Borden Ladner Gervais LLP maintains a well-established record in representing major market players (BC Hydro, AltaLink and Northland Power) on a wide range of transactional, regulatory and disputes work. Toronto-based national head Shane Freitag combines strong skill sets in transactional and regulatory matters and recently teamed up with Toronto-based transactional energy partner, Rob Blackstein, to advise Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories on their initiative to host small modular nuclear reactors at sites operated by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Other recommended names include Mark Rodger, who specializes in commercial, regulatory and government relations-related issues, and Jonathan Liteplo, who has an emphasis on utilities regulation.

Ranking among the leading power firms in Canada, McCarthy Tétrault houses a full-service national practice, which excels across the full range of corporate, projects, transmission, distribution and contentious matters. The group routinely acts for all industry stakeholders and its extensive client roster includes conventional, renewable and nuclear power companies and also represents lenders and investors, among other sector participants. Department head Seán O’Neill is highly regarded for transactional work and brings to bear niche expertise in nuclear-related issues. Heavyweight power specialist David Lever fronts the infrastructure and projects groups and is a go-to partner for developers, investors and lenders on major power projects. Additionally, energy regulation lead George Vegh and transactional power specialist, Suzanne Murphy, are also key contacts. Named attorneys are based in Toronto.

A destination practice for power work, Torys‘ signature transactional prowess is underpinned by a formidable regulatory offering. The group enjoys strong relationships with major public and private power clients, including Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Hydro One Networks and ENMAX Power Corporation, while also acting for leading industry investors and lenders. On the transactional side, department co-head Krista Hill is sought after for her involvement in major, transformational deals; she is currently advising OPG on the landmark Darlington small modular reactor project. Projects specialist Valerie Helbronner and up-and-coming partner Huw Evans  are also recommended for power transactions. Key regulatory names include Calgary managing partner Lou Cusano, who has a strong record in complex administrative disputes, and high-profile practice co-head Charles Keizer.

Bennett Jones LLP houses a well-rounded Calgary-based power practice, which strikes a balance between transactional and regulatory work. The firm’s relationship with trophy client ATCO Group is a key source of mandates and the team recently advised ATCO Energy Solutions on its joint venture with Future Fuel for the development of the Hairy Hill Renewable Natural Gas Project. M&A and projects specialist David Macaulay is the key contact for the Hairy Hill project work and co-chairs the department together with fellow transactional partner Thomas McInerney and Deirdre Sheehan, who has a focus on regulated utilities. Loyola Keough is also noted for his broad regulatory practice, which spans all energy spheres.

A key player in energy projects and transactions, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP‘s national team is well-versed across an array of power sectors, including thermal, gas-fired and combined heat and power, nuclear and renewables. Among its recent highlights, Calgary-based Keith Byblow advised Capstone Power Corp on several acquisitions to indirectly acquire a 217.6 MW renewable power generation project. The group also leans on the transactional experience of Toronto-based infrastructure and M&A specialist. Vivian Kung, alongside Montreal managing partner Sébastien Vilder and increasingly active Calgary-based partner Ky Kvisle, whose practice spans a range of natural resources and industrial projects. Energy regulation specialist Terri-Lee Oleniuk, also based in Calgary, is also noted.

With platforms in key provinces across Canada, Gowling WLG‘s national power practice is active across the country in a range of conventional and alternative power matters. In Toronto, Thomas Timmins is recommended for his projects expertise; he is acting for Alectra Utilities on the procurement, contract negotiation and roll-out of Ontario’s new generation of advanced metering (AMI 2.0). Other key names in Toronto include Ahab Abdel-Aziz, an expert in nuclear energy who heads the firm's dedicated Nuclear Group; energy regulation expert Ian Mondrow; and acclaimed associate Magdalena Hanebach, who likewise places emphasis on nuclear law.

Commended for its ‘strong industry expertise in energy‘, Norton Rose Fulbright‘s power group ‘offers creative solutions to address new problems’, according to sources. The practice also sets itself apart through its ability to draw on the wider global firm’s extensive energy offering. Led from Vancouver by energy regulation partner Matthew Keen, the national group also benefits from the experience of Calgary-based projects specialist, David Eeles, and Ottawa-based transactional energy partner, Alison Babbitt. Among its recent sector highlights, Keen is spearheading a cross-office team representing the Alberta Electric System Operator in a range of proceedings before the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Alberta Court of Appeal.

Dentons‘ national power group forms a significant part of the firm’s overarching Canadian energy offering, with many key lawyers handling both power and oil and gas matters. Transactional partner Vivek Bakshi, who splits his time between Toronto and Calgary, co-heads the department alongside energy regulation specialist, Bernard Roth, in Calgary. Montreal-based litigator Pierre Grenier also has a significant power dimension to his practice.

Fasken‘s combined energy and climate change group stands out for its robust regulatory capability and its ability to draw on the firm’s top-tier Indigenous law practice. A prominent player in electric utility matters, the group advises on a range of hydro, transmission and renewable project applications, as well as rates matters. Montreal-based department co-head André Turmel is noted for his regulatory and project development expertise, while Calgary-based firm managing partner Peter Feldberg and Vancouver-based litigator, Christopher Bystrom, are also recommended.

With a focus on Western and Northern Canada, Vancouver-based Lawson Lundell LLP brings extensive experience in representing developers, governments and crown corporations on power-related matters. The group is best known for its regulatory expertise, with Vancouver-based regulatory litigation chair Jeff Christian sought after for his depth of experience in this sphere, as evident by his role as relationship partner for BC Hydro. Other key regulatory contacts include senior counsel Lewis Manning in Calgary and up-and-coming Vancouver-based partner, Clara Ferguson. On the transactional front, Lana Shipley is a key contact.