I provide commercial and regulatory advice in the energy sector - in the UK and increasingly internationally. My clients include generators, suppliers and network operators. I also advise regulators, those who manage the industry codes and energy customers.

Tel: +44 (0)121 629 1954
Email: gus_wood@wragge.com

Services: Projects, Public Law and Regulation

Best brains in ...

Advising on how best to structure sustainable electricity and heat generation projects in order to make the most of available incentive schemes, while also ensuring compliance with the regulatory regime. I specialise in structuring and drafting arrangements for the sale of electricity and heat by generation project developers, either directly to consumers (whether on-site or off-site) or to licensed electricity suppliers.

I'm also experienced in interpreting and assisting clients with the myriad of legislation, licences and industry codes that govern the UK energy markets.  

Highlight of your career so far?

Advising the electricity regulators in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on the Northern Ireland aspects of introducing the landmark Single Electricity Market to the island of Ireland. At the same time, we advised the Northern Ireland regulator on the final implementation of the second EU Electricity Directive. Highly specialised, the project involved amending existing and creating new legislation, licences and industry codes. It culminated in a new regulatory framework in Northern Ireland to reflect the cross-jurisdictional nature of the new market.

Most challenging job you've ever done?

Perhaps surprisingly, the work I do for trade associations or on behalf of the bodies responsible for industry codes. The number of stakeholders involved and the need to find a balance between competing interests can be challenging.

I worked with a steering group of electricity distributors and suppliers to create the Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (or DCUSA), the agreement to which all licensed distributors and suppliers in Great Britain must accede. I continue to advise the DCUSA panel on developments to the agreement, working with industry representatives to find positions with which suppliers, distributors and the regulator are comfortable. 

What about outside the UK?

I have advised on a number of international power projects, particularly in Africa. Working as a team with local law firms - members of our global network of best friend law firms - I have advised on key documentation such as power purchase agreements. International work is part and parcel of what I do. Clients don't mind where you are based – they want experienced and pragmatic lawyers who understand the relevant issues.

How do you get under the skin of a client business?

Understanding the energy sector and our clients' business is a fundamental part of what we offer. I was lucky enough to spend some time on secondment at E.ON during the early part of my career, which gave me a real insight into the commercial issues faced by energy companies. Since then I have spent as much time as I can discussing developments in the sector with clients – it's one thing to know the law, but another to understand the impact it has on companies' businesses. 

What's been written or said about you that you're most proud of?

I am recognised in Chambers as "a commercial lawyer who has the ability not to be fazed by anything that might come along unexpectedly" - and energy projects tend to throw-up a lot of unexpected issues!