Energy

Most energy companies have critical communications assets necessary to preserve safety and enhance operational efficiency. Energy companies must ensure that in the course of acquiring or selling energy assets, the transaction preserves essential communications capability through the appropriate transfer of licenses for internal communications, agreements for pole attachments, and agreements related to the use of communications towers.

Patton Boggs’ TechComm Group understands and can address these challenges and can secure the regulatory approval necessary to maintain safe and effective operations while preserving the regulatory status of energy assets. We also actively monitor Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), FCC, and FAA rulemaking proceedings in order to stay abreast of policy changes that may affect communications assets held by energy companies.

Examples of regulatory compliance matters include:

• Assisting energy companies with transferring or assigning FCC spectrum licenses in connection with the acquisition and sale of energy assets;
• Helping a major energy trade association identify appropriate technology and spectrum and secure temporary licenses in order to guard personnel safety and meet federal communications safety guidelines;
• Advising investors in energy companies with respect to the value of communications assets, including pole attachment rights and responsibilities and the value of agreements for use of towers, sites, and other communications facilities owned by energy companies;
• Working with state regulators on the transfer or assignment of energy company certifications and agreements; and
• Negotiating and renegotiating affiliation agreements related to communications services and assets.