Revenue Assurance Investigator

Duke Energy•Greenville, SC

About The Position

The Revenue Assurance Investigator investigates meter tampering, power theft, equipment problems, and other revenue integrity issues, including human error and discrepancies between actual and contracted kilowatts. The role identifies issues and notifies relevant Customer Delivery, Meter Engineering, Accounts Receivable, and Billing personnel. The investigator also provides ongoing training and feedback to field and office personnel on the energy protection program. This is a self-directed, mobile field role requiring safe and ethical independent decisions. The investigator must understand data from Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters to conduct efficient, well-informed investigations. The position requires thorough investigation and documentation of suspected current diversion, including evidence gathering, witness information, analysis of conditions, and supporting records. The investigator works with internal and external partners, law enforcement, magistrates, apartment managers and owners, and local officials to reduce recurring theft, address safety concerns, and support potential legal action. The role maintains knowledge of applicable state statutes, regulatory requirements, and backbilling procedures, and uses the SS9 mobile work management system to complete investigation work orders. The investigator communicates findings and instructions clearly, maintains accurate program tracking information, generates monthly effectiveness reports, and responds promptly to reports and customer concerns. The role represents the Company professionally and evaluates each situation thoroughly before deciding whether electric service should be disconnected. This exempt position is highly mobile, with work at various facilities and field locations and occasional onsite meetings after onboarding. It involves frequent outdoor work in varied weather and potentially isolated or undesirable locations, and frequent access to occupied customer premises to inspect equipment and facilities suspected of illegal activity or unmetered conditions. The employee must live within 50 miles one way of the posted reporting location. Travel is 15–25%. Odd hours may be worked to meet business needs, including investigations and ongoing surveillance.

Requirements

Associate degree in Electrical Systems and Technology; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and four years of related work experience.
Valid state driver's license.
Knowledge and experience with electrical metering and applications at voltages below 600 volts.
Ability to use the computer-based SS9 work management system to complete investigations.
Ability to work lawfully in the United States without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Ability to live within a reasonable commute of the posted reporting location, no greater than 50 miles one way.
Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting or carrying tools, PPE, and meters, and going up and down steps or embankments and working in cellars or basements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Eight years of related work experience in addition to the desired degree.
Previous electrical distribution, metering, or maintenance knowledge and experience.
Established conflict management skills.

Responsibilities

Investigate reports of meter tampering, power theft, equipment problems, human error, and other revenue integrity issues, including discrepancies between actual and contracted kilowatts.
Administer internal Revenue Assurance processes and comply with external regulatory and legal procedures.
Thoroughly investigate suspected current diversion, follow procedures, document conditions, gather evidence and witness information, and analyze findings to identify an appropriate solution.
Stay informed about methods used to divert current, including sophisticated electronic metering equipment.
Provide ongoing training and feedback to field and office employees responsible for reporting energy protection irregularities.
Compile billing histories, meter and customer information, pending orders, and other relevant documentation for investigations.
Maintain knowledge of state statutes, regulatory requirements, and backbilling procedures related to the Revenue Assurance Program.
Use the SS9 mobile work management system to complete investigation work orders and record pertinent information, fines, and identified losses.
Make safe and ethical decisions as a self-directed lone worker.
Coordinate with internal and external partners to reduce recurring power theft and mitigate safety concerns.
Build working relationships with local law enforcement, magistrates, and apartment resident managers or owners, and inform them about relevant safety, legal, and expense issues.
Compile evidence and documentation when legal action is being considered, and notify Corporate Security before legal action is taken once documentation is ready.
Respond to requests from local officials for information or investigations of suspected meter tampering or power theft.
Communicate clearly and constructively with coworkers, customers, leadership, field employees, and external parties, including giving clear instructions and written findings.
Maintain accurate information in residential and non-residential tracking and measurement systems and generate monthly reports on program effectiveness.
Complete de-escalation training.
Respond promptly to reports of obvious or suspected power theft and equipment integrity problems, conduct appropriate follow-up, and evaluate customer situations thoroughly before deciding to disconnect service.
Represent the Company positively and professionally.
Interpret reports used in investigations, become knowledgeable about reports from the non-residential tracking and measures system, and notify appropriate people of results monthly.
Work closely with Engineering, AMI Operations, Metering, Accounts Receivable, and Delivery personnel to resolve detected problems in a timely manner.
Inspect metering equipment, lines, and facilities at customer premises suspected of illegal activity or unmetered conditions.
Operate a company vehicle and carry or lift tools, PPE, and meters as needed.