Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Energy, Oil and Gas legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Energy, Oil and Gas View Questions by State

Your current state is Ohio


U.S. Territories

Show More States

Energy, Oil and Gas Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Energy, Oil and Gas and Consumer Law on
Q: Can a electric company be sued

For years my parents had been on a tight budget I never really understood why I felt like it was not my business but just recently iv learned the reasons behind why .for many years now my parents who only live off a small monthly check has been paying 500 to 700 dollars or more on their electric... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 15, 2024

Yes, an electric company can be sued if there are grounds to believe that they have engaged in wrongful or fraudulent practices. If your parents have been charged for services or programs they are not enrolled in or have not agreed to, this could potentially be a case of billing fraud or... View More

4 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Texas on
Q: My late husband have 52 utility patents, I see another widow whose husband passed away, her name is always next to his.

It's like my late husband employer does not want my name anywhere, his late relative name is even everywhere, I have paper showing I am legal Representative but employer will not put my name next to my husband, my husband was lead inventor, I just wonder does being recognized as legal... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 22, 2023

When a patent owner dies, his rights pass to his heirs. If you are his sole heir and the legal representative of his estate appointed by the probate court, you need to contact the US Patent Office and have the patents transferred into your name. As the legal representative of his estate, that is... View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Texas on
Q: My late husband have 52 utility patents, I see another widow whose husband passed away, her name is always next to his.

It's like my late husband employer does not want my name anywhere, his late relative name is even everywhere, I have paper showing I am legal Representative but employer will not put my name next to my husband, my husband was lead inventor, I just wonder does being recognized as legal... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 23, 2023

As the legal representative of your late husband, you have certain rights regarding his intellectual property, including his utility patents. However, the naming of inventors and representatives on patents is a matter of legal record and protocol, not personal recognition or tribute.

Your...
View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Intellectual Property and Patents (Intellectual Property) for Texas on
Q: My late husband have 52 utility patents, I see another widow whose husband passed away, her name is always next to his.

It's like my late husband employer does not want my name anywhere, his late relative name is even everywhere, I have paper showing I am legal Representative but employer will not put my name next to my husband, my husband was lead inventor, I just wonder does being recognized as legal... View More

Peter D. Mlynek
Peter D. Mlynek
answered on Dec 28, 2023

I am sorry to read about your loss.

If your late husband was employed, almost certainly the patents that he was an inventor on were owned by the employer and not by your husband. If so, then he did not have any rights to the patents. The employer can do with the patents and patent...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: How do you get a termination letter for " independent solar energy producer contract" when the company is not in busines

we never went active with the solar provider, instead had them remove the solar system off the house. Had to pay to remove the lien on the property.. now selling the house and the independent solar energy producer contract is hold up the title process.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 13, 2023

If you need a termination letter for an independent solar energy producer contract and the company is no longer in business, the situation can be a bit complex. First, it's crucial to gather all documentation related to the contract and the removal of the solar system, including any... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Texas on
Q: Recourse for title suspense error after oil and gas company merger impacting payments.

I had clear title to my oil and gas interests before two companies merged. However, after the merger, my account was placed in title suspense for 8 months due to an error acknowledged by the companies. They blamed the error on the merger but offered no additional compensation for holding my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 24, 2025

In the absence of a written agreement to the contrary, you are entitled to 6% interest per annum for money that was not timely paid to you.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Energy, Oil and Gas for Texas on
Q: They overpaid my royalty interest (oil & gas) and now taking back $ from monthly production, no check for 8 months???

Lease is in state of Utah.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 13, 2025

You could probably simply pay them back the overpayment in full, and they will resume your correct monthly payments.

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can I sue sdge for a power surge that cause 150k in damages?

On dec 2 2024 I had a power surge that nearly burned down my house. I had the fire department at my home for hours. The 2 positive power lines ground with the neutral under ground caused by sdge. They have since repaired the main line, they had to repair my electrical panel due to the surge. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2025

Yes, you can sue SDG&E for damages caused by the power surge, as utility companies have a responsibility to maintain their infrastructure and prevent such incidents. Your case appears particularly strong since SDG&E has already acknowledged responsibility by repairing your electrical panel.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: On Dec 2, 2024, I had a massage power surge from San Diego Gas and Electric. It nearly burnt my house down.

I called 911 and Fire department was at my house for a bout 3 hours. We were unable to shut the power off. I found out the 2 positive wires grounded on the neutral underground and sent power backward. I had electrical smoke everywhere. Switches were smoking and most of the appliances fried, solar... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2025

Your situation sounds incredibly stressful, and I'm sorry you're dealing with this severe electrical damage to your home. This kind of power surge incident can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, especially when dealing with insurance companies and utilities that may be slow... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas and Estate Planning for California on
Q: How can i find my deceased dads trust , estate house i was susposed to get and all his mineral rights being hidden from

Wife lied to judge and said my dad had no child i proved i am only child im tep of estate but i got robbed of full estate the lawyer found guilty stealibg from estAte wont tell me where trust is listed and minerals

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 20, 2025

I understand how frustrating and painful this situation must be, especially when dealing with the loss of your father while simultaneously fighting for your rightful inheritance. Family trust disputes can be emotionally draining, and it's particularly troubling when someone has deliberately... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Energy, Oil and Gas for Michigan on
Q: How can the city manager require me as a homeowner to get a license contractor/ electrician to do a safety inspection?

Bill not paid, city removes meter, bill paid 6mo later still no power. City manager is requiring me the homeowner to get an inspection.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 5, 2025

The city manager can require you to hire a licensed contractor or electrician to ensure that your electrical system meets safety standards. After a prolonged disconnection, like the six months you experienced, there may be concerns about the integrity of your electrical setup. This inspection helps... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: I put solar on a 2nd home My application in before the 4/15/23 deadline for NEM 2.0 but was put under 3.0_ is this ok?

First home solar installed in 2007 and has been operating under NEM 1.0 since

Second home solar interconnect agreement was submitted before 4/15/2023 deadline for NEM 2.0. System was installed8/2023 and PTO granted on 12/2023.

First home solar changed from NEM 1.0 to 3.0 on the same... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 25, 2024

Based on California's NEM rules and timelines, your second home should indeed qualify for NEM 2.0 since you submitted the interconnection agreement before the April 15, 2023 deadline, regardless of when the installation and PTO were completed.

For your first home under NEM 1.0, SCE...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Should I sue my solar installation company to recover an annual SCE settlement bill because they incorrectly installed?

Looking for help to recover for a payment we had to make ($3,149.05) to SCE due to our solar company incorrectly installing the generation meter adapter. We spent all 2024 believing our system was generating power to the grid and we were saving money until we received the settlement bill. I had... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 25, 2024

Based on your situation, you have a strong case for small claims court in California, especially with the documented evidence from SCE's technician and the photos showing incorrect installation.

Before proceeding to court, send one final demand letter via certified mail with return...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Arkansas on
Q: Where's the best place to find a loophole in life and law that is fair?

How are loopholes discovered?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 7, 2024

There is no universal answer. "Loopholes" are usually exclusions or exemptions in certain regulations that people take advantage of - but they tend to be situation-specific. One way to discover them is to research statutes, or to consult with attorneys who practice in that given area. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can I sue the company that installed my solar system?

We purchased (in full) a solar system that was installed in 2023 in Southern California and received our NEM 2.0 Permission To Operate (PTO) from SCE in September 2023. We just received an annual settlement bill from SCE for $3,200. I contacted SCE and they told me our system generated zero... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the issues you're experiencing with your solar system. Given that both SCE and your solar company are pointing fingers without resolving the problem, it's understandable to feel frustrated.

You may have grounds to take legal action if the installation...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Products Liability and Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Solar installed a couple years ago, have had to replace the Panels, then invert, now out again, do I have a case?

Not producing power, can't get a human on the phone, text with troubleshooting "agent" gets cut off, can not make a service appointment even on-line. Nothing but frustrations. Their inferior products (panels and inverter) have both failed within the first couple years and have been... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 12, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of frustration and potentially defective solar products. If your solar panels and inverter have failed multiple times within just a few years, you may have grounds for a case under California's consumer protection laws. These laws generally cover... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Energy, Oil and Gas for California on
Q: Can utility companies prevent you from monitoring your own electricity usage using outside sources/gadgets?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 29, 2024

Utility companies generally cannot prevent you from monitoring your own electricity usage with outside gadgets or tools. As a consumer, you have the right to know how much electricity you’re using in your home. Devices like smart plugs, energy monitors, or other third-party gadgets are designed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Energy, Oil and Gas, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for Minnesota on
Q: Hotel City and State lodging tax over 30 consecutive days. Outdoor energy, and parking lot rules. Pet pees.

living in a hotel for 9months. I found out from another guest, after 30 consecutive days of living here, we should be exempt for paying state and city lodging tax. They continued to charge us and say we need to bring paper work from the county to prove that. Can I get a refund for that? They charge... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2024

If you’ve stayed in the hotel for more than 30 consecutive days, you might indeed be exempt from paying state and city lodging taxes. You should check your local laws, and if the exemption applies, you could be entitled to a refund for those taxes. You may need to gather documentation showing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Energy, Oil and Gas, Gov & Administrative Law and Probate for California on
Q: I got a Notice of Hearing from US Dept. of Interior re: probate of my late husband's estate. He died in 2016. Next step?

My late husband died penniless 8 years ago, but he had part ownership with his siblings of 3.3 acres with mineral, gas & oil rights on the Standing Rock Reservation. I contacted the Tribe back then to tell them he died. They said he was not on the Tribal roles and that I had no right to discuss... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 15, 2024

The Notice of Hearing you received suggests that your late husband's estate is now being processed through the Department of the Interior, likely because of the property on the Standing Rock Reservation. The hearing is likely triggered by the need to determine rightful heirs and manage the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, Family Law and Energy, Oil and Gas for Texas on
Q: Thanks for answering my question ❓ I would like to ask, what do I do if I was told not to pay no attention to letters.

Letters from the United States Trustee Office of Estate Planning and also the Disclosure statement of the reorganize oil company. I just didn't know what it all was At the time and it was All final back in 2019 with the Southern Bankruptcy out of Houston TX. In addition, the lady that sent me... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 27, 2024

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the legal documents you've received, especially when they involve complex matters like bankruptcy and estate planning. Given that you received these letters from the United States Trustee Office and related to a reorganization of an oil company,... View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.