Nicholas J. Cicale
Counsel
Nicholas J. Cicale is an attorney with more than a decade of experience in energy regulation and litigation. Nick has established himself as a dynamic advocate who is capable of devising legal and regulatory approaches that spell wins for clients and satisfaction for regulators. In keeping with this approach, Nick offers services congruent to the needs of public utilities, electric transmission owners, developers, power generation owners, nuclear and renewable energy industries. At the core of Nick's expertise is an intricate understanding of FERC's regulation of electric transmission, wholesale markets, and hydropower. He is an aggressive regulatory litigator who zealously defends his clients and ardently pursues those who threaten their business. Nick is a patient listener who pays careful attention to the needs and perspectives of his clients.
Nick's experience in electric power law and policy makes him a key strategy partner for clients seeking to strengthen their position in competitive and expanding markets. He is also an experienced advisor to companies and investment funds engaged in energy corporate transactions requiring Section 203 of the Federal Power Act approval. Nick's practice is grounded in a relentless effort to guide clients through the challenges of economic regulation to ensure cost recovery of their investments and to help capitalize on other opportunities. Nick advises on transmission planning, formula ratemaking, transmission rate incentives, complex regulatory accounting, interconnection, return on equity, cost allocation, wholesale market rules and design, and hydropower licensing and compliance. He brings to the table a remarkable understanding of the electric industry and is known to help his client and expert witnesses shine in the face of criticism and adversity.
With an extensive background that includes roles as a government attorney drafting state-level legislation and a private-sector regulatory analyst, Nick provides valuable insight into foundational energy laws such as the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act as well as pending energy/climate-focused bills at all levels of government. He is a thought leader on clean energy whose work has been featured in multiple publications.
Section 205 Case at FERC*
Avangrid Networks - Intervenor in support of ISO New England in Section 206 case at FERC*
Complainant in Section 206 case at FERC*
Admitted to Practice
- New Hampshire, 2016
- District of Columbia, 2014
- New York, 2013
- Connecticut, 2012
- U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C. Circuit
- U.S. District Court, District of Connecticut
Education
- J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law, 2011
- Assistant Managing Editor: Connecticut Journal of International Law
- CALI Excellence for the Future Awards: Climate, Law, Energy & Environmental Practice Clinic, and Trial Advocacy
- B.A., History and Legal Studies, Roger Williams University, 2007
Memberships & Affiliations
- President, Northeast Chapter Board, Energy Bar Association
- Former Chair, Electricity Steering Committee, Energy Bar Association
- Board Director and Gala Committee Chair, Charitable Foundation of the Energy Bar Association
- Administrative Editor, Energy Law Journal
- Board Director, Foundation of the Energy Law Journal
- Trustee, United Church of Christ, Oxford, Connecticut
- Owner and Editor, FERCblog.com
Background
- Counsel, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York, N.Y., 2021-2023
- Senior Counsel, AVANGRID Service Company, Orange, Conn., 2018-2021
- Senior Regulatory Affairs Analyst, NextEra Energy, Juno Beach, Fla., 2016-2018
- Mid-Level Staff Attorney II, Office of Consumer Advocate, Concord, N.H., 2015-2016
- Pro Bono Attorney Advisor, Federal and Regional Affairs Unit, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, New Britain, Conn., 2015
- Sessional Attorney, Energy & Technology Committee, Connecticut General Assembly, Legislative Commissioners' Office, Hartford, Conn., 2014-2015
- Energy Attorney, Solo Practitioner, Law Office of Nicholas J. Cicale, Oxford, Conn., 2012-2014
- Law Clerk, Carmody & Torrance LLP, Waterbury, Conn., 2007-2012
- Legal Extern, Eversource Energy (formerly Northeast Utilities), Berlin, Conn., 2011