Energy Analyst - Electric Power Division
Energy Analyst - Electric Power Division - (22000DR6)
Description
The Department of Public Utilities ("DPU") is responsible for oversight of investor-owned electric power, 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 mission of the Department 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 residential ratepayers' rights are protected. The DPU seeks to promote safety, security, reliability of service, affordability, equity, and greenhouse gas emission reductions.
The DPU's Electric Power Division ("EPD") is responsible for investigating the investor-owned electric companies in Massachusetts. Certain policies and procedures that it sets affect the 41 municipal electric companies, as well. The EPD also oversees and implements initiatives that encourage clean and renewable energy, and is responsible for the development and implementation of the policies and rules resulting from the enactment of the 2008 Green Communities Act (“GCA”), the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, the 2021 Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy Act, and other energy and climate related legislation. The EPD is responsible for monitoring, investigating, and reviewing industry changes resulting from the major electric industry restructuring, which began in 1997.
The Department of Public Utilities is accepting applications for the position of Energy Analyst / Economist III.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Energy Analyst / Economist III applies a broad mix of economic, public policy, and data analytic skills towards the analysis, synthesis, and advancement of issues and cases before the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) – and more specifically, those under the purview of its Electric Power Division (EPD). The EPD’s primary mission is to ensure that the regulated electric utilities in Massachusetts provide their customers with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. The Economist III/Energy Analyst plays a key role by supporting, and in some cases, leading particular aspects of the following three broad categories of EPD-related issues and cases: (1) the provision of reliable, cost-effective electric supply to customers, including competitive supply, basic service, and ratemaking; (2) initiatives and activities aimed at achieving a more efficient, modernized, and environmentally sustainable electricity system, including energy efficiency, renewable energy and storage, grid modernization, electric vehicle infrastructure, net metering, and the interconnection of distributed generation; and (3) ensuring the physical reliability and safety of the electrical system, including service quality, vegetation management, and storm and emergency response.
The Economist III/Energy Analyst will work both individually and as a team member with other economists/ analysts, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on multiple issues and cases. The Economist III/Energy Analyst will participate in all facets of assigned cases, which include: (1) reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties, (2) developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings, (3) questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings, (4) developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and (5) writing sections of DPU orders. The position requires excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts in a clear, methodical manner. Excellent oral communications and presentation skills are highly desirable. The Economist III/ Energy Analyst must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives general supervision from the Director and Assistant Directors of the EPD who assign work and regularly review performance through verbal and written reports. Receives day-to-day and case-specific direction and guidance from more experienced economists/analysts, regional planners, and attorneys.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE (List knowledges, skills, abilities)
Ability to:
- methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations;
- effectively conduct research on the effect of energy and environmental policies on key stakeholders and Massachusetts consumers;
- give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
- work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision;
- write clearly and concisely, appropriately document sources, and organize work;
- effectively work on, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments;
- use sound judgement; and
- solve problems, devise techniques, and develop policy recommendations using existing precedent or guidelines.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
A preferred candidate would have some experience in the energy or utility industry with knowledge or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:
- energy policy, markets, and technology, particularly in renewables and distributed generation;
- energy efficiency, demand response, and electrification;
- sustainability planning and implementation, including climate action and emission reduction plans and programs, greenhouse gas/carbon emissions inventory and reporting, energy use curtailment, green building; or
- utility, public utility commission, or regulatory work.
When determining experience for preferred qualifications and entrance requirements, candidates should consider all their experience (work experience, internships, volunteer work, etc.).
REMARKS
Candidate must submit a cover letter, and may be asked for a writing sample.
EPD staff are currently on a hybrid schedule, working partly from home. Schedule will be finalized upon hire.
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.
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
: Environmental and Energy
Agency
: Department of Public Utilities
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift
: Day
Job Posting
: Nov 16, 2022, 12:28:54 PM
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