Kara Kantrow is a partner with Marionneaux Kantrow, LLC, having been with the firm since 2010. Kara has been a practicing attorney since 2007, representing corporate and individual clients in a variety of transactional and litigation matters with a focus on representing utilities, motor carriers, and other regulated entities and interested parties before the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Kara has represented numerous electric cooperatives, water and wastewater utilities, gas utilities, power suppliers, transportation companies, and other entities in variety of matters, including ratemaking proceedings, mergers and acquisitions, utility versus utility disputes, contract negotiation and preparation, and loans and financing approvals.

Representative Experience

Represented the interests of motor carriers and utilities in numerous rulemaking proceedings before the LPSC related to a variety of issues, including merger and acquisition requirements, motor carrier authority, net metering and distributed generation, rate structure and right to serve, utility industrial service, pole attachments, and the application and interpretation of laws and LPSC orders. Obtained regulatory approvals for and assisted utility clients in finalizing power and resource purchase agreements, including assisting with the negotiation and regulatory approval of complex long-term all requirements power purchase contracts for two electric utilities in 2012. Provided strategic advice, prepared agreements and documents, and obtained regulatory approvals for mergers and acquisitions involving regulated entities, specifically including water and wastewater utilities and common carriers. Represented numerous utilities (electric, water and wastewater, and gas), and common carriers in designing and seeking approval for rate increases, including the implementation of formula rate plans and rate stabilization structures, including the both contested and uncontested proceedings. Provided representation to troubled water and wastewater utilities in reaching compliance with Louisiana state regulatory entities and in receivership litigation. Negotiated Power Supply Agreements for the service of electric power. Represented multiple electric utilities in obtaining regulatory approval of advanced metering programs. Helped initiate, intervened in, and monitored rulemaking matters before the LPSC for electric utilities, water and wastewater utilities, and other regulated entities with regard to numerous legal and regulatory issues. Assisted clients in preparing, monitoring, and seeking approval of legislative initiatives. Assisted with applications and obtained regulatory approval for numerous utility loans and re-financings. Pursued, defended, and litigated utility disputes over right to provide service and establish rates before the LPSC. Has successfully strategized and litigated multiple contested proceeding for waste transportation clients, representing clients through the hearing process and Commission interaction, ultimately obtaining statewide unlimited authority for the client. Assisted numerous motor carrier clients in diverse matters, including issues of corporate design, restructuring, mergers, and acquisitions, federal and state regulatory compliance, obtaining operating authority, drafting and negotiation of contracts of brokerage, lease, and for services, risk avoidance, and litigation. Provided legal opinions to clients with Louisiana utility assets in securing financing and in making UCC filings with proper entities to secure such financing.