Nicole Allen is a seasoned legal advisor focusing on the regulatory and policy landscape of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). With extensive experience guiding electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, as well as local natural gas distribution companies, she navigates the complexities of FERC requirements and proceedings to represent her clients’ interests.
Nicole’s background encompasses the electric and natural gas regulatory spheres, enabling her to assist clients on a wide range of matters. Her areas of focus include market-based rate regulations, open access transmission tariffs, and a comprehensive array of Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) issues. She effectively represents RTO members and non-members in generation and transmission matters. Additionally, Nicole provides strategic advice on interconnection procedures, mergers and facility acquisitions, and natural gas transportation and service on interstate pipelines, including routinely participating in rate cases initiated by interstate natural gas pipelines.
Nicole is a strong advocate for her clients and excels in presenting complex facts and crafting persuasive arguments tailored to her clients’ unique objectives — whether they require an aggressive advocacy approach or a more nuanced strategy. Her commitment to advancing her clients’ business and operational interests positions her as a trusted partner in the ever-evolving energy regulatory landscape.
experience
- Assisted client with FERC regulations, requirements and filings related to the establishment of a new affiliated entity, including the transfer of transmission facility ownership and the drafting and filing of various contracts and related power purchase agreements.
- Successfully guided client through Section 203 merger process, including the transfer of 15 hydroelectric project licenses.
- Successfully guided client through Section 203 merger process, involving acquisition of an electric generation facility and negotiation of a comprehensive uncontested settlement.
- Assisted broad industry group in drafting and filing comments on FERC rulemaking proceeding concerning changes to the small generator interconnection procedures.
- Advises and assists a group of natural gas clients in all aspects of FERC litigation defending against substantial pipeline rate increases and proposed system restructuring.
- Successfully protested on behalf of captive customer clients regarding a proposed pipeline abandonment of natural gas transportation facilities.
- American Bar Association
- American Public Power Association
- Energy Bar Association
- Women’s Council on Energy and the Environment
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (by BL Rankings), 2021-2025
- Heroes of Child Justice Award (by Child Justice, Inc.), 2016
- 2021 update to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) Title II Compliance Manual
American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
When I’m not working, I most enjoy the unstructured, simple things – getting outside with my family and our dog, walking or just being in nature. We are also all avid sports fans, whether we’re cheering at one of the kids’ games or watching basketball or football on TV together.