Meghan O’Brien offers extensive energy regulation expertise. Her practice includes representing clients before the California Public Utilities Commission and in stakeholder proceedings at the California Independent System Operator to advocate for favorable state energy policies and ensure compliance. Meghan advises independent power producers, utilities, investors, and large users of gas and power resources on matters arising in power markets under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). She also assists project developers with regulatory due diligence associated with mergers and acquisitions, as well as energy project financings.
Her professional path includes notable roles at both federal and state levels, particularly her time as an attorney-advisor in the Office of the General Counsel at FERC. Meghan’s work included significant contributions to regulatory decisions and policy development, such as adjudicating complaints and petitions under the Federal Power Act, and resolving D.C. circuit remands. Meghan also engaged in the reform of generator interconnection procedures, transmission incentives, and emerging technologies such as hybrid resources and grid-enhancing technologies at FERC. In this role, Meghan provided critical advice on public utilities regulation and participated in key decision-making processes. Before joining FERC, Meghan was a regulatory analyst at the California Public Utilities Commission. There, she applied her analytical skills to assess utility applications, advice letters, and rulemaking proposals, demonstrating her ability to navigate the complexities of energy regulation effectively.