As populations continue to grow, so the demand for energy and utilities increases. Strict government regulation and environmental concerns, whether domestic or international, create a complex legal environment for the energy and utility sector.
Our specialist knowledge of statutory and regulatory frameworks spans distribution networks and connections, commercial supply disputes and Distribution Network Operator (DNO) exposure for fire claims, insurance and construction and engineering disputes. This means we are uniquely placed to guide our clients in this area. We have extensive experience in liability and recovery claims within the sector with specific expertise in relation to damage to cables and distribution equipment.
Whilst we have been particularly involved in pioneering new approaches for the electricity distribution industry, we are also exceptionally well placed to assist insurers with newer technologies and issues in the renewable sector; whether fires and mechanical failures in wind turbines or performance problems with photovoltaic (PV) arrays.
We have been trusted with the claims for some of the largest national companies in the sector including those specialising in oil, gas, water, waste and renewables and our credentials include:
- The landmark judgment (Smith and Others v South Eastern Power Networks PLC, 2012) where we acted in the test case which addressed the scope of duty owed by a distributor to consumers in respect of resistive heating fires in supply side electrical equipment
- Our instruction in relation to the Kingsway fire of April 2015
We believe our experience to be unrivalled in this developing area of law.
