Peter W. Hanschen is a partner in the Walnut Creek office of Morrison & Foerster LLP. He is broadly experienced in all types of energy matters, including state and federal energy regulation, energy-related transactions, energy-related arbitrations and energy-related project financings. Mr. Hanschen received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall) in 1971 and is a member of the State Bar of California. He is co-chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Energy Practice Group and is a member of the steering committee of the firm’s Renewable Energy and Cleantech Practice Group.

Mr. Hanschen is widely recognized as one of California’s leading energy attorneys. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than a decade and is once again listed in 2007 as a leader in the field of energy law. Chambers USA has identified Mr. Hanschen as one of California’s leading energy and natural resource attorneys for a number of years and San Francisco Magazine has continuously identified him as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers” in energy law.

Mr. Hanschen has practiced almost exclusively in the energy area for more than 35 years, first as a member of Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s law department and then in private practice. While at PG&E, he was general counsel of PG&E’s interstate natural gas pipeline and later he was in charge of representing PG&E before the California Public Utilities Commission and other state and federal energy regulatory agencies.

Mr. Hanschen has been in the forefront of energy matters for a number of years. He has participated in numerous “traditional” utility proceedings before state and federal regulatory commissions, representing both utilities and ratepayers. He has argued utility regulation cases before the California Supreme Court. He also has been actively involved in efforts to unbundled utility services and to infuse competition into the energy utility sector, representing qualifying facilities and electric wholesale generators, as well as electric service providers. During 2000 and 2001 Mr. Hanschen was asked to assist the Governor’s office in efforts to resolve the financial crisis that the California investor-owned electric utilities were experiencing. More recently, he has been involved in California’s efforts to increase the use of renewable energy resources and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Electricity

Mr. Hanschen has broad experience in the all aspects of the electric sector. He has represented clients in virtually all forms of electric generation, including nuclear, hydroelectric, thermal and wind. He has represented electric utilities, as well as independent power producers. He has represented domestic developers and international developers throughout Asia. He is familiar with electric transmission related issues; he was nominated to serve on the California Independent System Operator Board of Governors. Finally, Mr. Hanschen has represented electric service providers in both regulatory and transactional matters. He has also represented large agricultural customers in electric ratemaking proceedings.

Renewable Energy and Cleantech

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the use of renewable energy resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Mr. Hanschen has closely followed regulatory and legislative developments, including proceedings related to renewable portfolio standards, greenhouse gas emission performance standards and California’s solar initiative. Mr. Hanschen, in conjunction with Morrison & Foerster’s Renewable Energy Cleantech Practice Group, advises clients that are affected by these initiatives, as well as clients that wish to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by California’s leadership role in the area of renewable energy and cleantech.

Natural Gas – Exploration, Pipelines and LNG

Mr. Hanschen has represented clients in all facets of the natural gas business. Mr. Hanschen has been general counsel of an energy exploration and development company. He was general counsel of an interstate natural gas pipeline company and he has represented a number of other gas pipelines, including El Paso Natural Gas Company, Mojave Pipeline Company and Kern River Gas Transmission Company. He has represented the State of Alaska in its efforts to develop a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope. He has represented the developer of a proposed LNG Terminal.

Oil Pipelines and Terminals

Mr. Hanschen represents a major California crude oil pipeline company, as well as an oil terminal and storage company. In addition, he has advised companies that are developing alternative fuels, such as ethanol and biofuels, on existing infrastructure and transportation matters.

Energy Arbitrations

Mr. Hanschen has arbitrated a number of energy-related cases for his clients, including matters involving natural gas contract issues and electric transmission contracts. He is a member of the American Arbitration Association’ National Roster of Neutrals.

Energy Project Finance

Mr. Hanschen has participated in the development and financing of energy projects, both domestically and internationally. He works as part of Morrison & Foerster’s project finance team, representing developers, lenders, bi-lateral and multi-lateral international lending agencies, as well as other entities such as equipment suppliers and construction contractors.