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Keegan Rutherford is a lawyer specializing in utility regulation and municipal law, practicing in Alberta and the Northwest Territories (NWT). He provides exceptional guidance to municipalities, consumer advocacy groups, and utilities, handling complex regulatory matters and ensuring his clients achieve positive outcomes.
Keegan also has extensive experience in negotiations and mediations, helping clients resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.
Municipal Law
Keegan has a broad municipal law practice that is typically focused on utility related issues, such as utility bylaws, municipal franchise and access agreements, and water agreements. He also provides guidance on non-utility matters, including expropriations, annexations, planning and development issues, and general enforcement.
Utility Regulation
Representing parties in regulatory proceedings before bodies such as the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and the NWT Public Utilities Board (PUB), Keegan has extensive experience intervening on applications by all major regulated utilities in Alberta and the NWT.
He also assists Rural Electrification Associations and Gas Co-ops with regulatory compliance and operational challenges, helping ensure their ongoing success in a demanding environment.
Experienced Advocate
With extensive experience in both municipal and utility law, Keegan has represented clients at all levels of court in Alberta. He is known for achieving favorable outcomes in high-stakes regulatory proceedings, directly benefiting the parties he represents.
In addition to his regulatory work, Keegan is skilled in negotiations and mediations, providing clients with alternative methods for dispute resolution. His ability to navigate complex issues and develop creative solutions has helped clients avoid lengthy litigation and achieve their goals more efficiently.
Client-Centered Approach
Keegan takes a client-centered approach, working collaboratively with clients and other experts to provide tailored advice that ensures clients achieve their intended goals and outcomes. His ability to listen to client needs, communicate clearly, and craft strategic solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor.
Further, Keegan is committed to staying at the forefront of developments in utility and municipal law. He regularly presents at Brownlee LLP’s annual “Emerging Trends” conference and actively participates in industry seminars. His clients value his strategic thinking, dedication, and clear communication.
REPRESENTATIVE WORK
- Utility Regulation
- Administrative Law
- Municipal & Public Sector
- Municipal Enforcement Practice
- Municipal Governance and Authority
- Municipal Planning and Development
MEMBERSHIPS
- Member, Canadian Bar Association (“CBA”)
- Member, Law Society of Alberta
- Member, CBA – Alberta, Municipal Law Subsection
- Member, CBA – Alberta, Administrative Law Subsection
NOTABLE DECISIONS
- AUC Decision 27388-D01-2023 (Third Generation of Performance-Based Regulation Plans for Distribution Utilities)
- AUC Decision 27658-D02-2023 (Residential Standards of Service and Maximum Investment Levels)
- AUC Decision 27581-D01-2023 (ENMAX 2023-25 Transmission GTA)
- AUC Decision 28750-D01-2024 (AltaLink Request for Wildfire and Snow Event Expenditures)
- AUC Decision 28300-D01-2024 (ATCO Reopener Proceeding – Phase 1)