Energy

We advise on

Heat and Cooling Networks

We provide landlords and developers with strategic advice on the set up, installation and operation of, or connection to, heat and cooling networks. Our specialist energy team advises on:

• Heat Network Regulations, including heat network consumer protection regulations and heat network zoning
• Strategic advice on the structuring of heat and cooling arrangements on complex development sites
• ESCO Concession Agreements
• Heat and Cooling Offtake Supply Agreements
• Landlord outsourced services including Heat Network Operation & Maintenance Agreements and Metering & Billing Agreements

Electricity Supply – Solar, Private Wire and Microgrids

With continued pressure on the electricity grid and a renewed emphasis on lower energy costs, landlords and developers are exploring alternative electricity supply arrangements. Our specialist energy team advises on:

• Electricity regulations and the licencing rules surrounding alternative electricity supply arrangements
• Rooftop solar and battery arrangements and electricity power purchase agreements
• Private wire arrangements allowing for the supply of electricity from on-site or neighbouring renewable electricity installations
• Setting up microgrid arrangements for “behind the meter” energy networks including solar, batteries, heat pumps, and electric vehicle charging

Utility Connections

A key element of the initial infrastructure set up for new sites is obtaining the relevant utility connections. We advise developers and landlords on:

• Contractual arrangements with Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) or Building Network Operators (BNOs) for electricity distribution networks or New Appointment and Variations (NAVs) for water networks
• Bespoke amendments to the financed arrangements linked to the adoption of electricity or water networks with the IDNO or NAV (either via upfront discount on the capital works or an asset rebate linked to completed units)

Our telecoms and utilities team also has extensive experience advising the utilities sector including water and sewerage undertakes, gas transporters, public communications and others. See further details about our telecoms, utilities & EV charging experience.

Renewable Energy Developments, M&A, Corporate and Finance

Our corporate and real estate team has significant experience advising landlords and developers on obtaining land rights for, and the corporate structuring of, their solar and battery energy projects including providing advice on:

• Acquisition and disposal of projects
• Land options, easements and wayleaves
• Joint Ventures
• Project Development Agreements between funders and developers
• Shareholder arrangements for HeatCos on multi-developer sites
• Development and project finance

Large scale energy projects and infrastructure

Members of our team have advised on some of the UK’s most important energy schemes under both the Transport and Works Act and Development Consent Order regimes. Our team advises on:

• Compulsory purchase and compensation
• Development Consent Orders
• Planning Permissions
• Environmental Impact Assessments

See further detail about our infrastructure and utilities experience.

Electric Vehicle Charging

We advise landlords and developers on all elements of their EV Chargepoint strategies including advice on:

• EV Chargepoint Concession Agreements with EV operators and the associated lease or licence arrangements
• Advice on the roll out of EV Charging infrastructure across site portfolios including on the interface with Ofgem electricity licensing and pricing regulations and the interface with landlord and tenant legislation

Get the advice you need

No matter what stage of your project or which part of the energy sector you’re operating in, we have the insight and experience to provide advice you can rely on. Contact us to find out more about how we can support you and your organisation.