Australia's energy industry is changing rapidly, spurred by national competition policy, state government reforms and a growing international focus on renewable energy.
Disaggregation, corporatisation and privatisation have broken down traditional energy markets, creating major opportunities for investors, financiers and operators. We've been there to negotiate the way through complex legal issues, whether helping governments plan and implement reform or assisting new players in the business of generation, transmission, distribution and supply. Allens advise on the full spectrum of energy sector legal issues including build-own-operate energy projects, electricity and gas purchase contracts, agreements for transmission and for coal and gas supply and transportation, hedging and commodity marketing. We also advise on operations agreements, third-party access, competition law and national grid issues as well as foreign investment and environment law.
Experience you can count on
Our team has an in-depth understanding of the energy industry. Our team is made up of specialists in electricity and gas industry regulation, competition policy, environmental regulation, industrial relations, project finance, corporate restructuring, privatisation and corporatisation. We also draw on the expertise of lawyers in other groups within the firm, as required, for areas such as financing or taxation.
We have negotiated contracts with retailers, network operators, financiers and those interested in developing or bidding for new capacity or for the sale of existing electricity assets.
Many of our energy specialists are recognised as leaders in their field and independent research shows that our team 'is once again leading the energy and resources market' and is 'one of the most trustworthy and skilled teams in the arena' (Chambers Global - The World's Leading Lawyers for Business 2008).
Proven track record
We've played a role in some of the most successful Australian and international energy transactions to date. We advised the Queensland, South Australian and Victorian governments on their energy privatisations and have acted in many private sector energy divestments in the National Energy Market. We also regularly advise on a range of significant regulatory matters, including the establishment, regulation and ongoing development of energy markets in Australia and the Asia region.
Perth Energy & Resources Partner Tracey Greenaway discusses the major issues in oil and gas.