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Eric Callisto Photo

Eric J. Callisto

Partner
Practice Group Chair, Regulatory
ejcallisto@michaelbest.com
Madison
T.608.283.4437
Legal Assistant
Deborah D. Dawson
T.608.257.3501

Overview

Eric is known for his extensive experience in energy and environmental matters, particularly the regulation of utilities at both the state and federal levels.

He helps clients with regulatory filings and issues before state public utility commissions, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) audits and investigations, and electric transmission and Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) policy matters.

Eric also devotes considerable time to assisting utilities and other entities in thinking about the opportunities provided by new federal laws and new technologies, including those relating to renewable energy.

 

Representative matters include:

  • Advising, representing, and litigating on behalf of a variety of investor-owned utilities on regulatory issues before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) and the Iowa Utilities Board
  • Representing energy companies and large industrial users in negotiations and energy purchase agreements with utilities
  • Advocating on behalf of large water users in PSCW rate cases
  • Representing and counseling an RTO through a FERC audit

Experience

A regulator’s perspective

Eric’s understanding of the regulatory environment is informed by many years of government service. Before joining Michael Best, he served as Chairperson and, previously, Chief of Staff at the PSCW, ruling on the full range of critical energy matters including utility-rate cases, certificates of need for large infrastructure projects, and disputes between stakeholders. In this capacity, he oversaw the implementation of increases to the state’s renewable portfolio standard, enhancements to its energy efficiency program, and the creation of wind-siting standards.

Eric testified multiple times before the FERC and the Board of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), emphasizing the importance of states’ rights. He was president of the Organization of MISO States (OMS) and served in other key positions there. As head of the group of Midwestern utility regulators that advocates before MISO and FERC, he helped OMS establish and advocate for positions critical to ratepayers in the MISO footprint.

A trusted advisor to state and federal agencies

Eric has held various other positions in the Wisconsin state government, including Assistant Attorney General at the Department of Justice, head of the Division of Enforcement at the Department of Regulation and Licensing, and legal advisor to the Governor. He has also worked as an environmental consultant and at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

As an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice, he prosecuted and defended dozens of cases, with an emphasis on environmental actions initiated on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Honors & Recognitions

  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, 2018-present

Professional Activities

  • President, Organization of MISO States (OMS), 2014
  • Co-Chair of the FERC-NARUC Sunday Morning Collaborative, 2013-2015
  • Chair of the NARUC Committee on International Relations and member of the NARUC Board of Directors, 2014-2015
  • Editorial Board Member, International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER) Chronicle
  • Former member of the Board of Directors of the Energy Center of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute
  • Member, American Bar Association

Related News

Education

  • University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude, 1994; Senior Editor, Wisconsin Environmental Law Journal; Articles Editor, Wisconsin International Law Journal; Moot Court Board
  • University of Virginia, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 1986; Environmental Sciences

Admissions

  • New York
  • Wisconsin
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
  • United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
  • 91 Michael Best Attorneys Named The Best Lawyers In America 2020 Photo

    91 Michael Best Attorneys Named The Best Lawyers In America 2020

    Michael Best is proud to announce that 90 attorneys have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022 in 52 different areas of legal practice nationwide. Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession.

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