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Jesse Halpern

Partner

Washington, D.C.
202 585 6962 202 585 6962 direct


With her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of electric transmission and generation, Jesse is a highly sought-after advisor for clients seeking to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rules.

Jesse's practice focuses on a variety of electric transmission matters including open access transmission tariffs (OATTs), cost-of-service stated and formula transmission rates, generation and transmission interconnection matters and regional transmission organization (RTO) issues.

Capitalizing on her unique experience working in FERC's Office of Enforcement, Jesse counsels clients on compliance and enforcement matters. She is well-versed in helping clients comply with FERC Standards of Conduct and Affiliate Restrictions, as well as North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. Jesse is also highly skilled in guiding clients through FERC and NERC audits, investigations and self-reports.

Prior to entering private practice, Jesse worked as an economist in two divisions of FERC's Office of Enforcement, including the Division of Audits and Accounting. At FERC, Jesse conducted audits of numerous regulated companies, developed audit programs and provided technical skill for investigations. Her contributions to biweekly and annual reports for FERC Commissioners provided a unique perspective on industry trends and regulatory issues.

Representative Matters

Facilitated several cooperative clients' efforts to join the Southwest Power Pool, a Regional Transmission Organization (RTO), including preparing and supporting tariff changes and formula rates.

Litigated an electric utility's zonal placement in a RTO, which included working with expert witnesses to prepare their testimony, cross examining the opposing party's and FERC Staff witnesses, drafting briefs and responding to rehearing requests.

Represented active intervenors in transmission stated rate cases and formula rate cases before FERC, including filing protests, requests for rehearing and testimony; worked with expert witnesses; and negotiated settlements with other intervenors and the filing transmission owner.

Advised several utilities on their transmission formula rate annual update process, including responding to information requests and informal challenges.

Represented an electric utility in litigation stemming from a formal challenge to its transmission formula rate annual update.

Advised two investor-owned utilities and an independent power producer in rewriting their North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) compliance programs.

Advised several investor-owned utilities and cooperative clients in preparing for NERC CIP audits, including leading mock audits and interviewing CIP subject matter experts, reviewing and revising Reliability Standard Audit Worksheet responses, and reviewing and suggesting additional evidence of compliance.

Advised several investor-owned utilities and an independent power producer in preparing self-reports to Regional Entities.