Benjamin J. Smith

Ben is an experienced attorney with more than 20 years of practice in public utility regulation, administrative law, municipal law, governmental affairs, and complex litigation. His career combines extensive experience in both private practice and public service, giving him a comprehensive understanding of regulatory and legal challenges affecting businesses, utilities, and developers.

After graduating cum laude from the University of Maine in 2000, Ben earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law in 2004. He began his legal career at an Augusta-based law firm, where he represented clients in a wide range of litigation matters before state and federal courts, as well as administrative agencies.

In 2008, Ben joined the Maine Public Utilities Commission, serving as a staff attorney and hearing examiner. During his tenure, he worked on a broad spectrum of regulatory proceedings involving utility mergers and acquisitions, rate cases, certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) applications, management audits, investigations, and compliance matters. He also represented the Commission in appeals before the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Returning to private practice in 2014, Ben continued to focus on utility, energy, and regulatory law. He regularly represents public utilities, energy developers, telecommunications providers, and private businesses before the Maine Public Utilities Commission and other regulatory agencies. His work includes advising clients on affiliate transactions, utility reorganizations, rate proceedings, rulemaking matters, investigations, and permitting issues involving state and local authorities.

As part of his energy law practice, Ben negotiates and drafts a wide range of commercial agreements, including power purchase agreements, energy offtake agreements, net energy billing contracts, electricity supply agreements, natural gas transportation and capacity agreements, ground leases, option agreements, and NAESB contracts. His extensive regulatory knowledge and practical approach make him a trusted advisor for clients navigating complex energy, utility, and development matters.

Bar Admissions:

• Maine, 2004
• U.S. District Court for the District of Maine, 2005
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, 2005
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, 2011
  
  

  Education:

  • University of Maine School of Law, J.D., 2004
  • University of Maine, B.A., cum laude, 2000
    
    

    Memberships:

    • Maine State Bar Association