renewable and thermal projects, ensuring compliance and smooth project execution. 

Land Acquisitions: Conducting negotiations for land acquisitions essential for various energy projects, addressing legal and regulatory challenges to facilitate project development. 

Through the management of these critical cases and transactions, I ensure that the projects not only comply with legal requirements but also align with the company’s broader business strategy, thereby supporting organisational growth and resilience. 

What measures has your company taken to embed sustainability practices into its core business operations, and how does the role of the general counsel contribute to driving and ensuring sustainable practices within the company?   

Sustainability is the driving force behind EGE Haina. Its operations are geared towards efficiently generating electricity in a manner that respects its environment, conserves natural resources, and enhances value within neighboring communities. To address this challenge, the company employs a sustainability strategy focused on investment in zero-emission assets, technological transformation, and the development of energy efficiency projects. Through these initiatives, EGE Haina solidifies its commitment to catalysing change within the Dominican energy sector, striving to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimise its carbon footprint. 

EGE Haina’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the ongoing evolution of its electricity generation matrix, which has systematically phased out fossil fuels such as coal and fuel oil in favor of renewable energy sources like wind, solar photovoltaic, and natural gas. To implement its sustainability strategy across all operations, EGE Haina has defined a ten-year Corporate Sustainability Plan (2020-2030), shaped through dialogue with stakeholders and a dedication to sustainable practices. The plan is built on the following pillars: 

Creating a sustainable energy future: Contributing to the energy balance of the Dominican Republic by producing electricity efficiently and responsibly. 

Working with our people: Ensuring the well-being of our team, developing their talents, and fostering their alignment with organisational values as a core growth strategy for EGE Haina. 

Generating shared value: Implementing corporate social responsibility policies that drive sustainable development in the country, through various initiatives aimed at creating value for stakeholders. Through its 2030 sustainability plan, EGE Haina aligns with and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through various actions, achieving 100% of applicable targets in 2023. 

The role of legal counsel in the implementation of these practices and policies is pivotal, encompassing engagement across all areas. This includes studying national and international regulations affecting the company, drafting, and reviewing policies to ensure compliance with local laws, providing legal counsel on the risks and implications of implemented policies to various sectors within the company, and delivering essential legal services to uphold commitments made in these policies. The role of legal counsel stands as one of utmost importance in the execution of any corporate practice.”