Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst

Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst

This position researches, analyzes, and interprets regulatory and electric industry trends related to regulation of the electric utility industry in Texas. Evaluates the impacts or rate structures, regulations, and the activities of regulated entities.

Purpose:

Responsible for planning, developing and implementing Austin Energy's strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides support for legislative strategies to improve Austin Energy's position in the electric industry including analyzing and drafting legislative bills.
• Reviews and analyzes data related to utility operations.
• Monitors and reports on regulatory filings.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the electric industry.
• Monitors and participates in meetings with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Monitors and participates in the State regulatory processes, including rule makings, contested cases, workshops, and projects.
• Performs and reviews economic analyses of State and Federal operational and financial reports related to the electric industry.
• Supports expert witnesses in contested case proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Research regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of regulatory processes at the State, Federal, and Local level; revenue requirements; rate design; and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues.
• Knowledge of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Knowledge of competitive business practices and analysis.
• Ability to understand and implement performance-based measurements.
• Ability to complete detailed analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to review materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, Economic, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus three (3) years of related work experience. Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and federal level.
• Basic understanding of revenue requirements, rate design, and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues and basic understanding of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Familiarity with ERCOT market rules and experience operating in ERCOT stakeholder process.
• Experience preparing legislative bill analyses on electric utility policy issues in Texas.
• Experience preparing testimony for administrative hearings on electric utility issues.
• Experience in rule makings and administrative processes before the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Ability to travel to one or more location.

This position will coordinate and assist with legislative strategies and regulatory activities and serve as coordinator across Austin Energy and the broader Texas stakeholder community for a wide range of ERCOT market and regulatory policy issues. They will also be responsible for aligning legislation and regulations with Austin Energy's strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas.

This position has been designated as a…