Jim Beh has over 30 years' experience representing electric utilities, renewable energy developers and other independent generators, natural gas distribution companies, and other entities in litigation and compliance matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
He has litigated precedent-setting proceedings regarding competitive wholesale market design, including cases concerning the interconnection and integration of renewable resources, market price formation, resource adequacy, and capacity market design in California, New England, New York, and PJM.
Jim counsels utilities and competitive transmission developers undertaking new transmission investments and has obtained FERC approval 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.
In connection with FERC's expanding enforcement initiatives, Jim successfully defended a large diversified energy company against a complaint brought by a group of state agencies alleging that the company had engaged in market manipulation. He also counsels clients on regulatory compliance matters and compliance audits.
With regard to mergers and acquisitions, Jim represents electric utilities, power generators, and other clients in connection with regulatory approvals for mergers, the sale and purchase of generation assets, and other FERC-jurisdictional transactions.
Clients and peer reviewers describe Jim as "very thorough and extremely attentive" (Chambers 2018); praise the clear, precise guidance he provides and report that "he does a very good job managing a matter and working with a client's position" (2015); and say that he is "thoughtful and has a pragmatic approach, coming up with solutions conducive to a positive outcome" (2018). In litigation matters, clients recount his "very good trial skills" (2016).
Experience
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, First, Third, Fourth, and Ninth Circuits; U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; and U.S. Court of Federal Claims
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business — Electricity (regulatory and litigation) (2009-2011, 2015-2021); Chambers Global (2019-2022)
Legal 500 US — Energy — renewable/alternative and energy regulatory — oil and gas (2017-2021)
Best Lawyers in America — Energy law, energy regulatory law (2010-2022)
Member, Board of Directors of the Energy Bar Association Northeast Chapter
Member, Georgetown University Law Alumni Board
Member, American Rivers Board of Directors