Member

Kenneth J. Gish Jr.

Ken is a member of the Environmental, Energy & Sustainability Service Group and Business & Finance Service Group where he assists corporate and institutional clients in meeting sustainability goals through renewable energy purchases. Ken also advises clients in the energy industry, routinely representing the firm’s utility clients in matters before the Kentucky Public Service Commission, as well as assisting renewable energy developers in all aspects of project development including negotiating offtake agreements, permitting and financing transactions. He counsels the firm’s clients in all stages of the permitting process from application to appeals before administrative bodies and in state and federal court. Ken also assists clients in managing regulatory compliance matters arising from federal, state and local laws.

Recent Assignments

Represented corporate purchases, across multiple industries, in negotiating virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) from renewable energy sources totaling over 1.25 GW of output including representations of:

– A multinational imaging technology company in a 124 MW VPPA from a solar energy facility.

– An auto parts manufacturer in the negotiation of a 142.8 MW VPPA from a solar energy facility.

– A frozen food manufacturer in a 102 MW VPPA from a solar energy facility.

– A farm equipment manufacturer in multiple VPPAs totaling 111 MW from a wind energy facility.

– A global chemical and consumer goods company in a 88 MW VPPA from a wind energy facility.

– A pharmaceuticals and consumer goods company in a 55 MW VPPA from a solar energy facility.

– An international athletic clothing manufacturer in a 15 MW VPPA from a wind energy facility.

Represented an investor owned utility in proceedings before the Kentucky Public Service Commission including in general rate cases, integrated resource plan proceedings, fuel adjustment clause reviews, and certificate of public convenience and necessity approvals.

Represented solar developers in development of utility scale projects in Kentucky including in matters before the Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting.

Bar Admissions

Kentucky

North Carolina

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Washington

Washington State Supreme Court

Firm Leadership

Lexington Office Recruiting Committee, Member

Memberships

American Bar Association

,

Energy Markets and Finance Committee, Member; Vice Chair for Publications (2016-18); Water Resources Committee, Vice Chair Technology (2005), Vice Chair Memberships (2006-08)

Kentucky Bar Association

,

Environment, Energy, and Resource Law Section, Past Chair (2014-15)

King County Bar Association

,

Environmental Law Section, Member; Secretary (2007-08); Treasurer (2008-10)

Community Involvement

Commerce Lexington, Inc., Board of Directors (2025-present)

LexArts, Inc., Director (2019-present)

Leadership Lexington, Class of 2012; Distinguished Leader Award (2012); Steering Committee (2014-20); Steering Committee Chair (2018-19)

Education

J.D.,

2003

cum laude

University of Michigan Law School

B.A.,

1995

Government (American Government Concentration)

Georgetown University

Before Stites & Harbison

Ken previously practiced in the Charlotte and Seattle offices of K&L Gates, LLP. Prior to entering law school, Ken served as a watch and division officer on USS San Juan (SSN-751), a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine.

More Than Stites & Harbison

Ken is a graduate of the 2012 Leadership Lexington Class and was selected by his classmates for the 2012 Distinguished Leader Award. He served on the Leadership Lexington Steering Committee (2014-20) and was the committee chair (2018-19). Ken currently serves as a Director for LexArts, Inc.

Accolades

Best Lawyers in America®, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation-Environmental (2018-25)

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars (2013)

Washington Super Lawyers®, Rising Stars (2010)