Bret J. Slocum | Energy Attorney | Balch & Bingham LLP

Education

Bar Admissions

What types of clients do you represent?

I have predominantly represented electric utilities before the PUCT, but from time to time I have also represented Retail Electric Providers and landowners in matters before the Commission.
What do you find most exciting about your work?

I most enjoy finding creative solutions to difficult problems. While there is a level of satisfaction in knowing how to resolve more routine matters, resolving difficult problems by crafting new approaches to the problem is more rewarding. For instance, in negotiating settlements of rate proceedings or disputes with large customers, often times an unconventional approach is useful to reaching a resolution.

Select Matters

Electric Utility Rate Proceedings: In the last five years, Bret has been lead counsel outside counsel on two major electric utility base-rate proceedings before the Public Utility Commission. One was a request for an increase of rates in excess of $120 million and the other in excess of $60 million. In an earlier, third major base-rate proceeding in which Bret had a significant role, the requested increase was approximately $42 million. Two of the proceedings were successfully negotiated to a settlement, and the third was fully contested. In addition to issues concerning the reasonableness of investment and expenses, these cases involved complex rate design issues, including ratemaking for customers with their own rooftop solar.
Fuel Proceedings: Bret was outside counsel on several fuel reconciliation proceedings before the PUCT and numerous fuel factor adjustment, refund and surcharge cases.
Cost Recovery Riders: Bret has been outside counsel on a multitude of Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Factor, Distribution Cost Recovery Factor, Generation Cost Recovery Rider filings.

Education

Bar Admissions

Professional Affiliations