Globally, the electricity industry has entered into a period of unprecedented development. Driven by rising demand, increased renewable generation, increasing social awareness, reliability issues, technological developments, as well as the need to replace or upgrade aging transmission, distribution and generation assets, both industry participants and government policy makers are more active then ever before.

In recent years, competitive electricity markets have been introduced in many countries, such as the United States, Britain, the Nordic nations, Australia and Canada. Many of these jurisdictions continue to struggle with market and regulatory frameworks. The challenge now facing these, and other jurisdictions, is the development and implementation of the smart grid.

Members of the Gowlings Energy Group have been intimately involved in the implementation of new electricity markets; the development of government policy; the development of alternative energy technology and systems; the development of the renewable generation sector; the renaissance of the nuclear sector and the advent of energy management initiatives: all of which underpin the development of the smart grid.

Gowlings has extensive experience representing foreign and domestic energy-focused clients, in the private and public sector, who carry on a diverse range of operations and activities in the U.S., Russia, Kazakhstan and other former Commonwealth of Independent States, India, Central and South America, Africa, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia and South Asia. To more effectively serve and access the growing number of international companies, Gowlings has offices in Moscow and London.

Our professionals regularly advise governments on energy policy and embrace leadership roles in energy industry associations, as well as represent and counsel the boards of directors for many prominent energy companies.