Senior, Senior II or Lead Energy Economist

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

33d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Energy Economist is responsible for evaluating market rules and market performance to ensure SPP’s markets are efficient, effective, and consistent with sound economic theory. This position is also responsible for performing analysis of the SPP markets in support of monitoring for and prevention of market power abuse and market manipulation. Interaction with real-time operations requires rotating on-call responsibilities with other Monitors within the department. The multi-disciplinary structure of the group requires effective teamwork to achieve desired results. The position interacts with SPP internal departments, senior management, regulatory staff, and market participants. Energy Economists at this level are expected to manage individual work efforts and, depending on experience, lead or contribute to team efforts in understanding the economic theory that forms the foundation for metrics, analysis, reports, and responses to inquiries from the Market Monitoring Unit (MMU). Senior-level economists manage their own workload and support team initiatives, while Lead-level economists independently initiate and direct complex projects, provide guidance to MMU staff, and represent the MMU in stakeholder and regulatory forums with a high degree of independence and subject matter expertise.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics
• 5 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field (for Senior Level)
• Bachelor’s Degree in economics
• 8 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field (for Senior II Level)
• Master’s Degree in economics
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) preferred
• 10 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field (for Lead Level)
• Minimal travel required (0–10%)
• Expertise in energy market theory with particular emphasis in electricity markets
• Proficient understanding of microeconomics, including the theory of competitive markets
• Knowledge of electricity market concepts and ability to apply understanding in unique analysis
• Proficient at organizing, conducting, and analyzing technical and analytical studies and communicating results to diverse stakeholders
• Ability to manage or support complex analysis projects depending on experience level
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Flexibility and aptitude to function with constantly changing conditions and priorities
• Experience performing analysis using SAS, SQL queries, or another database analytical tool or experience programming in any comparable data-oriented environment
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree may be considered toward relevant experience (for Senior and Senior II Levels)
• Experience in econometrics, statistical analysis, industrial organization, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, or energy trading
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis of large data sets

Responsibilities

• Evaluate market results and conditions for market inefficiency and propose changes based on sound economic theory
• Analyze and review market data for indications of market power abuse and market manipulation through the development of ad hoc analysis and routine reports
• Analyze and review market data and operational decisions for indications of market design concerns and compliance with market rules
• Coordinate and communicate with SPP RTO staff, market participants, member companies, and the FERC regarding market theory issues and potential inefficiency of market rules and outcomes while maintaining independence
• Monitor data and reports as part of the Market Monitoring on-call rotation
• Facilitate SPP internal and external team/group meetings
• Maintain flexibility and ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
• Practice good organizational skills
• Independently develop projects, analysis, and new reports
• Promote training and development activities for other staff members
• Adhere to and enforce all SPP policies and procedures
• Lead highly complex market efficiency initiatives
• Identify and resolve risks to the markets monitored by the MMU
• Propose recommendations for inclusion in quarterly and annual state of the market reports
• Lead MMU staff in analysis and review of market data and operational decisions and propose solutions
• Identify the need for MMU comments in stakeholder forums and regulatory proceedings and lead development of those comments
• Serve as a role model in constructive engagement with SPP RTO staff and external stakeholders
• Develop presentation materials independently
• Respond to complex customer and external data requests
• Mentor, cross-train, and help develop MMU staff
• Independently lead initiation and development of projects, analysis, and new reports

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior