The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) currently operates an electricity grid that is largely limited to the state of California. This geographic limitation has led to concerns over the state’s access to low-cost imports, ability to import affordable clean electricity when demand is high, ability to export rather than curtail in-state, renewable production when supply exceeds demand, and the resulting impact on energy prices. AB 825, which the governor signed on Sept. 19, 2025, is intended to address these issues by allowing the CAISO and participating utilities to establish a western regional energy market. The new law is part of the Legislature’s climate and energy package.

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Photo of Thomas R. Brill Thomas R. Brill

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades. Tom also has comprehensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as…

Thomas R. Brill has deep legal and management experience in the energy industry and has represented clients in virtually every electricity and natural gas restructuring proceeding in California for over three decades. Tom also has comprehensive experience in regulatory litigation, as well as strategy and policy development to address rapidly changing laws, regulations, and market dynamics as well as technological disruptions that are leading to significant changes in the energy industry. Tom also has comprehensive experience addressing issues related to the integration of central station and distributed renewable generation, including electricity storage, smart grid technologies, and the impacts of utility rate design and cost allocation on competitive entry by third party providers and utility stranded cost exposure.

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Photo of Alice Kessler Alice Kessler

Alice Kessler is the Co-Leader of the California Government Law & Policy Group in the firm’s Sacramento office. She is an accomplished legislative strategist and leader with a track record of rapid advancement grounded in proven strategic and communication talents, collaborative skills, and…

Alice Kessler is the Co-Leader of the California Government Law & Policy Group in the firm’s Sacramento office. She is an accomplished legislative strategist and leader with a track record of rapid advancement grounded in proven strategic and communication talents, collaborative skills, and trusted integrity. Alice has deep relationships with California policymakers, thought leaders, and community-based organizations. She leverages her well-honed skills to build consensus, gain buy-in, and motivate team members and partners.

Alice helped to launch the startup state advocacy practice at one of the largest public affairs consultancies on the West Coast, where she worked to advance the interests of technology firms, automakers, trade associations, and local government entities. As managing partner for one of the fastest growing lobbying firms in Sacramento, she oversaw all business operations and represented clients in the areas of energy, technology, health care, and education.

She has led policy and community initiatives in t

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Photo of Jeremy Meier Jeremy Meier

Mr. Meier has deep experience in regulatory affairs and governmental litigation, representing corporations and individuals doing business in California. He primarily represents national companies in the health care, telecommunications, energy, transportation and financial services sectors. His practice focuses on government contracts, regulatory enforcement…

Mr. Meier has deep experience in regulatory affairs and governmental litigation, representing corporations and individuals doing business in California. He primarily represents national companies in the health care, telecommunications, energy, transportation and financial services sectors. His practice focuses on government contracts, regulatory enforcement, and rulemaking matters involving federal, state and local regulation; procurement; bid protests; writs; commercial litigation; contract negotiations; audits; government investigations; complex false claims matters; and public records and conflicts of interest disputes. Mr. Meier has handled numerous trials and arbitrations, mediations, and administrative hearings and routinely works with state regulators, state attorneys general offices, agency staff, policy makers, and stake holders on governmental and emerging public policy regulatory and civil disputes. He has broad experience in federal and state energy, telecommunications, transportation, health care, and financial services regulatory matters, involving agencies such as the CPUC, CEC, FCC, FERC, CA DHCS and DMHC, and the CA DBO.

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Photo of Madeline Orlando Madeline Orlando

Madeline Orlando is a member of the Litigation Practice in Greenberg Traurig’s Sacramento office. She represents clients in environmental matters, focusing on regulatory issues, hazardous waste litigation, and state regulations including California’s Cleaning Product Right to Know Act.

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Photo of Julia Lopez˘ Julia Lopez˘

Julia Lopez is a Litigation Law Clerk/JD in GT’s Sacramento office.

˘ Not admitted to the practice of law.