Alert 09.01.26
California Data Center Deal Puts New Large Loads on a Cost-Causation Track
Late-session compromise requires dedicated utility tariffs while preserving a pathway for California development.
Alicia McKnight advises clients on financing, acquisitions, dispositions and strategic business arrangements in a wide range of industry sectors, but has generally focused on both domestic and international energy and infrastructure projects.
Alicia regularly represents borrowers and financial institutions in a variety of commercial and finance transactions, including project financing, secured and unsecured commercial loans, and asset-backed financing. She has developed substantial experience in the energy industry across multiple sectors, from oil and gas to conventional and renewable power generation and storage, and is currently applying those skills to a range of energy transition projects. Her transactional experience also includes a variety of corporate matters and general business transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, stock and asset purchases and divestitures, and other strategic business arrangements. Alicia also serves on Pillsbury’s managing board.
Representative Experience
- Representing Chevron New Energies on a number of investments in, and commercial arrangements with, companies in the energy transition space, including hydrogen, renewable natural gas, geothermal power project development, CCUS and carbon credit generating assets.
- Represented the sponsor/project company on the project financings for the construction of several utility scale solar facilities in California.
- Represented a seller of interests in multiple solar, wind and geothermal projects in California and Arizona.
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- Representing developers, corporate offtakers and utilities with respect to power purchase agreements, bidirectional EV charging technology pilots and microgrid projects.
Professional Highlights
- Recognized by Best Lawyers (published by BL Rankings LLC) for Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2023–2026).
- Member of the Projects Team, Ranked in IJ Global – Three Top 20 League Tables for First of 2017 in North America (including Project Finance, Infrastructure Finance and Power Infrastructure Finance).
- Recognized by The Legal 500 U.S., Project Finance (2018–2019).
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- Associations
- Association of International Energy Negotiators (AIEN, formerly Association of International Petroleum Negotiators) (Member)
- Institute for Energy Law (Advisory Board Member)
- Board of Directors of Legal Aid at Work (Member)
- American Bar Association (Member, Business Law Section)
- Speaking Engagements
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Investment Outlook for Hydrogen Projects, S&P Global Hydrogen Markets Americas Conference, 05/07/2024. Moderator.
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Hydrogen Finance and Investment, S&P Global Hydrogen Markets Americas Conference, 04/04/2023. Moderator.
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Education
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J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 2009
B.A., University of Virginia, 2005
Admissions
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New York
California