Karl Zobrist

Karl Zobrist is a Partner in Dentons' Energy practice, specializing in the energy and telecommunications industries. He is a former Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission (1996–1997) and served as interim president of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO) when it was founded in 1998, which became the first regional transmission organization certified by FERC.

He represents electricity, natural gas and telecommunications companies, as well as industrial and investment companies, in a wide variety of proceedings before state and federal regulatory bodies, and in complex commercial litigation. Notable matters include representing the operating public utilities of Evergy, Inc. in general rate cases, mergers and securitization financing; representing Great Plains Energy Incorporated and Kansas City Power & Light Company in the successful acquisition of Aquila, Inc.; and representing competitive electric transmission companies in state regulatory proceedings.

Karl holds a J.D. with distinction from the University of Iowa, where he served as Note and Comment Editor of the Iowa Law Review, and a B.A., magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Augustana College. He previously served on active duty in the United States Navy in the Office of the Judge Advocate General.

He is recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Energy Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Regulatory Enforcement, and has been named "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Kansas City. He serves as counsel to the MISO Board of Directors and is a former member of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.