Clifford Chance
Adriana Vélez-Léon is an Energy Regulatory and Markets associate in the Washington, DC office.
Adriana guides clients through the complexities of regulatory, litigation, and transactional matters across the energy sector. Leveraging her extensive subject-matter expertise, she adeptly navigates the evolving regulatory landscape of the energy industry.Adriana frequently represents clients in administrative litigation and settlement negotiations before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), as well as in various state and federal proceedings concerning energy rules regulations and rulemakings. She also advises clients on FERC enforcement and compliance matters. Additionally,alsoAdriana counsels market participants on regional transmission organization (RTO) and independent system operator (ISO) market rules and requirements across the United States, assisting client navigate complex tariff-related issues.
Beyond regulatory and litigation support, Adriana helps clients draft and negotiate commercial agreements. From power purchase agreements (PPAs) and, sustainable aviation fuel (SFA) purchase agreements to, interconnection agreements and , shared facilities agreements, she ensures every detail is meticulously handled. Adriana also assists clients on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions, with a particular focus on the renewable energy space.
- Developer of renewable energy and demand response assets in the PJM market with regard to complaints filed against PJM for imposition of penalties due to failure to operate during Winter Storm Elliott.
- Large gas-fired generator on the generator interconnection agreement in the MISO market.
- Regulated utility in connection with the negotiation of a Purchase and Sale agreement for utility’s acquisition of 100 MW solar energy project.
- Renewable energy company in the negotiation of real estate options, leases, and engineering, procurement and construction contracts to support the development of a large portfolio of solar projects.
- Global technology company with respect to agreements for the acquisition of sustainable aviation fuel for delivery to aviation fuel networks.
- Large technology company with respect to agreements for the acquisition of “green building materials” and associated environmental attributes.
- Regulated public utilities and electric cooperatives on issues concerning rate and tariff filings before FERC, contract negotiation and interpretation, settlement negotiations, and a variety of other complex energy matters.
- One of the largest G&T electric cooperatives in the U.S. on regulatory and administrative litigation matters before FERC related to its transition to FERC jurisdiction.
- Digital energy management company in a $28.5 million stock purchase transaction, performing due diligence and drafting membership interest purchase agreement and all other transaction-related agreements/documents.
- Electric cooperative in its US$800+ million securitization transaction to finance the ERCOT power costs associated with the Texas February 2021 Storm.
- Joint power agency in FERC litigation involving $1.3 billion electric rate case; conducted cross-examination and led discovery and motions drafting.
- Tribal utility authority in connection with the development and operation of a utility-scale solar power project, including operating agreements, and distribution and transmission interconnection agreements.
News and client work
Contact details
- Clifford Chance, Washington D.C.
- +12029125173
- Email me
- Follow me on LinkedIn
- Speaks English and Spanish
- Practice area Global Financial Markets
Career and qualifications
- University of Puerto Rico (B.A., Journalism, magna cum laude) 2011
- The George Washington University Law School (J.D.) 2017
- Admitted as an Attorney-at-Law in Illinois, 2017, and District of Columbia, 2018
- Joined Clifford Chance in 2024
Professional bodies
- Member, Energy Bar Association
- Member, Hispanic National Bar Association
Awards and citations
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Energy Law, 2024
Public Utilities Fortnightly’s “Forty Under Forty”, 2022
The Legal 500 USA: Energy: Renewable Alternative Power, 2021