Donna L. Barnett

Donna Barnett focuses her practice on representing public utilities and other energy companies in regulatory proceedings, litigation, and transactions. These include obtaining regulatory approval for general rate cases and other cost and rate proceedings, merger transactions and rulemaking proceedings. Her practice also involves representing companies in contract and tariff disputes. Donna has recently assisted utilities through the NERC/WECC audit process and proceedings related to greenhouse gas emissions and Renewable Energy Credits.

Donna has over fifteen years in the utility industry, beginning as a certified arborist and vegetation management consultant for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. As Environmental Coordinator for Chelan County Public Utility District, she launched the Utility's vegetation management program and obtained environmental permits and FERC license amendments for the Utility's hydroelectric projects and other operations. She managed the Utility's environmental waste program, ensuring compliance with federal and state hazardous and dangerous waste laws, including PCB disposal and lead abatement.

During law school she spent two years as a law clerk at the Oregon Public Utility Commission assisting administrative law judges in both energy and telecommunications proceedings. She also worked as a law clerk at the Public Counsel Section of the Washington Attorney General's Office, where she was active in telecommunications litigation and rulemaking. 

Community Involvement

• ArtsFund, Associate
• Bellevue Art Museum, Member of the Board

Related Employment

• Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Public Counsel Section, Seattle, WA, Summer Intern, 2004
• Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Administrative Hearings Division, Salem, OR, Law Clerk, 2003-2005