Utility Analyst

Are you eager to tackle the challenges of evolving energy and telecommunications policies? Do you want to be at the forefront of protecting consumers in a dynamic utility environment? Are you ready to analyze complex utility proposals and advocate for consumer interests? If so, we want to hear from you! Become a Utility Analyst with the Office of Consumer Services and make a difference.
   
This position is eligible to telework up to three days a week after the initial training period. During the training period, the position is eligible to telework two to three days per week, if eligibility requirements are met.  
   
PRINCIPAL DUTIES
 You will act as an in-house consultant on issues pertaining to the regulation of public utility services. You will be expected to work both with others and independently on assigned and independent projects.    
Candidates selected for employment will have access to industry training to build upon a background in a related discipline and learn how to apply analytical and research methods in the specific field of utility regulation. Duties will include but not be limited to the following:

• Advising management on trends and issues relating to public utilities including:
  • public utility regulation proposals and changes;
  • best practices to protect utility consumers;
  • public policy (e.g., energy policy impacting utility rates, customer preferences for energy resources and management, energy infrastructure priorities and funding); and
  • terms, conditions, and pricing of utility services.
• Analyzing public utility and industry data such as results of operations reports, financial statements, and FERC and SEC reports.
• Conducting independent research for the purposes of establishing policy positions on a variety of regulatory or utility matters such as:
• designing utility rates to ensure fairness and reflect evolving public policies,
• planning and evaluation processes for selecting new energy resources (e.g., Integrated Resource Plans),
• energy efficiency programs,
• and/or regulatory accounting.
• Developing, preparing, and presenting complex economic or financial analyses such as RFP analysis, utility planning analysis, and/or rate design studies.
• Evaluating utility proposals from the perspective of the impact on residential and small commercial customers.
• Preparing work products such as formal memos, presentations, and/or written and oral testimony.
• Testifying as an expert witness in hearings before the Public Service Commission or other forums.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual with strong analytical and writing abilities who is capable of delving into the intricacies of public utility regulation and motivated to champion consumer issues. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently to research and analyze complex data, while also demonstrating a collaborative spirit in team settings. They will be a quick learner, ready to leverage industry training opportunities provided by the office to become a valuable contributor, capable of developing insightful analyses and clearly communicating findings through written reports and presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of experience or education in one or more of the following disciplines: accounting, economics, engineering, finance, public policy, or utility regulation.
• A basic understanding of the purpose and mission of the Office of Consumer Services.
• A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with or knowledge of economic, financial, or engineering modeling.
• Professional utility (telecom, electricity, natural gas) industry, regulatory, and/or policy experience.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

The Office of Consumer Services is Utah's utility consumer advocate, representing residential and small commercial consumers of natural gas, electric, and telephone service before the Utah Public Service Commission. This is an exciting and challenging time to help ensure that small utility customers are treated fairly in an environment of changing energy and telecommunications policy and evolving roles of public utilities.

Visit our website to learn more about our division.

This position is eligible for a rich benefits package, generous paid time off, and a great work-life balance. You can learn more about the offered benefits here.

AGENCY

Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community.  We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional and occupational licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate, and residential mortgage lending.

Visit our website to learn more about our agency. This job opening is within the Office of Consumer Services, a division of the Department of Commerce.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  • 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other medical insurance coverage.
  • 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
  • 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
  • Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
  • Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
    • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
    • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
  • Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
• Paid Time Off:
  • Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  • Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
  • We have 12 paid holidays.

Supplemental Information:

Applicants may be asked to participate in a writing exercise during the course of the interview process.

A description of the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Office of Consumer Services can be found in Title 54, Chapter 10a of the Utah code.

DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.

Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.

Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.