Senior Counsel - FERC

Duke Energy•Raleigh, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Counsel is an experienced attorney who provides legal advice and strategic counsel on federal energy regulatory matters, with a focus on FERC proceedings affecting PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. and Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. The role advises on RTO/ISO market rules, transmission planning and cost allocation, interconnection, rate filings, and compliance, and supports the Company’s participation in stakeholder processes and contested FERC litigation. Working under the direction of a Deputy General Counsel, the Senior Counsel handles defined legal matters and matters without clear precedent that require specialized expertise and independent judgment. The position supports regulatory compliance, advocacy, and risk management across electric utility operations, partnering closely with Regulatory Affairs, Policy, Transmission, Generation, commercial teams, and business leaders. The attorney also coordinates with outside counsel and industry coalitions as needed, managing complex, time-sensitive matters with strong judgment and written and oral advocacy skills. The preferred work location is Washington, DC; Charlotte, NC or Raleigh, NC may be considered based on business needs. The position is hybrid, with work performed remotely and onsite. Employees are expected to average at least three days per week in the office, or as otherwise required by the business, and must live within 50 miles of the stated work location. Periodic travel may be required for stakeholder meetings, hearings, and internal client meetings; stated travel is 5–15%.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
At least three years of relevant legal experience, including experience with FERC or wholesale electricity market matters.
Licensed to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction and in good standing.
Strong legal research and writing skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, persuasive legal and business recommendations.
Strong judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex matters simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Ability to collaborate across legal, regulatory, and technical teams and build productive relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a client-service orientation, self-motivation, and a strong work ethic; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Adaptability to evolving needs and best practices.
Ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Ability to attend FERC and other stakeholder meetings as needed and travel periodically for stakeholder meetings, hearings, and internal client meetings.
For the hybrid arrangement, ability to live within 50 miles of the stated work location and average at least three days per week in the office, or as otherwise required by the business.

Nice To Haves

PJM and/or MISO experience is strongly preferred.
Substantial experience advising on matters before FERC, including drafting and reviewing pleadings, comments, protests, interventions, and settlement documents.
Experience with PJM and/or MISO tariff provisions, stakeholder processes, and governance structures.
Experience with transmission planning and cost allocation, including regional transmission planning processes and interregional coordination.
Experience with generator and load interconnection policy and procedures, including queue reform concepts, and related transmission service issues.
Experience with wholesale market design, including resource adequacy, capacity constructs, congestion and market-efficiency concepts, and interaction between state policies and wholesale markets.
Experience with transmission and wholesale rate design, including formula rates and cost-of-service ratemaking.
Litigation and oral advocacy experience, including contested administrative proceedings and/or federal appellate matters.

Responsibilities

Provide legal counsel on FERC matters affecting the Company’s interests in PJM and MISO, including Section 205 filings, Section 206 complaints, compliance filings, technical conferences, and settlement negotiations.
Lead and manage assigned FERC dockets and related appellate matters, including drafting and reviewing pleadings and comments, developing evidentiary and legal strategy, coordinating internal reviews, and directing outside counsel.
Advise business clients on PJM and MISO tariff and market rule changes affecting transmission owners and affiliates, including transmission planning and cost allocation, interconnection reforms, generator deliverability and queue processes, resource adequacy, and market design initiatives.
Work with Regulatory Affairs, Policy, and technical teams to develop strategies for major transmission and market initiatives, including regional transmission planning, cost allocation, large load integration, and PJM–MISO interregional coordination.
Assess regulatory risks and provide actionable recommendations by monitoring RTO/ISO tariff revisions, FERC orders and initiatives, proposed rulemakings, policy statements, court decisions, and relevant federal and state developments.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including industry coalitions, transmission owners, and trade associations, on joint filings and advocacy positions; support executive-level engagement on matters with significant economic, policy, or reputational implications.
Draft, review, and negotiate agreements and other documents supporting PJM- and MISO-related activities, including transmission funding and cost recovery arrangements, coordination agreements, interconnection agreements, and confidentiality or common-interest arrangements.
Support responses to data requests and audits, transmission formula rate annual updates, and accurate, timely compliance filings; help maintain effective internal controls and recordkeeping for FERC-jurisdictional matters.
Build working relationships across the Company and serve as a trusted legal advisor to develop timely, practical solutions to complex regulatory issues.
Lead or serve on cross-functional teams, committees, special projects, and other assignments that advance departmental and business goals, including initiatives affecting PJM and MISO.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the electric industry and emerging issues, including large load integration, reliability, transmission expansion, and the energy transition.
Perform complex legal assignments using research, analytical, and writing skills; advise management on matters of some complexity that may materially affect business operations; research legal principles and precedents, consult outside counsel, draft and execute legal documents, and gather relevant case information.