Thomas J. Waters

Thomas J. Waters has crafted a unique practice which encompasses energy and utility law, environmental law and negotiating and closing complex commercial transactions.

Tom graduated from Georgetown Prep High School in Rockville, Maryland in 1977 and received his undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from Marquette University in 1981.  He is a 1984 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Law School.  After graduating from Notre Dame, he clerked for the United States District Court Judge James Harvey.

For over 30 years, Tom has represented hydroelectric, natural gas, landfill gas, coal and biomass fueled generating facilities before the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy.

Tom successfully lobbied the Michigan legislature to enact legislation correcting a multi-million dollar shortfall in fuel and variable O&M payments to non-utility generators of electricity. He has also negotiated numerous contracts and contract amendments for  PURPA Qualifying Facilities and other non-utility generators.

Uniquely, Tom permitted and built two of his own diesel fueled fired electric-generating peaking power under a contract to a Michigan utility. Additionally, in July of 2000, the City of Mackinac Island contacted Tom when the underwater electric cable serving the island failed and left the island without power at the height of its tourist season. In thirty-six hours, Tom permitted and built a generating station to provide electricity to the island, bringing all generators, transformers and fueling equipment to the island by barge. That facility then supplied power to the island for six months until new underwater cable could be brought in from overseas.

Tom focuses on the following areas of law: Administrative & Regulatory, Commercial Litigation, Energy Law, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunication, Environmental Law, Governmental Affairs and Public Utility Law.