Julie L. Friedberg
Partner
Email: jlfriedberg@mercerthompson.com
Direct Dial: 404-577-4249
Fax: 404-577-4206
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As Regional General Counsel to one of the largest and most active independent power producers in the country, provided counsel regarding a wide range of subject matters, including advising on regulatory issues and general asset management matters, negotiation of complex power purchase agreements, negotiation of EPC, plant service and other key vendor contracts, negotiation of interconnection agreements, management of all regional litigation, drafting comments in state and federal rulemaking proceedings, interpreting regulatory and contractual obligations, and regular and significant interaction with independent system operators.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- NRG Energy, Inc.
- General Counsel, NE Region, April 2010 - June 2011
- Senior Counsel, NE Region, November 2007 – March 2010
- Corporate Compliance Officer, March 2009 – March 2010
- Thelen Reid, 2000 – 2007
- Special Counsel, February 2004 – November 2007
- Associate, May 2000 – January 2004
- Berlack Israels & Liberman
- Associate, February 1995 – April 2000
Representative Transactions
- Counsel to independent power producer in its successful participation in high profile New Jersey regulatory proceedings aimed at awarding unique, long-term capacity contracts for new base load generation resources. Efforts included advising client on content of proposal, revising standard form of contract, and drafting public comments in support of revisions to contract. Client ultimately awarded 15-year contract, incorporating a significant number of suggested revisions, for approximately 700 MW of capacity.
- Counsel to independent power producer, in joint venture with a Connecticut electric public utility, in its successful participation in Connecticut regulatory proceedings to award long-term contracts for new peaking generation. Efforts included advising client on regulatory hearing, drafting post-hearing briefs in support of client’s proposal, drafting revisions to standard form of contract. Client ultimately awarded two, 30- year contracts for a total of 400 MW of capacity.
- Counsel to independent power producer, in joint venture with a Connecticut electric public utility, in its negotiation and execution of EPC contracts with general contractors to construct two, 200 MW peaking generation facilities (utilizing GE LM6000 gas turbines) in Connecticut. Provided guidance during construction regarding change orders and contractor disputes. First 200 MW facility achieved commercial operation in Summer 2010 and second 200 MW facility achieved commercial operation in Summer 2011.
- Counsel to independent power producer, in joint venture with a Connecticut electric public utility, in its negotiation and closing on approximately $530 million financing for two, 200 MW peaking generation facilities (utilizing GE LM6000 gas turbines) in Connecticut. Interacted with lenders’ counsel over term of construction, supervised periodic reporting to lenders and provided guidance regarding interpretation of financing terms.
- Represented large New Jersey public electric utility in annual proceedings to implement a descending clock auction to procure supply for basic generation service customers. Took lead role on advising utility on regulatory proceedings, negotiation and drafting of master agreement with auction winners and working with consultants conducting the auction.
- Represented large New Jersey public electric utility in stakeholder process to develop a demand response program proposed to state regulators. Took lead role on advising utility, and negotiating with state consumer advocate and demand response providers.
- Represented large New Jersey public electric utility in regulatory proceedings to deregulate the electric public utility industry, and in subsequent proceedings to implement associated regulations, including competitive customer account services, a state-wide comprehensive resource analysis to implement energy efficiency and renewable technology programs, and adoption of aggregation regulations.
- Represented large public electric utility in a wide-variety of regulatory proceedings, including participating in the utility’s first major rate case in ten years, participating in seeking and obtaining approval of holding company merger and acting as lead counsel to the utility in seeking approval of demand side management programs. Efforts included advising client on regulatory requirements, representing client in regulatory hearings, drafting post-hearing briefs, negotiating settlements of disputed matters. Client ultimately obtained approval of demand side management program.
- Represented large public electric utility in state and federal litigation with non-utility generators disputing ownership of renewable energy credits associated with the generators’ output. Litigation at state level resulted in favorable appellate decision determining that such credits were owned by the utility. Federal litigation concluded with a Third Circuit appeal that was briefed, but ultimately withdrawn by NUGs following the state determination.
- Represented large public electric utility in territorial dispute litigation with neighboring rural electric cooperative leading to favorable settlement.
Education
- Temple University (J.D., cum laude, 1993), Law Review, Moot Court, National Trial Team
- Emory University, B.A., 1987
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of New Jersey