Lisa Nordstrom

About Lisa Nordstrom

Of all the hot social topics to debate, I was that kid who chose nuclear power in eighth grade social science class. Years later I still enjoy trying to balance the equities of government utility policy with stakeholders where it impacts individual liberty and private enterprise.Having represented both investor-owned utilities and state regulators, I believe the public and private sectors can make each other better where natural monopolies are concerned. The challenge is to maximize the sweet spot where public utilities are incentivized to provide safe, reliable, low-cost service and where customers benefit from the private sector’s human, technical, and financial resources.I litigate utility requests to change customer rates or services offered in state regulatory administrative proceedings. While advocacy on issues like investment recovery, power quality, vegetation management, and deferred accounting can be more cerebral, I find it as rewarding as higher profile cases to retire coal plants, cost-effectively integrate renewable energy, and electrify transportation.Because I enjoy the challenge of simultaneously working with and arguing against state government, I also represent court appointed special advocates who promote the best interests of foster children in the state of Idaho’s custody. I also advise on matters impacting Idaho’s child protection system through appointment to the Idaho Supreme Court’s Child Protection Committee.

Experience

1. Lead Counsel

   Idaho Power

   Jun 2006 — Present · Boise, ID, US

   Working with internal and external stakeholders, I represent Idaho Power on cost of service and rate design matters governed by the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and the Oregon Public Utility Commission. This includes general rate cases, power cost adjustment mechanisms, integrated resource planning, wildfire mitigation, demand-side management, and distributed generation. I have litigated numerous general rate proceedings in order to establish cost of service, cost of capital, and rate design that generate annual revenues in excess of $1.4 billion on $4.2 billion rate base. In 2009, I secured a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for Idaho Power to build a 330 MW gas-fired plant; following construction in 2012, I successfully placed the $400 million investment in customer rate base. I have also argued regulatory appeals to the Idaho Supreme Court. I develop and present recommendations to senior management regarding courses of action to ensure compliance with applicable legal authority and minimize legal risks. I draft and revise legal documents including contracts, pleadings, data requests, data request responses, testimony, regulatory documents, reports, and presentations. When I decide outside counsel should be retained, I assign and manage matters delegate to them within budgetary constraints.

Education

• Lewis & Clark Law School

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

• University of Idaho

  Utility Executive Course - 2010

• Northwest Nazarene University

  B.A