PUC Job board

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Division of Public Utility Regulation (PUR) seeks a Lead Utility Cost of Service Specialist interested in a rewarding public service career. The Division of PUR provides support to the Commission in its regulation of Virginia's investor-owned electric, natural gas, water and sewer utilities, member-owned electric cooperatives, and the telecommunications industry. To support the regulation of public utilities, the candidate selected for the Lead Utility Cost of Service Specialist position will conduct case investigations involving highly complex utility rate proposals, with a specific emphasis on performing analysis of utility cost of service studies and rate design. This position will also collaborate with PUR management to lead the development and training of staff on utility cost of service and rate design analysis.

Additional responsibilities of the Lead Utility Cost of Service Specialist position will include:

• Managing complex investigations of electric, water, sewer, and gas utility proposals for rate changes.
• Training staff on jurisdictional and class cost of service studies and rate design analysis.
• Conducting highly intricate jurisdictional and class cost of service studies of utility proposals for rate changes.
• Designing rates for each rate class to recover the revenue requirement.
• Investigating utility proposals to revise terms and conditions of service.
• Performing advanced statistical and/or technical analyses of utility proposals for rate changes.
• Documenting findings of investigations in reports and pre-filed written testimony.
• Serving as an expert witness to defend investigative findings at evidentiary hearings.
• Providing supporting analysis to assist junior staff on complex case investigations.
• Performing related work as required.

The Lead Utility Cost of Service Specialist position offers a hybrid work schedule (generally 3 days telework, 2 days in office as based on needs of the division) as well as a variety of professional development and training opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable professional experience in conducting cost of service studies for public utilities and designing public utility rates.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Statistics, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience leading, coaching, developing, and training staff.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public utility regulation.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, assess, and report the impact of regulations, procedures, and legislative proposals on utility cost of service and rates.
• Ability to conduct investigations and studies to evaluate company proposals, methods, and procedures regarding public utilities.
• Exceptional research skills with highly detailed analysis and strong reading comprehension.
• Ability to prepare and present testimony and reports regarding complex matters before the Commission.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain effective, professional working relationships with SCC staff and industry personnel.

SCC Information

Located in downtown Richmond, Virginia, the SCC is a state agency with regulatory authority over many business and economic interests in Virginia. More information about the SCC may be found on our website: www.scc.virginia.gov.

The SCC offers its employees rewarding, impactful public-service work; flexible telework options and work-life balance; and professional development opportunities. The SCC fosters a high-performing workforce with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and alignment with the SCC’s mission and strategic goals. Core benefits provided to SCC employees include competitive health and life insurance programs, pre-tax spending accounts, leave programs, and paid state holidays. Employees participate in a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. The state funds a short and long-term disability program.

The SCC regulates various companies and industries in Virginia; therefore, to avoid any conflict, employees are required to sign a Conflict of Interest Form and must dispose of any stock they hold in a regulated company or dispose of any licenses or certificates they hold in any industry regulated by the SCC unless otherwise permitted. Employees also shall report employment of household members by a regulated company.

The SCC does not provide employer sponsorship. We use the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

The SCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer, we value and encourage veterans and members of the Reserves and National Guard to apply.

The information you submit must clearly demonstrate your experience and qualifications as they relate to this position.  Interview consideration is based on the information submitted online. If requested, the SCC will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of accommodation in order to provide access to the application and interview process. A background investigation is conducted on the selected candidate as a condition of employment.

This position will be classified in the SCC Salary Structure as either a Grade P-14 and will be exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).