Sonya Bedford - Chair
Sonya heads-up a large and experienced team of renewable energy lawyers at Stephens Scown LLP in Exeter. She deals with grid, infrastructure, policy, Ofgem, licensing and supply issues as well as EPC and O&M contracts. What sets Sonya apart from other lawyers is her experience, commitment and passion for renewables. She is nationally renowned for her renewable energy experience having worked in the sustainability sector for over 10 years as a lawyer and is currently studying for MSc in renewable energy.
Her recent experience includes:
In her spare time she sings with a band and goes wind turbine spotting!
Recommended Lawyer - Legal 500. Legal 500 is an independent guide to the legal profession who recognises top lawyers. Sonya is "very practical".
Chambers 2016 - ranked as an "up and coming" lawyer. Clients say "she is very approachable, has good knowledge and we are able to establish a really thorough working relationship."
Her recent experience includes:
- advising on Ofgem accreditations for over 20 solar parks and 5 wind sites
- project managing a number of anaerobic digestion sites
- acting for over 20 community energy groups – from set up/funding/site acquisition to development and subsequent generation
- investment of over £30,000,000 into renewable energy sites
- establishing the UK’s first grid consortium and grid sharing agreements for communities
- non executive director of Regen SW
- director of Exeter Community Energy
- on the committee for the South West branch of the Energy Institute
- board member for the Sustainable Institute
- Legal Advisor for Avalon Community Energy
In her spare time she sings with a band and goes wind turbine spotting!
Recommended Lawyer - Legal 500. Legal 500 is an independent guide to the legal profession who recognises top lawyers. Sonya is "very practical".
Chambers 2016 - ranked as an "up and coming" lawyer. Clients say "she is very approachable, has good knowledge and we are able to establish a really thorough working relationship."