Christopher L. Callas is a Member in the Renewable Energy and Utilities industry groups, and is the leader of the Renewable Energy industry group. He practices out of the Firm's office in Charleston, West Virginia.
Chris's practice centers on utility regulation and independent power generation. He represents investor-owned electric, gas, and water company before the Public Service Commission (PSC) of West Virginia in certificate applications, general rate cases, purchased power proceedings, and utility acquisitions and divestitures. He also has acted as a regulatory counsel in merchant generation projects and as coordinator of Jackson Kelly’s other project development services.
For him, his practice often comes down to ensuring that engineers, accountants, and other technical experts tell their stories in ways that make sense to regulators and stakeholders.
One of his specialties is energy development projects, including the siting of solar and wind facilities. Chris has served as lead counsel on several solar and wind projects before the PSC and has advised both landowners and lenders. He frequently advises on project financing concerns and siting certificate transfer questions.
Chris also has extensive legislative experience. He was the primary author of environmental securitization legislation enacted by the West Virginia Legislature in 2005, and then helped secure regulatory approvals under that legislation for the nation’s first issuance of securitization bonds for environmental control facilities.
He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© since 2003, and his community outreach efforts include serving as Chairman of Board of Directors of the United Way of Central West Virginia.
