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Desktop Image: O'Neil, Shannon
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Shannon E. O'Neil

Counsel

T 202.973.4209 Washington, D.C.
When it comes to navigating the energy transition, the current's on my side.
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Shannon's cross-sector experience allows her to offer insights that others might miss and present viewpoints that others simply can't. As a member of DWT's energy practice group, she draws on her prior experience with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help clients cut through the chop of the evolving energy regulatory environment, while always keeping an eye on the horizon for what's next.

During her time as an attorney in FERC's Office of the General Counsel, Shannon led multidisciplinary teams addressing critical issues related to hydropower and natural gas infrastructure. She also represented the Office of the General Counsel in Commission matters and meetings with regulated entities.

Since transitioning to private practice, Shannon has leveraged her FERC experience to support clients in the electric utility, hydropower, technology, financial services, and natural gas sectors. As key industry players seize the opportunities presented by the energy transition and navigate its challenges, Shannon is there, helping them to not just keep pace, but to power ahead.

Electric Transmission Rates and Interconnection Access

Transmission rates

Representing investor-owned utilities before FERC, including in proceedings involving complex transmission formula rate issues, rate structure proposals, and applications for transmission incentives. (Ongoing)

Data center interconnections

Advising clients regarding transmission interconnection and access considerations specific to data center siting and development. (Ongoing)

Sale of utility subsidiary

Provided advice and representation pertaining to FERC regulatory considerations resulting from sale of utility subsidiary. (2021-2023)

Tax compliance

Obtained FERC approval for major investor-owned utilities' formula rate updates to update treatment of accumulated deferred income taxes in compliance with FERC's Order No. 864. (2020-2023)
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Hydropower Licensing and Compliance

Project development and compliance

Advising licensees, license applicants, and project stakeholders on issues relating to FERC-regulated hydropower projects. (Ongoing)

Stakeholder representation

Advocating for impacted landowners before FERC and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. (Ongoing)

License transfers

Represented licensee in proceeding to transfer license as part of corporate reorganization. (2023-2024)

Preliminary permits

Obtained extension of preliminary permit term for pumped storage hydropower project. (2023)
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Natural Gas Transportation and Policy

Natural gas pipeline rates and infrastructure development

Represented producers and shippers of natural gas before FERC and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals with respect to rate, tariff, and certificate proceedings. (2020-2024)

Infrastructure development

Provided advice and representation on issues relating to project development and regulatory compliance for pipeline and LNG projects. (2020-2024)

FERC compliance and enforcement

Advised business, trade desk, and risk personnel regarding price reporting and trading compliance. (2022-2024)

Appellate litigation

Briefed and argued case before the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of natural gas producer involving regulation and valuation of responsibly-sourced gas. (2022-2023)
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Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court of Appeals, D.C. District

Education

  • J.D., University of North Carolina School of Law, 2017
    • Editor in Chief, North Carolina Journal of Law & Technology
    • Member, Environmental Appellate Advocacy Team
    • Symposium Editor, Environmental Law Project
  • B.A., Environmental Studies and Economics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2014
    • Lettering Athlete, Varsity Women's Rowing Team
    • Attendee, Cambridge Summer Programme in International Energy Policy & Climate Change Risk Assessment

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Fellow, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), 2025
    • Energy Bar Association
    • D.C. Chapter, Women's Energy Network
    • Women in Environmental & Energy Law, National Association of Women Lawyers
    • Women in Climate Investing & Finance

Professional Recognition

    • Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Energy Law, 2024-2025
    • Named to "Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll" by the D.C. Court of Appeals and the D.C. Superior Court, 2022 (High Honors), 2024

Background

    • Attorney-Advisor, 2018-2020; Law Clerk, 2017-2018; Legal Intern, 2016 – Energy Projects, Office of the General Counsel, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C.
    • Legal Extern, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C., 2017
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Webinar
02.26.25
Webinars
ESG & Sustainability
"The Future of the Grid and FERC Regulation of the Electric Industry under the Trump Administration," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More
Publications
05.10.24
News
Quoted in "Senator urges FERC to revisit dam flooding liability," Energy Wire, E&E News Read More External Link
Presentation
04.11.24
Presentations
Panelist, "ESG Futures Products," L&C Division Webinar, FIA Read More External Link
Publications
01.22.24
News
Quoted in “FERC links dam with Oklahoma town's flooding,” Energy Wire, E&E News Read More External Link
12.08.23
Presentations
Moderator, "An Introduction to Energy Markets," Energy Bar Association
Publications
12.01.23
News
Quoted in "Court may determine FERC oversight of 'responsibly sourced' gas," Energy Wire, E&E News Read More External Link
hydrogen pipeline
11.06.23
Insights
FERC
FERC Acts to Protect Customers From Subsidizing New Pipeline Construction Read More
09.14.23
Presentations
Panelist, "What's New at FERC," FIA Forum: Commodities 2023
digital lock
08.18.23
Insights
Energy
TSA Updates Cybersecurity Requirements for "Critical" Pipelines and LNG Facilities Read More
Publications
08.17.23
News
2024 Edition of Best Lawyers Recognizes More Than 175 Davis Wright Tremaine Attorneys for Excellence Read More
05.03.23
Insights
FERC
FERC Authorizes Targeted Utility Incentive Rate Options for Advanced Cybersecurity Investments Read More
Publications
05.01.23
News
Quoted in "Toxic water floods an Okla. town. Will FERC hold a dam liable?," Energy Wire, E&E News Read More External Link
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