Energy Analyst - Electric Power Division

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is an agency within EEA and the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It also regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.

A cover letter referencing the correct position must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

Job Opening:
The DPU is seeking an exceptional Energy Analyst / Economist II to join our Electric Power Division ("EPD") team.

At the DPU, you will have an opportunity to influence investment in the electric grid in Massachusetts and help shape the Commonwealth's clean energy future! The EPD's primary mission is to ensure that the regulated electric utilities in Massachusetts provide their customers with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. Additional Department priorities include greenhouse gas emissions reductions, safety, security, affordability, equity, consumer rights, transparency, responsiveness, and public engagement. The EPD oversees and implements initiatives that encourage clean and renewable energy and helps implement policies and rules resulting from the enactment of the 2008 Green Communities Act, the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, the 2021 Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy Act, the 2022 Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind Act, and other energy and climate related legislation.

Responsibilities include:

As one of our Energy Analysts, you will play a key role by supporting, and in some cases, leading particular aspects of the following three broad categories of EPD-related issues and cases: (1) the provision of reliable, cost-effective electric supply to customers, including basic service, competitive supply, and ratemaking; (2) initiatives and activities aimed at achieving a more efficient, modernized, and environmentally sustainable electricity system, including energy efficiency, grid modernization, advanced metering infrastructure, electric vehicle infrastructure, net metering, long-term contracts, utility owned solar and storage, and the interconnection of distributed generation; and (3) supporting the reliability and safety of the electric system, including service quality and vegetation management. You may also assist in the development of new regulations, as well as the review of the environmental and cost impacts of proposed activities, legislation, and policies before the State legislature, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ("EEA"), and the DPU; and make recommendations to the DPU regarding its involvement and intervention.

As part of our team, you will work both individually and as a team member with other economists/analysts, engineers, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on multiple issues and cases. You will participate in all facets of assigned cases, which include: (1) reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties, (2) developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings, (3) questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings, (4) developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and (5) writing sections of DPU orders, decisions, and other correspondence. The position requires excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts in a clear, methodical manner. Excellent oral communications and presentation skills are highly desirable.

Our hiring team is looking for an Energy Analyst who is interested in diving into the weeds while also exercising considerable judgment on cases that the EPD works on. If this all sounds incredibly exciting, we encourage you to apply!

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review petitions filed by electric utility companies and provide technical support on matters such as competitive supply, basic service, ratemaking, energy efficiency, grid modernization, electric sector modernization plans, advanced metering infrastructure, electric vehicle infrastructure, net metering, long--term contracts, utility owned solar and storage, the interconnection of renewable energy, service quality, and vegetation management.
• Execute analyses and procedural steps and participate in discovery and the drafting of DPU orders, decisions, and other correspondence. Work collaboratively with EPD staff as well as staff and management from other DPU divisions, particularly Rates, Legal, Consumer, and Regional and Federal Affairs.
• Plan and develop regulations and guidelines for programs overseen by the EPD, and evaluate the technical merits of regulations, guidelines and programs to ensure that DPU goals are being met.
• Provide recommendations and technical assistance to consumers, municipalities, and other governmental agencies on regulatory and policy strategies, including impacts of competitive markets, rate design, infrastructure investments, incentive programs, and pilot data collection methods and strategies as well as the technical adequacy and impact of existing laws, rules and regulations.
• Review and make recommendations on the technical and economic aspects of proposed legislation and regulations on regulated utilities.
• Develop and recommend changes in the planning components of carbon emissions, energy resources, distribution planning and rate or incentive design policies.
• Represent the DPU and Commission in external meetings or stakeholder groups (e.g. MA-DOER, MassCEC), while following the established ex-parte rules and polices.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Directors of the EPD.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

• Methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations;
• effectively conduct research on the effect of energy and environmental policies on key stakeholders and Massachusetts consumers;
• give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
• work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually;
• give careful attention to detail, check work, verify results;
• write clearly and concisely, appropriately document sources, and organize work;
• effectively work on, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments;
• use sound judgement; and
• solve problems, devise techniques, and develop policy recommendations using existing precedent or guidelines.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

A preferred candidate would have some experience in the energy or utility industry in at least one of the following areas:

• Energy policy, markets, and technology, particularly in renewables and distributed generation;
• Energy efficiency, demand response, and electrification;
• Sustainability planning and implementation, including climate action and emission reduction plans and programs, greenhouse gas/carbon emissions inventory and reporting, energy use curtailment, green building; or
• Utility, public utility commission, or regulatory work.

When evaluating qualifications for entrance requirements, candidates are encouraged to consider all relevant experiences, including work, internships, and volunteer activities, to present a comprehensive overview of their backgrounds.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in the field of economics, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in economics may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.

II. A Graduate degree with a major in economics may be substituted for the required experience.

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in economics may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.*

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.