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Matt Rudolphi

Partner

Chicago
312 580 5030 312 580 5030 direct


Washington, D.C.
202 585 6973 202 585 6973 direct


Matt is a highly experienced energy attorney who helps cooperative and municipal electric utilities and regulated pipeline clients across the country navigate federal and state regulatory matters, market structure issues and appeals of regulatory decisions to the U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Matt also advises non-profit organizations and trade associations, and represents telecommunications clients on a range of regulatory and transactional issues. He is a past president and board member of the 2,000-member Energy Bar Association.

With deep roots in southern Illinois co-op country, Matt intimately understands the philosophy driving co-ops: Provide reliable, affordable energy to members, while making prudent investment in innovations that will help ensure future generations have access to safe, reliable energy sources.

From Thompson Coburn's Chicago and Washington D.C. offices, Matt advises clients on electric, natural gas and oil regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state commissions and the federal courts. He regularly represents clients in litigation related to wholesale power and transmission, including rates, terms and conditions of service and the various requirements of state and federal regulations and laws.

Matt's practice is national in scope, with significant experience in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Power Pool (PJM) and California Independent System Operator (CAISO) regions.

Matt also negotiates and drafts various transactional documents associated with the development and operation of energy projects, including power purchase agreements, distribution and transmission interconnection agreements, coordinated operation agreements and other contracts.

For co-op clients that venture into offering broadband or telecommunications services, Matt provides guidance on the intricacies of FCC regulations, relevant legislation, and the development of large- and small-scale communications projects.

Matt also represents nonprofits and trade associations in the energy, energy efficiency, and communications sectors, providing counsel at each stage in the life of a nonprofit, from incorporation to mergers and wind-down.

Matt is the Co-Chair to the firm's LGBTQ+ affinity group.

Energy Regulatory Matters

Successfully challenged a regional transmission organization-wide guaranteed return on equity before FERC, including managing expert witness testimony, cross-examining witnesses, drafting briefs, and pursuing review of certain findings to the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Represented a transmission owner in a technically complex contract interpretation matter challenging and litigating before FERC and the U.S. Court of Appeals another party's compliance with a coordinated operations agreement.

Routinely counsel clients, prepare and submit transmission revenue, reactive requirements and other revenue requirement filings.

Successfully negotiated for the removal from FERC regulation of two outer continental shelf pipeline systems.

Non-Profit Counsel

Routinely advise nascent non-profits on choice of business structure; drafting initial corporate documents, including bylaws, articles of incorporation, conflict of interest policies, whistleblower policies and document retention policies; and board composition, education and management.

Acted as counsel in over a dozen transactions guiding the merger and/or dissolution of non-profits.

Serve as corporate counsel in drafting and interpreting standard and complex contracts, including employee and independent contractor agreements, leases, and event contract matters.

Successfully defended a client in a U.S. House of Representatives investigation into alleged improper use of government grant funds.

Governmental and Public Policy Matters

Drafted legislation to revise state cooperative enabling act to permit the provision of broadband.

Advise clients on compliance with the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act and corresponding federal lobbying and contribution reports.

Advised clients in establishment of political action committees and ongoing reporting requirements.

Presentations

EPA’s Proposed Federal Implementation Plan for Nitrogen Oxide Emissions from Power Plants,
APPA Legal and Regulatory Conference November 9, 2022

Conflict of Interest and Legal Responsibilities of Directors,
AEC/PREA Summer Meeting, July 14, 2022

Glick's Frist 300 Days,
APPA Legal and Regulatory Conference, October 18, 2021

Regulatory Overview– Federal Communications Commission,
TVPPA Fiber University, February 2019

Electric Co-ops and Broadband – Regulatory Compliance and Business Law Considerations,
NRECA ECBA Webinar, October 2018

Addressing the Digital Divide: How are Electric Cooperatives Pursuing Rural Broadband Projects?
NRECA G&T Legal Seminar, November 2017

Electrifying the Transportation Sector: Challenges, Strategies and Opportunities,
APPA Legal and Regulatory Conference, October 2017

Updates on Energy and Environmental Law
National LGBT Bar Association 29th Annual Lavender Law Conference August 2017

Grid Modernization Debate
Energy Bar Association, Mid Year Energy Forum October 2016

FERC Electricity 101
EUCI September 2016

Physical and Cyber Security Webinar: Preparation for Overlapping Initiatives
Webinar December 2014