Daniel J. Neilsen

Dan Neilsen's practice focuses on FERC regulatory matters with an emphasis on industry restructuring, market conduct issues, and reliability compliance.  He also advises electric and gas sector clients on commercial matters, including power and gas supply and connection agreements and rate and tariff proceedings. 

Professional Background

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman, Mr. Neilsen was an Associate at McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC where he provided legal counsel to a client organization of large industrial energy users.  He helped this client in addressing issues affecting the price availability and reliability of utility services, including matters relating to Ohio’s energy restructuring goals, such as promoting utility-specific rate stabilization plans, both at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and on appeal at the Ohio Supreme Court.  He also assisted small and large natural gas companies in gas cost recovery and base rate proceedings and advised on regulatory rules and requirements. 

Mr. Neilsen also previously worked at American Electric Power - Wholesale Group.  His primary responsibilities included assisting in AEP’s Corporate Separation/FERC Section 203 and 205 filing proceeding; investigating and providing comments to the Vice President, Energy Markets on issues relating to laws, orders, and rules issued by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas, FERC, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; and drafting and revising power purchasing contracts, power supply agreements, and interconnection agreements.

Mr. Neilsen was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995.  He spent most his enlistment as a security guard at the White House Communications Agency in Washington, DC and in Camp Pendleton, CA where he worked for the 1st Marine Division Inspector, evaluating and reporting the Division's combat readiness status to the 1st Marine Division Commander.

Government Service

U.S. Marine Corps, 1991-1995

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• Seattle Council Navy League, Board Member and Secretary, 2010; Navy Leaguer of the Year, 2010-2011
• Washington Wine Country (Funding Board Member, 2010)
• Pacific Northwest Wrestling Officials Association
• Washington Officials Association
• Ohio State Bar Association
• Columbus Bar Association

News

• Van Ness Feldman’s Seattle Office Elects New Member, Adds Two Associates