You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email


Economist III - Rates & Revenue - (22000DP5)

Description

Join the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for an opportunity to make a difference in the regulatory landscape in Massachusetts! The DPU is at the forefront of the Commonwealth’s efforts to create a more sustainable energy future while balancing the provision of safe, reliable, and least-cost service. The DPU is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric, natural gas, and water utilities in the Commonwealth; developing alternatives to traditional regulation; monitoring service quality; regulating safety in the transportation and gas pipeline areas; and for certain aspects, associated with the siting of energy facilities. The DPU's mission is to ensure that utility consumers are provided with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost; to protect the public safety from transportation and gas pipeline related accidents; and to ensure that customers' rights are protected. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

We are in search of an Economist who will use their expertise to conduct economic analysis on regulated utility operations, capital investment decisions and pricing to retail customers. As an Economist, you will play a key regulatory role in the transformation of the energy sector across the Commonwealth.

The successful candidate will join the DPU’s Rates and Revenue Requirements Division, which provides in-depth, holistic economic, financial, accounting, and mathematical/statistical analysis on the regulation, practices, and programs of the electric, gas, and water investor-owned utilities as well as limited oversight of the municipal light plants in the Commonwealth.

In this role, you will utilize your technical and collaborative skills working with other industry experts to develop and formulate recommendations on energy and water issues. If you are seeking a rewarding employment opportunity that harnesses and grows your skills and talents, positively shapes energy and regulatory policy, and impacts the public good while collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals in a collegial work environment, the DPU could be your next exciting career. Apply now!
 
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Economist applies a broad mix of economic and public policy skills in analyzing issues and cases before the DPU. The Economist will work both individually and as a team member with other economists, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on a wide range of cases such as reviewing: electric, gas, and water utility filings for changes in base rate revenue requirements and rate structures; other rate trackers and surcharges; and financing petitions. The position requires competency in cross-examining company and intervention witnesses. The position requires reviewing, analyzing, and preparing oral and written recommendations for the Commission on utility requests for changes in base rate revenue requirements, base revenue allocations, rate design, other surcharges, as well as financing agreements. The Economist also participates in all facets of assigned cases, including developing information requests, questioning expert witnesses during hearings, drafting memoranda and policy recommendations, as well as writing sections of DPU orders. The position requires excellent quantitative and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Excellent oral communications skills are highly desirable. Incumbents of positions at Economist III level exercise considerable independent judgment.
 
DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Analyzes rate requests and finance petitions from utility companies; solve problems, devise techniques, and develop recommendations using existing precedent, guidelines, regulations, and policy goals.
  2. Methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations
  3. Give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
  4. Work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision;
  5. Issues data requests, cross-examines witnesses, drafts memoranda and sections of DPU orders, and applies mathematical techniques of economic research
  6. Responds to consumer, administrative, and utility inquiries
  7. Collects, compiles, and reviews economic data obtained from various sources, including other agencies and trade organizations economic analysis purposes
  8. Maintains major work contacts with professional and technical personnel, utility organizations, agency personnel, as well as other local, state, and federal agencies
 
QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED AT HIRE
When determining experience for preferred qualifications and entrance requirements, candidates should consider all their experience (work experience, internships, volunteer work, etc.). 
A preferred candidate would have some experience in the energy or utility industry, or with knowledge or demonstrated interest utility regulation or public utility commissions and with knowledge of:
  1.  Economic Principles
  2. The methods of technical report writing
  3. Computer skills with concentration in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to:
  1. Understand and apply the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, guidelines, laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities
  2. Gather information by examining records and documents and by developing an evidentiary record
  3. Write clearly and concisely
  4. Give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner
  5. Establish and maintain harmonious, collegial working relationships with his/her co-workers
  6. Coordinate the efforts of others in accomplishing assigned work objectives
  7. Read and interpret such documents as economic research studies, prior Department orders as well as other related non-jurisdictional decisions
  8. Solve problems and devise ratemaking proposals where few precedents or guidelines are available
  9. Give written and oral presentations in a precise and understandable manner
 
QUALIFICATIONS ACQUIRED ON JOB
  1. Laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities
  2. Types and availability of public or private organizations and sources for providing economic information
  3. Legal Order writing
  4. Thorough understanding of utility ratemaking
  5. Writing of Department’s orders and memoranda
 
 

Qualifications

 First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the field of economics, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.* 

II. A Graduate degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required experience.* 

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with major other than in economics may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* 

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. 
Special Requirements: None. 
 
 
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
 
Executive Order #595: As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption.
 
 
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
 
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
 
Official Title: Economist III

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station

Job

: Economics

Agency

: Department of Public Utilities

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Nov 22, 2022, 8:18:35 AM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 68,016.52 - 98,517.12 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Melixza Esenyie - 6176261282
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Hybrid Work Eligible: Yes