Chris Miller is a partner in Ice Miller’s Public Affairs Group and is chair of the Government Law Group in Ohio. He advises private entities, public agencies and individuals on legal issues relating to energy and utility matters, telecommunications (both wired and wireless), broadband services, information technology and associated regulatory matters.
Chris has represented a number of clients in the formation and operation of sophisticated public private partnerships (“P3s”) involving energy and telecommunications infrastructure, including the representation of one of the largest universities in the United States in a $1B+ long term comprehensive energy management concession process.
He has significant experience representing clients' interests in proceedings before the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, Ohio Power Siting Board, the FCC and other regulatory agencies.
Reported and Representative Cases
- The Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC) was recognized as one of eleven “Smart 50 Award” winners for 2020 for its Gateway Fiber Project. This award is given in partnership by Smart Cities Connect, Smart Cities Connect Foundation and US Ignite to recognize and honor the 50 most transformative, innovative and influential “Smart City” projects from several countries around the globe. In addition to our MVCC representation, each of its member cities (Centerville, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton, Ohio) are, or previously have been, clients of the Firm.
Representative Transactions
- Represented corporations, colleges, universities and municipalities at Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for rate design issues, rule makings, standard service offers and wholesale generation. Design of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs on behalf of clients.
- Represented numerous private and public clients in telecommunications, electric and gas proceedings in front of The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and Ohio Power Siting Board.
- Represented private and public clients in negotiation and drafting of various types of agreements for utility use of and access to real property, conduit, easements, fiber, etc.
- Represented numerous private and public clients in telecommunications and technology contracting and utility service negotiations/agreements with vendors.
- Represented private and public clients in drafting and preparation of RFP/RFI/RFQ documents in regard to energy and telecommunications services, technology/software services, utility services and technology hardware purchases.
- Represented private and public clients in negotiation of wireless lease agreements and wireless siting arrangements.
- Represented clients in drafting of comprehensive Rights-of-Way management and administration ordinances.
- Represented clients in jurisdiction-wide wireless development projects and the negotiation and drafting of the underlying legal documents.
- Represented clients in drafting and negotiation of numerous cable franchises in both competitive and non-competitive situations.
- Represented a number of clients in drafting of comprehensive wireless antenna/facility control ordinances.
- Represented a Fortune 500 client in its negotiation with energy supply vendors for the procurement of the company’s entire competitive electric energy load across its multi-state, multi-office footprint.
- Represented a Fortune 500 client in its negotiation with telecommunications service vendors for the procurement of most of the company’s local telecommunications and long distance service across its multi-state, multi-office footprint.
- Represented various Ohio political subdivisions in Ohio Public Utility Commission Standard Service Offer proceedings, rate makings and merger cases.
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