Operation and maintenance agreements cover the ongoing management, servicing and upkeep of utility infrastructure and services, such as electricity networks, water mains or gas pipelines, and the systems that support them. A solicitor in this area drafts and negotiates the contract terms for performance standards, maintenance schedules, service levels, risk allocation, charging and payment, subcontracting, change control, and termination rights. They also review performance reports, handle notices, and advise on remedies for non‑performance or breach, including liability and indemnity regimes.
What a solicitor handles in these matters
These matters hinge on complex provisions—service levels, maintenance regimes, warranties, performance guarantees, and regulatory compliance. The solicitor explains and negotiates the implications of these terms, drafts and reviews contract schedules and attachments, and coordinates with engineers, operators, and regulators to ensure obligations are clear and enforceable.