With her wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of electric transmission and generation, Jesse Halpern 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 focuses her practice on electric transmission and generation matters, including open access transmission tariffs (OATT), cost-of-service stated and formula transmission rates, generation and transmission interconnections, and regional transmission organization (RTO) issues. She guides clients through FERC-related filings and litigation as well as the regulatory and operational challenges posed by large, fast-growing data center demand, from transmission planning and cost allocation to queue reform and tariff compliance. Jesse also regularly advises clients on compliance with FERC regulations and requirements and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards.
Clients rely on Jesse for her ability to translate complex regulatory issues into clear, actionable solutions. Whether guiding a utility through a major RTO transition, preparing expert-supported testimony in a contested rate proceeding, or helping utilities adapt their OATTs, agreements, rates, and regulatory frameworks to accommodate AI-driven load growth, she offers strategic insight grounded in a strong command of both the technical and legal dimensions of the electric grid. Her practice reflects a forward-looking approach that helps energy clients prepare for—and thrive within—the rapidly evolving demands on the nation’s transmission system.
Jesse also brings unique insight from her prior work as an economist in FERC’s Office of Enforcement, where she conducted audits of regulated entities, developed audit programs, and provided analytical support for investigations. That experience enables her to anticipate FERC and NERC regulatory expectations and design effective compliance and risk-mitigation approaches that are tailored to her clients’ needs.
experience
- 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.
Professional
- American Bar Association
- Electric Cooperative Bar Association
- Energy Bar Association, Past Chair of System Reliability & Planning Committee
- Ranked in Chambers USA (by Chambers & Partners) for Energy: Electricity (Regulatory and Litigation)
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America (by BL Rankings) for Energy Law since 2018