Member
Charis focuses on matters involving electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater. With more than two decades of experience, she represents clients in regulatory and appellate litigation, as well as negotiates contracts related to energy procurement, alternative energy sources, and behind-the-meter generation.
She represents large commercial and industrial customers in proceedings before both federal and state administrative agencies, as well as at the appellate level. Her advocacy on behalf of these customers extends to the U.S. Supreme Court, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). She regularly represents several ad hoc large commercial and industrial customer groups before the Pennsylvania PUC to protect their interests, especially in proceedings in which utilities seek significant changes to their rates, terms, and conditions of service.
Charis also advises her clients on procuring competitive energy services, implementing self-generation, and contracting for alternative energy services, both on a physical and financial basis. This representation includes negotiating complex financial agreements for new and evolving solar and wind projects, contracting for physical implementation of alternative energy sources, executing district energy system contracts, and counseling on related utility issues. Her transactional work includes an emphasis on solar projects for hospitals, colleges, universities, school districts, and nonprofit organizations.
In addition, her practice encompasses water and wastewater issues, including counseling small public utilities on regulatory and ratemaking issues.
Charis has spent her career at McNees and appreciates opportunities to give back to her profession and community. The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg recognized her with its Tribute to Women of Excellence Award, an honor bestowed upon women for their contributions to their community, both professionally and philanthropically.
She is an active mentor to early-career and lateral attorneys and has worked with clients through the firm’s Legal Equity Advancement Program (LEAP). She also provides free legal assistance to families in Dauphin, Lebanon, and Franklin Counties through the VISTA Pro Bono program. She has served on the board of the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance and was a member of Dickinson College’s President’s Commission on Environmental Sustainability.
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McNees announces that 46 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Among those honored, seven attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practices and regions, the highest distinction the publication offers. In addition, 41 attorneys were named to The Best Lawyers […]
Advises and represents clients on various energy-related and regulatory matters involving both federal and state jurisdictional issues.
Assists clients with utility law, regulatory compliance, and environmental litigation. Supports energy and water rate matters and procurement issues.
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