Reliable transmission and distribution is the backbone of an electricity system, supporting traditional generation and the expansion of clean energy resources, while ensuring safe and reliable delivery to industrial, commercial and retail sectors. Transmission and distribution infrastructure, constructed over the course of the past century, must be renewed and updated to meet increased downstream demands resulting from population and economic growth, an evolving generation mix, offshore transmission needs, and interconnections to other networks.

Across the globe, countries are investing hundreds of billions of dollars upgrading or constructing new electricity transmission infrastructure. On the distribution side, utilities are employing smart meter and smart grid technologies to facilitate distributed generation, and provide customers with real-time information that will help them better manage their electricity consumption and optimize generation scheduling.

Dentons' lawyers act for transmission and distribution utilities, generators, load customers, system operators and regulators.

We advise utilities in connection with the construction and operation of new electricity infrastructure, including the negotiation of underpinning commercial contracts, market rules and market reform, and securing regulatory authorizations. Our clients include governments and legislators in connection with establishing deregulation frameworks and drafting legislation, regulatory amendments and market rules. We also advise lenders focused on financing of significant transmission and distribution projects. We also provide counsel to generators and developers on transmission and distribution access, including connection and use of system terms.