The Public Service Commission has positions available for a Regulatory Economist I, II or III in both the Electricity Division and Integrated Resource Planning Division. Regulatory Economists perform economic and regulatory analyses, prepare testimony, conduct policy analyses, and undertake projects and studies for the Commission's consideration.

Regulatory Economists are expected to develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of Maryland's electric and gas industrial sectors, including financial and economic principles, regulatory and industry practices, business operations, legal environment, and customer behavior. The successful candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills, and strong quantitative skills.

Duties will include analysis of rates, tariff language, industry structure, regulations, and other topics as needed. Employees will testify as expert witnesses, make presentations, prepare written reports or otherwise communicate the results of their analysis in both informal and contested situations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR LEVELS II & III: Strong experience using spreadsheet applications to perform and present quantitative analysis is preferred and should be discussed in your application. Experience in the areas of rate design, regulated cost of service analysis, financial and cost of capital analysis, energy retail/wholesale market structure, energy efficiency and demand reduction measures is also helpful.

The incumbent serves as a Regulatory Docket Specialist to accurately and promptly docket filings that have been submitted in paper and electronically.

Evaluates each filing to determine the appropriate case and compliance with rules and procedures. Inputs data into Electronic Document System (eDocket) on a daily basis, including filings received via U.S. mail, hand-delivered, and received electronically on the Commission's website.

Assists in maintaining the Commission's records management system, which includes microfiche, paper, and electronic documents. Attends evidentiary and community hearings as a representative from the Office of Commission Secretary and the Commission.

Maintains and updates service and mailing lists; updates the natural gas, electric, and telephone tariff books; prepares transmittal forms and memoranda for documents scheduled for publication in the D.C. Register; and creates various forms, memoranda, and calendars, as needed, using software programs and the Internet, which serve as the platform for the eDocket system.

Processes public utility assessment checks and other Commission-mandated payments received by check; maintains a calendar of check due dates; and prepares transmittal memos to the Agency Fiscal Officer.

Through participation in industry, project and case teams, regularly communicates with and makes recommendations to OCC management on matters affecting the energy industries. Responds to sensitive inquiries from the Consumers’ Counsel, OCC management and staff, other government agencies, company officials, industry representatives, the legislature and the general public regarding highly technical utility matters.

Participates in activities dealing with competitive and regulated issues and policy development in both the electric and gas industries.

Assists legislative liaison with substantive issues associated with state and federal energy matters.   Represents agency in working with external organizations (e.g. NASUCA, NARUC, FERC, RTO’s, and NAESB), utility committees,  state and federal agencies, in negotiations, and at technical conferences and hearings.  Prepares written reports, analyzes issues, and presents speeches and oral reports of conclusions.

Advises the Consumers’ Counsel on federal energy issues.  Works closely with the attorney assigned to federal matters.
Provides training on highly complex technical issues and participates in utility case analysis. Provides expert testimony in cases or other regulatory proceedings to address issues analyzed by others or by one’s self.  May prepare specifications for consultant’s work. Reviews qualifications and work plans of consultants.  May supervise consultants.

Minimum Qualifications:
Completion of graduate program in Economics, Accounting, Finance, and/or Engineering; Seven (7) years experience in the utility industry; Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations and guidelines pertaining to utility industry; Knowledge of PUCO and FERC policies and procedures; Knowledge of wholesale markets, RTOs and transmission issues at the federal level; Knowledge of rate and/or tariff schedules, utility matters and/or case hearing proceedings; Knowledge of Cost recovery and/or cost adjustments and methods for designated utility industry.

If interested, please send resume to Attn: Human Resources Office, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, 18th Floor, 10 W. Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43215.  FAX 614-728-7498
 

The Maine Public Utilities Commission is seeking a Telecommunications (telco) Analyst.

The analyst will serve as an advisor to the Commission in regulatory proceedings involving the rates and the financial and service operations of providers in Maine.

Recent proceedings in which the telco staff has been engaged include the sale of Verizon to FairPoint and monitoring of FairPoint's subsequent financial performance and service quality; requests by a service provider for Commission authorization to offer local exchange service in the franchise territory of a rural incumbent carrier, and consideration of the regulatory status of VOIP service under state and federal law.

Experience in excess of 2 years in the telco industry is highly desirable, as is a background in utility finance, business, or telco engineering. Candidates must demonstrate superb written communications skills in the context of a highly specialized and technical field and previous success in working in teams comprised of multi-disciplinary professionals.