Vincenzo Franco

Member

Vincenzo Franco’s practice focuses primarily on the area of electric power. He represents electric utilities, independent power producers, power and gas marketers, financial institutions, and investors on transactional, regulatory, and compliance matters involving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Mr. Franco regularly counsels clients on issues related to power contracts, market-based rates, mergers, sales and acquisitions of power projects, participation in organized markets, and import/export of electricity and natural gas.  Mr. Franco advises clients on their compliance with the requirements of the Federal Power Act, the Public Utility Holding Company Act, and the North American Reliability Corporation (NERC)'s mandatory reliability standards. 

He has represented clients in FERC proceedings, audits, and investigations, and in proceedings before the federal courts of appeals.  Mr. Franco’s pro bono activities include representation of asylum seekers and aliens before the Department of Justice’s Board of Immigration Appeals.

Professional Background

Program Associate and Policy Fellow, Friends of the Earth.

Served as a visiting attorney, Center for International Environmental Law.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Energy Bar Association

Publications

Mr. Franco assisted in the writing of International Law and Policy (1998, Foundation Press).

Speaking Engagements

• FERC Compliance Summit - Summer 2009, September 24, 2009
• FERC Compliance Summit - Spring 2009, March 24, 2009
• AWEA Wind Power Asset Management Workshop 2008, January 17, 2008
• ELCON Fall Workshop: A Different Climate for Industrial Electricity Buyers, October 17, 2007

News

• Van Ness Feldman Elects New Member in Electricity and Renewable Energy Practice