Stephen M. Spina is a leader of the energy and project development practice. Steve represents electric utilities and other electric industry participants before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in restructuring, market investigations, and Federal Power Act regulatory matters. He advises electric utilities on issues relating to market pricing, transmission, reliability standards compliance (including cybersecurity standards), rate matters, and participation in regional transmission organizations, including capacity and energy market issues. In connection with cybersecurity and electric reliability, Steve is an active member in the firm’s crisis management practice. His work also extends to audits and investigations before FERC’s Office of Enforcement, as well as enforcement and audit proceedings involving the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
Steve also counsels clients on the implications of regulations aimed at reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants and helps clients invest in alternative energy sources to meet energy sustainability goals. He is an active member of the firm’s energy industry team and hydrogen working group.
Recognized, Leading Energy Lawyer – Energy Regulation, Development & Litigation, Lawdragon 500 (2024)
Ranked, Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation), USA, Chambers Global (2019–2024)
Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Energy Law, Washington, DC (2018–2020, 2022–2025)
Ranked, Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation), Nationwide, Chambers USA (2010–2011, 2015–2024)
Recommended, The Legal 500 US (2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019)
Recommended, Finance: Project finance, The Legal 500 US (2024)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy litigation: conventional power, The Legal 500 US (2020, 2022)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy litigation: electric power, The Legal 500 US (2023)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy regulation: electric power, The Legal 500 US (2023, 2024)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy regulation: conventional power, The Legal 500 US (2019–2022)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy regulation: oil and gas, The Legal 500 US (2019–2023)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy transactions: oil and gas, The Legal 500 US (2023, 2024)
Recommended, Industry focus: Energy: renewable/alternative power, The Legal 500 US (2024)
Recognized, Energy and Natural Resources, Washington, DC Super Lawyers (2007–2016, 2019)
Member, Law Firm of the Year, Energy/Projects: Power (including Renewables), Chambers USA (2018)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Energy, Law360 (2016, 2019)
Member, Energy Law Firm of the Year, US News & World Report/Best Lawyers (2015)
Member, American Bar Association
Member, Energy Bar Association
Board of Directors, Energy Bar Association