Energy Load Forecasting & Research Analyst

Position Title

Load Forecasting & Research Analyst/Sr Load Forecasting & Research Analyst

Des Moines, IA, United States

This is a multi-level posting. Candidates may be considered for any of the posted levels, depending on their level of experience and depth of expertise.

Load Forecasting & Research Analyst: The load forecasting and research analyst performs research and analysis for the purpose of load forecasting, load research, energy efficiency, cost of service, rate design, general rate cases and other regulatory purposes. This position supports the energy transition to net zero carbon goals by developing load forecast scenarios that consider electrification and other factors that may impact future timing of demand and energy.

This position is responsible for maintaining a statistically valid load research sample. This position is responsible for providing volumetric revenue forecasts for electric and gas customers for use in the company's annual financial planning process.

Sr Load Forecasting & Research Analyst: The senior load forecasting and research analyst leads research and analysis for the purpose of load forecasting, load research, energy efficiency, cost of service, rate design, general rate cases and other regulatory purposes. This position supports the energy transition to net zero carbon goals by developing load forecast scenarios that consider electrification and other factors that may impact future timing of demand and energy.

This position is responsible for developing and maintaining a statistically valid load research sample. This position is responsible for developing volumetric revenue forecasts for electric and gas customers for use in the company's annual financial planning process.

• Development of the peak demand forecast, electric and gas customer forecasts and the electric sales forecast. This includes the assembly and validation of historical information, the assessment and integration of the appropriate economic variables and the economic modeling of these inputs. This effort often requires numerous iterations and scenarios to ensure a statistically valid and reasonable forecast. Included in these duties is ongoing coordination of numerous inputs to the process.
• Responsibilities include presenting and communicating the forecast results to senior management and other leaders of the organization.
• Provide ongoing review of forecasts for validation purposes and development of modeling improvements. This entails monthly evaluations of the forecasted results compared to the actual results for the month. This evaluation and review is used to further refine and improve modeling techniques.
• This evaluation is often used for additional support for variance analysis reviews done for the company. This evaluation is often the prompt for ongoing enhancements to the forecasting process. These enhancements are evaluated, tested and researched throughout the year.
• On an ongoing basis this position is required to remain fully trained and educated on the capabilities and upgrades of the modeling software.
• Directs the development of load forecast scenarios that consider electrification and other factors in support of the energy transition to net zero carbon emissions goals and provides other technical analytical support for other gas and electric regulatory pricing functions.
• Stay abreast of regional and nationwide economic trends and developments and provide economic information as requested.
• This position is responsible to maintain an ongoing assessment of the current economic trends. This requires dedication to regular information available through company resources and services. In addition to the economic data, there is ongoing evaluation of weather data used for weather normalization purposes.
• Compile forecast filings with the state commissions and responses to data requests. The regular filings require the attention to assemble and transmit the forecast information in the manner requested. Data requests about this forecast information or methods utilized are often required.
• Provides load research support and testimony to energy efficiency for energy efficiency plan filing. Extracts, compiles and analyzes interval data for verification of data and responds to load research questions and requests from energy efficiency. Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning.
• Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

• Directs the development of load forecast scenarios for resource planning that consider electrification and other factors in support of the energy transition to net zero carbon emissions goals. Provides technical support for incorporation of those forecasts into resource planning models.
• Directs the development of the peak demand forecast, electric and gas customer forecasts and the electric sales forecast. This includes the assembly and validation of…