Paul F. Guarisco

Paul F. Guarisco


Phelps Dunbar LLP

Recognized since 2016

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Practice Areas

Energy Regulatory Law

Utilities Law

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Paul Guarisco practices in the areas of administrative law, business and finance, telecommunications, energy and utilities, and regulatory and governmental matters. He practices primarily before the Louisiana Public Service Commission, representing telecommunications and pipeline carriers, and electric, gas, sewer and water public utilities in all aspects of regulation, including certification, compliance, tariffs, litigation, hearings, audits, rate cases, rulemakings, dispute resolution/mediation, arbitration, mergers and acquisitions, changes of control and financing. He is a former staff attorney with the LPSC.

Paul has also represented telecommunications carriers before the FCC and was instrumental in developing, implementing and successfully defending the Louisiana State Universal Service Fund (see, Voicestream GSM I Operating Co., LLC v. LPSC, 943 So.2d 349 (La. 2006)). He drafted the original LPSC regulations implementing the 1996 Telecommunications Act, and has successfully petitioned the LPSC to update and amend the regulations many times since then. Paul is general counsel to the Louisiana Telecommunications Association. He has served as counsel to communications companies concerning all aspects of their operations, including broadband deployment, contract drafting and negotiation, municipal/parish franchise and right-of-way agreements, interconnection (cable, landline, wireless, IP and VoIP), Ethernet, pole attachment, agency, independent contractor, non-solicit and non-compete, and end-user agreements, regulatory compliance and litigation, including intercarrier compensation and billing disputes.

Paul served as a member of the Louisiana Broadband Council on behalf of the Louisiana Telecommunications Association to affect state policies fostering broadband deployment in Louisiana.

Specific electric utility matters handled by Paul before the LPSC include rulemakings and proceedings concerning net energy metering practices, energy efficiency programs, integrated resource planning processes, renewable energy standards, transmission project certification, disaster planning and recovery protocols, cybersecurity, competitive lines (300 Foot Rule) issues and disputes.

He has represented natural gas and oil pipeline carriers before the Louisiana Public Service Commission and Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation, Pipeline Division, concerning purchase and sale of pipeline systems, tariffs, and authorization to acquire and operate, construct and abandon pipeline facilities.

Paul also has experience representing clients in commercial transactions and commercial and civil litigation before state and federal courts.

Location
  • II City Plaza, Suite 1100
    400 Convention Street
    Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5618
Education
  • Loyola University New Orleans, J.D., graduated 1992
  • Louisiana State University, B.S., graduated 1984
Bar Admissions
  • Louisiana, Louisiana
Affiliations
  • Baton Rouge Bar Association - Member
  • Energy Bar Association - Member
  • Federal Communications Bar Association - Member
  • Louisiana State Bar Association, Public Utility Section - Council Member
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana

Phelps Dunbar LLP
Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana

162 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

41 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 for work in:
  • Energy Regulatory Law
  • Utilities Law
Awards:
  • Energy Regulatory Law (2016-2020), The Best Lawyers in America
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Communications Law
  • Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)

Publications

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