Overview
Buddle Findlay has specialist legal expertise in advising participants in the electricity industry and an in-depth knowledge of the industry.
We have acted as a key legal adviser to the electricity industry regulator, the Electricity Authority. Our role includes assisting with drafting the Electricity Industry Participation Code, the rules that govern the electricity market in New Zealand.
Our team also acts for a number of major players in the electricity industry including generators, retailers, lines companies and financiers.
We advise on a wide range of issues including mergers and acquisitions, regulatory matters, competition law, project and corporate finance, hedges, resource management, construction, wholesale market rules, connection arrangements, land issues and litigation.
We have the specific experience and intellectual capital to help clients meet the challenges and leverage the opportunities the electricity industry presents.
Work highlights
Advising the Electricity Authority
on its review of the transmission pricing methodology (the method by which transmission charges are allocated to participants in the electricity industry)
Advising the Electricity Authority
on amendments to the Electricity Industry Participation Code
Advising Contact Energy
on issues arising in its generation, retail, and gas businesses including, land acquisition and disposal, contractual issues, Commerce Act issues, corporate governance, finance, RMA, Public Works Act, Electricity Act and other issues
Representing the Electricity Commission
in Court successfully defending judicial reviews of the Commission’s decisions on the North Island Grid Upgrade (High Court) and the Otahuhu Substation Diversity Proposal (High Court and Court of Appeal)
Advising Ormat Systems
an international geothermal generation developer and manufacturer on its supply of equipment to and investment in geothermal electricity generation projects in New Zealand and overseas
Preparing for the Ministry of Economic Development and Electricity Authority
the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010
Our team
Charlotte von Dadelszen
Partner, Wellington
Board of Management
Charlotte specialises in leasing, construction and land-related property advice. She has been involved in the development…
- DDI +64 4 462 0508
- M +64 21 915 737
Daniel Kelleher
Partner, Auckland
Daniel has earned his reputation as a leading practitioner in the property sector by developing strong and lasting relationships with…
- DDI +64 9 358 7022
- M +64 21 618 535
David Allen
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in all aspects of resource management, environmental and natural resources law and local government law…
- DDI +64 4 462 0423
- M +64 21 955 744
David Randal
Partner, Wellington
David specialises in resource management, environmental and Māori law. He has advised clients at the heart of intensive RMA…
- DDI +64 4 462 0450
- M +64 21 742 863
Hamish Kynaston
Partner, Wellington
Hamish specialises in employment relations, litigation, health law, health and safety, and education…
Natasha Wilson
Partner, Wellington
Natasha is a member of our public law team in Wellington, and has extensive experience in the health, education, and science and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7344
- M +64 21 727 940
Peter Chemis
Partner, Wellington
Peter specialises in employment law, industrial relations and related areas, and leads Buddle Findlay’s national employment team…
Peter Owles
Partner, Auckland
Peter is an expert in all aspects of banking and financial services law, with over 30 years' experience…
- DDI +64 9 358 7047
- M +64 21 750 509
Susie Kilty
Partner, Wellington
Susie specialises in competition, fair trading, overseas investment consents and economic regulation, particularly of infrastructure in…
- DDI +64 4 498 7356
- M +64 21 792 134
Thaddeus Ryan
Partner, Wellington
Thad specialises in resource management and Māori law. Thad has a particular specialty in RMA consenting and…
- DDI +64 4 498 7335
- M +64 21 840 457
Tony Wilkinson
Partner, Auckland
Tony has a highly regarded practice acting for public and private sector clients. He is the lead tax advisor for Buddle Findlay’s most…