OpKnowledge Advisors has provided Expert assistance on many energy related cases. While the details of most cases are required to be kept confidential due to settlement restrictions, some representative cases can be found below.
Gas Market Manipulation
Provided expert analysis and opinion on gas market manipulation, including interstate pipeline nominations, transport operations, variances between declared and actual financial hedges on transport basis, investigation of operational “force majeure” declarations and subsequent trading activities, and tracing of actual P/L and cash flows vs. declared statements. Advisement and education of legal team comprised of several firms, preparation of legal briefs and support of testimony.California ISO Bidding Practices
Provided analysis and testimony regarding improper and manipulative California ISO bidding practices utilized by certain merchant power plants. The confidential analysis, expert reports and testimony resulted in a positive settlement for the client.Ohio Consumers Council
Detailed analysis of rate proposal by American Electric Power (AEP) which was seekeing guaranteed cost recovery for an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant. AEP was proposing that all construction and operation costs of the plant be guaranteed for recovery before AEP completed preliminary design and detailed cost estimates. Successfully demonstrated that AEP’s design progress was insufficient and testified before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) to that effect.Generation Asset Valuation
Conducted detailed market value analysis of large generating facilities of a Fortune 500 firm. Included analysis of forward curves, anticipated unit dispatch, extremely detailed models including correlated Monte Carlo simulations and temporal load shapes. Detailed review and analysis of opposing expert testimony, development of cross-examination criteria, and advisement during opposition testimony.Improper Financial Disclosure
Provided expert analysis on improper use of off-balance sheet financing, improper disclosure of complex structured financial arrangements, and improper trading activities. Advisement and education of the staff of multiple legal firms, brief preparation, and testimony support.
OpKnowledge Advisors has the experience and expertise to accurately assess and report on energy and energy trading related case materials, and the poise to defend these conclusions in a courtroom or arbitration setting. Please contact us to gain additional information or utilize our services.