Chris Kirby | Energy Attorney | Balch & Bingham

Education

University of Texas School of Law, Austin

J.D., 2019, with Honors; Administrative Editor, Texas Law Review; Editorial Board Member, Texas Review of Law and Politics
The University of Texas at Austin

B.A., Government, 2011

Bar Admissions

What types of clients do you represent?

I represent power generation companies in ERCOT, large purchasers of electricity, and investors in the energy industry.
What types of matters do you work on most often?

I work on rulemaking proceedings at the Public Utility Commission of Texas, changes to the ERCOT protocols and other market regulations, and all types of transactional matters.

Select Matters

Provided regulatory and corporate advice on M&A and commercial transactions in the ERCOT market.
Advised ERCOT market participants on Public Utility Commission of Texas rulemaking proceedings and served as leader drafter on numerous rulemaking comments.
Represented Texas's largest power generation and electricity retailer in contested cases resulting in the Public Utility Commission of Texas' approval of settlement among dozens of parties concerning claims to $2.1 billion securitized funds related to Winter Storm Uri impacts.
Counseled clients in compliance matters related to Texas law, Public Utility Commission rules and ERCOT protocols and other market rules, including government investigations of alleged breaches.
Analyzed and counseled clients on matters pending before ERCOT, including Nodal Protocol Revision Requests, changes to operating and planning guides, and other binding documents.
Drafted legislation and served as expert witness before Texas legislative committees. Represented business entities in general corporate matters.

Education

University of Texas School of Law, Austin, J.D., 2019, with Honors; Administrative Editor, Texas Law Review; Editorial Board Member, Texas Review of Law and Politics
The University of Texas at Austin, B.A., Government, 2011

Bar Admissions

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Texas, Administrative and Public Law Section – Corporate Counsel Section
Austin Bar Association
American Bar Association

Awards & Accolades

Community Involvement