The full-spectrum power practice at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP combines a dominant regulatory offering with strong skill sets in transactional and contentious energy work. Drawing on specialists across the country, the national group acts for a comprehensive mix of government entities, electrical utilities, power developers, lenders and equity investors across conventional, renewable and nuclear power matters. Toronto-based John Vellone fronts the energy, resources and renewables department and strikes a balance between regulatory and transactional work; he recently acted alongside transactional partner Rob Blackstein (Toronto) to advise Northland Power on the acquisition, development, construction and financing of the C$750m Oneida battery storage project. Other key contacts in Toronto include Shane Freitag, who chairs the power area and is recommended for transactional work, and regulatory specialist Mark Rodger. In Calgary, Jonathan Liteplo is a go-to power regulation practitioner, while regional managing partner Alan Ross KC is sought after for his broad energy regulation expertise, which spans electricity, renewables, and oil and gas.

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Key clients

  • AltaLink/Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) Canada
  • Northland Power
  • Manitoba Hydro
  • EPCOR Utilities
  • BC Hydro
  • Northwest Territories Power Corporation
  • Atomic Energy of Canada and Nuclear Laboratories
  • Government of Alberta
  • Oakville Enterprises
  • Capital Power
  • Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
  • Qulliq Energy Corporation
  • NRStor
  • Fortescue Future Industries
  • Elexicon Energy
  • PUC

Work highlights

  • Advised Northland Power and its affiliates on the acquisition, development, construction, debt and equity financing of the C$750m Oneida battery storage project.
  • Acted for PUC on all aspects of a new C$190m double circuit transmission line to provide power to Algoma Steel’s new C$700m project to build and operate two new electric arc furnaces.
  • Advised Atomic Energy of Canada and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on their initiative to host small modular nuclear reactors at sites operated by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Vellone

Other key lawyers

Shane Freitag, Mark Rodger, Jonathan Liteplo, Alan Ross KC, Rob Blackstein, Karen Salmon KC