Vincenzo Franco

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 Electric 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).

Articles

• Progressive Policy Decisions Help The Merchant Model Stick

Speaking Engagements

• American Conference Institute's 5th National Forum on Energy Trading Compliance & Regulatory Enforcement, November 18, 2011
• VNF Presents a Reliability Compliance Roundtable, June 14, 2011
• LSI: New FERC Order on Demand Response Compensation, May 25, 2011
• Webinar: WPUI - EPA and the Energy Industry, March 29, 2011
• Law Seminars International: 12th Annual Conference on Energy in California, September 13, 2010
• EEI Transmission & Wholesale Markets School, August 4, 2010

News

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