Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission), a leading utility regulatory agency, is looking for a talented Economist with utility or regulatory experience, who can make a professional difference in the Nation’s Capital. As an Economist, you will be involved in a challenging variety of utility regulatory projects, including: electric and gas rate design issues, ongoing economic analysis and monitoring efforts for electric and gas utility rate increase applications and $3 billion of infrastructure upgrades, electric and gas distribution strategic initiatives, as well as distributed energy resource (DER) programs, including demand response, renewable energy sources, energy storage, microgrids, energy efficiency, etc.
In this role, you will have an opportunity to interface with key stakeholders from federal and state agencies, including other state public service commissions, FERC, DOE, and the credit rating agencies. You will also interface with professionals of Fortune 500 energy companies, energy developers and providers, as well as regulatory professionals from across the Nation. You will have opportunities to gain significant industry exposure and unmatched professional experience as a member of a leading regulatory agency with a proud 100+ year history of regulatory excellence.
This position is in the Office of Economics within the Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis (OTRA) of the Commission. The Commission regulates the utilities and competitive companies that provide natural gas, electricity, and telecommunications services to District of Columbia ratepayers. The mission of the Commission is to serve the public interest by ensuring that financially healthy utilities provide safe, reliable and quality utility services at reasonable rates for District customers, while fostering grid modernization, conservation of natural resources, preservation of environmental quality, and advancement of the District's climate policy goals. OTRA advises the Commissioners on economic, accounting/financial, engineering, and compliance/enforcement issues in formal cases.
The Commission offers a competitive salary range, a generous travel stipend for public transportation, as well as an attractive benefits package. The Commission's benefits package encompasses a flexible menu of comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance options, as well as a strong set of portable retirement benefits and savings options. The Commission also offers attractive vacation and sick leave time, as well as paid holidays, consistent with District government provisions.
The Commission also seeks to optimize work-life balance through an attractive set of work schedule options, including: Flex time schedules, Teleworking options, and Alternative Work Schedules, available to employees after a probationary period. As an organization dedicated to professional development and learning, the Commission encourages staff to participate in regulatory and industry association activities, as well as educational and professional training. Tuition reimbursement may also be available.
Duties and Responsibilities
The economist performs economic and market-oriented studies related to the restructured natural gas, and electric industries in the District of Columbia. He/she will perform economic analyses of issues in gas and electric rate cases and other regulatory proceedings. Assist in preparing technical memoranda to the Commissioners in formal cases and other proceedings. Assist in analyzing and monitoring industry data and studies. Review tariffs and other filings to examine the economic basis and compliance with Commission orders. The economist will assist in clean energy-related efforts, including implementation actions arising from the Clean Energy DC Act, and attending working groups in various proceedings. The economist will prepare working group meeting minutes, as assigned.
The economist will assist in analyzing and critiquing industry data and studies. Review submissions received from utility companies and intervenors in formal cases, investigations, and filings. Monitor company compliance with Commission-ordered requirements in formal cases. Perform economic reviews, analyses, and research of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) related issues. The economist will assist in collecting information on renewable resources and assisting in the implementation of RPS rules and related legislation.
Professional knowledge of concepts, methods and techniques sufficient to provide technical consultations and assistance as necessary to promote enhanced economic advisory services information. Knowledge of and skill in the application of analytical and evaluative concepts, methods, techniques, and practices as needed in the review of regulatory filings such as Commission orders, FERC orders, and proposed rulemakings by state and federal administrative authorities. Knowledge of utility cost of service, rate design and other utility industry issues. Knowledge of Commission rules, practices, and regulations. Knowledge and skill in econometrics and use of database programs, statistical programs, spreadsheet programs, and word processing programs. Ability to identify and evaluate economic issues from complex factual situations. Research skills necessary in communicating precisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Qualifications and Education
Specialized Experience: Specialized experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Approximately one or more years of public utility experience in a regulatory agency or utility environment with respect to economics is preferred (internships and research programs included). Experience in economic analysis related to renewable energy and distributed energy resources is also desired.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics or related field with significant economics course work.