Senior, Senior II, or Lead Energy Economist (Remote Eligible)

Southwest Power Pool • Little Rock, AR

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

SPP is seeking an Energy Economist to shape the economic framework that governs SPP's electricity market operations. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders, SPP teams, member companies, and the larger Markets team to develop, evaluate, and refine market design principles and rules for the SPP region. Market Design Economists conduct economic analysis to assess the effectiveness of current market mechanisms, identify opportunities for improvements in efficiency, reliability, and transparency, and evaluate proposed market design changes, regulatory policies, and market-based solutions to emerging challenges. They utilize quantitative and econometric techniques to analyze market data, identify trends, and provide insights into participant behavior and overall market performance. All levels lend expertise across Market Design and Markets, with higher levels expected to independently recommend market design changes, develop market metrics, manage complex analysis projects, and support stakeholder engagement at an advanced level.

Requirements

• Senior Energy Economist: 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. An advanced degree in a related field may be considered toward relevant years of experience.
• Senior Energy Economist II: 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; or an advanced degree in a related field may be considered toward relevant years of experience.
• Lead Energy Economist: Master’s Degree in economics, 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; or an advanced degree in a related field may be considered toward relevant years of experience.
• Proficient at organizing and conducting technical and analytical studies (Higher level required for Senior II, Lead).
• Knowledge of electricity market concepts (Higher level of understanding required for Senior II, Lead).
• Ability to support cross-team/multi-team initiatives and manage market design components of complex projects.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competence with communication and data handling software.
• Ability to function with constantly changing priorities.
• Proficiency in business acumen and professional conduct.
• Expertise in market theory with emphasis in electricity markets.
• Proficient understanding of microeconomics (Higher level of understanding required for Senior II, Lead).
• Experience performing analysis using SAS, SQL, R, STATA, Python, MATLAB, or comparable tools.
• Ability to recognize and address strategic issues important to Market Design (Senior II, Lead).
• Proficient at organizing and conducting complex analytical studies (Senior II, Lead).
• Skilled at analyzing complex issues and communicating results (Senior II, Lead).
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in one or more of the following: econometrics, statistical analysis, industrial organization, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, or energy trading.
• Experience with manipulation and analysis of large data sets.
• Experience with data visualization tools.
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) in economics or closely related field.
• Master’s Degree in economics or closely related field (Preferred Qualifications for Senior and Senior II levels).

Responsibilities

• Understand organized wholesale market designs and SPP’s market rules and apply this knowledge to key business functions.
• Coordinate and communicate with SPP market participants and member companies regarding SPP markets.
• Analyze and review market data for market weaknesses and inefficiencies through ad hoc analysis.
• Research and analyze the design of other RTO/ISO markets.
• Document analysis and studies in written reports and communicate findings to internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate market design changes through the SPP stakeholder process.
• Provide technical expertise to SPP committees and working groups and support Working Groups as necessary.
• Support FERC filings by providing data and assisting in drafting letters and testimony.
• Review and develop education materials related to market design and support training of junior-level staff and stakeholders.
• Understand and comply with SPP Policies and Procedures.
• Support cross-team and multi-team initiatives and projects; higher-level roles lead or manage complex analysis components.
• Maintain flexibility to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities.

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)
• 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits
• Pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

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