Jim Beh is an accomplished energy regulatory lawyer described by Chambers as "a very creative and thoughtful lawyer" who "provides expert representation on complex energy and regulatory issues" and is "easy to work with." He has decades of experience representing electric utilities, power generators and other energy suppliers, renewable energy developers, natural gas distribution companies, and private equity and institutional investors in regulatory litigation and compliance matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), state public service commissions, and federal courts.
Jim has litigated precedent-setting cases regarding RTO/ISO (regional transmission organization/independent system operator) market design, including generator interconnection, market price formation, resource adequacy, and capacity markets in California, New England, New York, SPP and PJM (RTOs), as well as numerous rate proceedings. Recently, he successfully defended a utility client against efforts to shift substantial costs to existing transmission owners by reclassifying local distribution facilities as transmission. Jim also has substantial experience representing clients on regulatory compliance matters and in FERC investigations and compliance audits.
In energy transition and infrastructure, Jim represents parties active in the development of data centers and similar projects, counseling clients on rates, terms, and conditions of utility retail services and related state and federal regulatory matters. He also advises clients on regulatory issues impacting related commercial agreements and obtaining approvals for large-scale transactions and financings.
Jim regularly counsels utilities and competitive transmission developers undertaking new transmission investments and has obtained approvals for formula transmission service rates and rate incentives to support critical transmission investments. He has handled significant cases concerning cost responsibility for transmission system upgrades associated with new generation investment and has litigated disputes arising from long-term power purchase agreements.
Experience
Additional Speaking Engagements
- September 13, 2012
Executive Roundtable Series - Energy and Infrastructure:
How Market Forces, Innovation, and Public Policy Are Shaping the Future
Peers assert that he has "very good trial skills."Chambers USA
- Georgetown University (J.D. 1984; Articles Editor, Georgetown Law Journal; A.B. 1981)
- District of Columbia; U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Ninth Circuits; U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; and U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Best Lawyers in America: Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law (2010-2025)
Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business: Energy: Electricity (Regulatory and Litigation) (2019-2025)
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business: Energy: Electricity (Regulatory and Litigation) (2009-2011, 2015-2025)
Lawdragon 500 Leading Energy Lawyers (2024-2025)
Legal 500 US: Energy: renewable/alternative, energy regulation/conventional power, and energy regulatory/oil and gas (2017-2023)
Super Lawyers (Washington, DC): Energy & Natural Resources (2024-2025)