Michael Kunselman

Partner

Michael Kunselman is a partner in the firm's energy group where he focuses his practice on matters involving electricity regulation. He represents a broad array of electric industry clients across the country, such as investor-owned electric utilities, transmission owners, generation owners and developers, end-use customers, and a large regional independent system operator.

Over the past two decades, Michael has been involved in most of the key regulatory issues facing the electricity industry, including wholesale market design and oversight, generator interconnection, open access, transmission rates, and transmission planning. He has particular strengths in the areas of renewable power and energy storage development, and has represented developers and owners of such projects located in both organized markets and traditionally regulated regions.

Michael frequently represents his clients in hearings and settlement proceedings before federal and state regulators. He also assists clients in contract negotiations and disputes with various industry counterparties.

Practice Highlights

Transmission planning

Represents both investor-owned utilities and an independent system operator regarding a variety of transmission planning issues, including implementation of and compliance with FERC Order Nos. 890 and 1000.

Generator interconnection

Played a key role in preparing and obtaining FERC approval of the interconnection procedures, as well as subsequent queue reform filings, for an independent system operator. Litigated a number of interconnection-related complaints. Represents generation developers in negotiating interconnection agreements in regions throughout the country.

Renewable and storage resources

Provides guidance and representation to renewable energy and storage developers and owners with respect to issues such as interconnection, transmission access, and wholesale market participation. Represented the first wind generator in the United States to receive regulatory approval establishing a rate for reactive power service.

*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine

Admitted to Practice

District of Columbia, 2001
Maryland, 2000
U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit, 2017

Education

J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, 2000, honors
- Editorial Board, Maryland Law Review
B.A., Political Science, University of Maryland, College Park, 1996

Memberships & Affiliations

- Energy Bar Association

Professional Recognition

- Named one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Energy: Electricity (Regulatory & Litigation) (Nationwide), 2021-2022; Global, 2023

Background

- Partner, 2008-2020; Associate, 2005-2007 – Alston & Bird, LLP, Washington, D.C.
- Associate, Swidler Berlin LLP, Washington, D.C., 2000-2005

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