Profile

Ken’s energy practice focuses on representation of consumer-oriented interests in state and federal regulatory proceedings and appellate court proceedings, involving electricity, natural gas, and oil pipeline issues. Ken regularly represents and advises clients on various transmission and market issues under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. He counsels industrial and commercial clients on energy supply arrangements. Ken also represents and advises clients on alternative and renewable energy, transportation, water, and telecommunications regulatory matters. Additionally, Ken advises both public and private sector clients on the deployment of broadband services to unserved and underserved areas.

Prior to joining McNees, Ken served as an assistant counsel in the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s Law Bureau where he gained extensive state and federal appellate litigation experience. He also represented the Commission on rulemakings before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and advised the Commission on issues involving electric, gas, transportation, and water. Ken also advised the Commission on issues facing the retail competitive gas and electric markets.

What does Ken do for Clients?

Ken anticipates issues before they arise, and responds expeditiously to client requests. Ken enjoys analyzing all sides of an issue and providing advice that is clear, practical, and helpful. Ken’s recent client services include:

  • representing industrial customer coalitions in energy and capacity market proceedings at FERC;
  • advising an industrial customer coalition on energy transmission issues;
  • counseling a large commercial customer on energy supply arrangements;
  • representing new broadband service providers;
  • representing a water service provider requiring regulatory approvals in multiple states;
  • advising clients on the Pennsylvania PUC’s jurisdiction over rail and transportation matters;
  • advising trade associations on regulatory and business matters that arise; and
  • advising a new small business on regulatory and corporate issues.

How does Ken spend his free time?

Ken enjoys exploring trails, parks, and new places with his family. He likes running, biking, hiking, traveling, and reading.

EDUCATION

Furman University, cum laude, B.A.

Dickinson School of Law of The Pennsylvania State University,  J.D. Penn State Environmental Law Review, Comments Editor

EXPERIENCE/REPRESENTATIVE CASES

Represented a Commission in a complex, multi-party litigation involving the cost allocation of a transmission project.

Successfully obtained significant rate relief for an energy-intensive paper mill by acquiring a reduction in the societal benefits charges and other necessary relief that allowed the mill to stay in business.

Represented a municipality in a dispute with a railroad regarding the bridge design and cost responsibility for reconstruction of the bridge at a rail crossing under the PUC’s jurisdiction. The municipality’s arguments prevailed, and the railroad remained responsible for the costs and construction of the previously agreed-upon bridge design.

 

HONORS/AWARDS

Pennsylvania Rising Stars®, 2021, 2022

Graduate of the Leadership Harrisburg Area, Community Leadership Class of 2015

CALI Award for Legal Research and Writing

MEMBERSHIPS

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Public Utility Law Section, Chair (2017-2018), Secretary (2016-2017), Treasurer (2015-2016), Council Member (2013-2019)

Energy Bar Association, Electricity Steering Committee

Dauphin County Bar Association, 2013-present

Rotary Club of Harrisburg (2018-Present)

Capital Area Greenbelt Association, Board Member (2019-2022), Advisory Committee (2023-Present)

Friends of Wildwood Park, Board Member (2014-2019)

COURT ADMISSIONS

U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court – Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court – District of New Jersey

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

U.S. Supreme Court

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania

New Jersey

Contact Info

Practice Groups