The utilities sector has seen significant growth in recent years and it is likely to grow further as the demand for energy increases. Also the way in which it is provided is changing, with the move away from fossil fuels to low carbon energy and renewables. 

Our utilities team understands that this sector is highly competitive and subject to a complex legislative framework.  We have worked with a broad range of clients, including private and publicly quoted companies, and national and multinational organisations.  The team has the expertise and experience to provide advice to our utility provider clients that is both cost effective and commercially focussed. We help our clients obtain their desired outcomes in the current challenging market.

Our team acts on behalf of landowners when granting access over their land to utility providers. This is to ensure that the landowners interests over their property are adequately protected and that we avoid the pitfalls contained within the legislation in this sector.

Legal advice to utility and energy businesses

Our utilities team have an in-depth knowledge of this sector. As well as providing specialist legal advice to utility and energy businesses, we can advise on other relevant issues such as:

• Grant or renewal of telecommunications agreements
• Drafting, negotiating or varying easements
• Drafting, negotiating and completing wayleave agreements
• Defend Lands Tribunal claims ?
• Obtaining rights by way of options?
• Licences and easements
• Leasehold and freehold acquisitions and redundant asset disposal
• Power supply agreements
• Environmental warranties and guarantees
• Contamination and liability issues
• Solar panel leases
• Energy law:
  • the development, construction, acquisition, sale and financing of all types of renewables and power projects 
  • implementing energy management strategies to achieve strategic goals such as:
    •  reducing your carbon footprint
    • lowering energy consumption
    • procuring renewable power from on-site or off-site sources
  • the development and implementation of district utilities projects for residential and mixed use developments;
  • planning and environmental advice
• IP and IP disputes - for your energy, utilities or environment business, and protecting and challenging patents
• Construction law
• Venture capital, corporate and M&A
  • Our team can help structure energy transactions such as joint ventures and start-ups.
  • Our commercial disputes and corporate teams work together to resolve disputes that can appear in energy contract transactions and environmental projects.
• Litigation – The team is backed up by our commercial property litigation team who can assist with a potential claim.

Contact a member of the team, or complete our enquiry form, to discuss how we may be able to help you.

The Birkett Long team are also able to help you with Commercial Property enquiries, Business advice or any issues you may be facing with Environment and Energy Law.