Kira E. Loehr
Known for her strategic thinking, Kira provides clients across the energy industry with innovative and effective regulatory, business, and policy solutions.
As an energy industry practitioner for more than 20 years, Kira has advocated on behalf of a variety of clients before federal and state utility regulators and courts. She regularly guides clients through the approval process for integrated resource plans, large generation and transmission projects, and rate/tariff proceedings.
Her experience representing clients from many sectors of the energy industry (generation and transmission utilities, large and small customers, environmental organizations, and others) has positioned her to provide creative solutions that anticipate varied stakeholder concerns.
Kira has appeared on behalf of clients in more than 100 state administrative proceedings before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, Iowa Utilities Board, Arizona Public Service Commission, and Nevada Energy Commission, among others. She has also assisted clients in matters before the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and numerous state and federal district and appellate courts.
Education & Credentials
Education
- University of Wisconsin Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2002
- Saint Louis University, B.A., Psychology; Philosophy, magna cum laude, 1997
Bar and Court Admissions
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Wisconsin
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Related Employment
- Foley & Lardner LLP, Madison, WI, Special Counsel, 2015-2016
- Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin, Inc., Madison, WI, Executive Director, 2013-2015; General Counsel, 2010-2015
- Cullen Weston Pines & Bach LLP, Madison, WI, Senior Associate, 2005-2010; Associate, 2002-2005
Professional Recognition
Ranked by Chambers USA as "America's Leading Lawyers" for Natural Resources & Environment Lawyer, 2024
Listed in Chambers USA as an "Up and Coming" Natural Resources & Environment Lawyer, 2023
Named as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers in 2006, 2008 and 2009
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Encore Studio for the Performing Arts, Board Member, 2020-present
- Wisconsin Equal Justice Fund, Inc., Board Member, 2019-present
- Wisconsin Public Utility Institute, Board Member, 2015-present
- Customers First! Coalition, Vice President, 2013-2015
- Public Utilities Law Section of the Wisconsin State Bar, Chairperson, 2013-2014; Chair-Elect, 2012-2013; Secretary, 2007-2012
News
Professional Experience
State Rate Case and Other Regulatory Proceedings
Rate Proceedings
Represented a variety of clients in over 50 electric rate proceedings before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) on issues related to revenue requirement, prudence, fuel cost reconciliation, rate recovery of stranded assets, cost allocation, cost of service regulation, rate design, and green tariff development.
Other Regulatory Proceedings
Wind Construction
- Obtained order granting ratemaking principles from the Iowa Utilities Board allowing client to build and receive rate recovery for 1,000 megawatts of wind generation in Iowa.
- Obtained certificate of authority from the PSCW allowing client to build 150 megawatt wind facility in Iowa.
Solar Construction
Obtained a certificate of authority from the PSCW allowing client to build 675 megawatts of solar facilities in Wisconsin.
Natural Gas Construction
Obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the PSCW allowing client to build a 700 megawatt natural gas combined cycle plant.
Environmental Compliance Proceedings
Represented a variety of clients in numerous proceedings before the PSCW to install equipment to comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Recovery of Early Termination Payment
Represented Alliant Energy in developing and securing rate recovery from the Iowa Utilities Board for $110 million one-time payment to end power purchase agreement with nuclear facility in Iowa.
Territorial Disputes
Represented utility in boundary dispute to determine which of two different utilities should have the right to provide electric service in an area.
High-Voltage Electric Transmission Siting Proceedings
American Transmission Company’s Cardinal-Hickory Creek CPCN Proceeding
Obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the PSCW allowing client to build approximately $500 million high voltage (345 kV) transmission line.
American Transmission Company’s Badger-Coulee CPCN Proceeding
Obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the PSCW allowing client to build approximately $580 million high voltage (345 kV) transmission line.
American Transmission Company’s Paddock-Rockdale CPCN Proceeding*
Obtained a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the PSCW allowing client to build first high-voltage transmission project in Wisconsin that was needed primarily for economic benefits and improving access to renewable resources as opposed to reliability.
*Prior experience
Federal and State Court Litigation
Town of Holland v. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Represented intervenor American Transmission Company in an appeal of the PSCW’s decision to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct the Badger-Coulee transmission line
Container Applications Ltd. v. MODS International, Inc.
Represented shipping container company in a successful state court action for breach of contract, replevin, wrongful conversion, unjust enrichment, and intentional misrepresentation.
Wisconsin Industrial Energy Group v. Public Service Commission of Wisconsin*
Oral argument and representation of petitioner before Wisconsin Supreme Court on statutory interpretation issue related to regulatory approvals required for public utility plant construction.
Public Service Commission of Wisconsin v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission*
Oral argument and representation of intervenor before U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on challenge to FERC cost allocation to Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) transmission customers.
*Prior experience
Secondment Support for Client Organizations
Assist clients with supply chain and vendor contract management issues as well as strategic development of new business opportunities.