Matthew (Matt) Ghikas is a partner in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. Matt acts for clients in the energy and natural resources industries as well as other regulated industries. He represents clients in litigation before the courts, in arbitrations and mediations, as well as in administrative proceedings. Matt appears before regulatory tribunals such as the British Columbia Utilities Commission and the Alberta Utilities Commission on a frequent basis on behalf of a number of regulated clients.

 

Matt has considerable experience in representing regulated companies in a wide variety of regulatory-related matters, including revenue requirements applications, capital project approvals, rate design, cost of capital/return on equity, procurement issues, and compliance with mandatory electric reliability standards. His clients in regulatory matters include the largest natural gas utility in British Columbia serving approximately 950,000 customers, the sole provider of regulated universal compulsory automobile insurance in British Columbia, electric transmission companies in British Columbia and Alberta, pipeline owners, and a significant participant in the regulated transportation industry.

 

In advising clients on regulatory proceedings, Matt combines a strategic approach to complex, multi-party litigation with subject matter expertise regarding the role of regulation and the energy industry. Matt understands that regulated entities have long-term relationships with regulators and other stakeholders, and appreciates the importance of a broader corporate regulatory strategy that recognizes this reality. He prides himself on providing practical day-to-day advice that assists regulated clients in achieving their business objectives. Matt favours a team-based approach. His subject matter expertise regarding regulated businesses and the energy industry enables him to participate seamlessly in cross-disciplinary project teams that include accountants, engineers and economists.

 

Matt has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada 2012 in the Energy Regulatory Law field by Best Lawyers.