Utility Analyst

State of Maine•Hallowell, ME

8d•$90,000 - $143,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) plays a pivotal role in shaping Maine's energy landscape. We are committed to serving the public interest by balancing access to safe and reliable utility services with rates that are just and reasonable for customers and public utilities, while minimizing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We are seeking passionate professionals to join our Electric Division and help us tackle some of the most important issues facing this industry. If you have intellectual curiosity, a strong analytical mindset, and a passion for solving complex problems in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this is a great opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful public service career. The Electric Division at MPUC is looking for people who thrive on critical thinking and evaluative analysis to help shape the future of Maine's energy systems.

Requirements

Candidates must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in finance, economics, accounting, business, engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field.
Critical Thinking & Analytical Reasoning: The ability to break down complex issues, ask the right questions, and approach challenges with a structured problem-solving mindset. You should be able to dissect filings, proposals and regulations, assess them from multiple angles, and draw actionable insights. Skilled in the use of Excel or other modeling tools for managing and evaluating data related to regulatory filings and utility performance is a must.
Attention to Detail: A keen eye for identifying discrepancies, inconsistencies, or overlooked details in filings, reports, or technical documentation. You should demonstrate precision in your work, ensuring thorough evaluations and well-supported recommendations.
Intellectual Curiosity: A natural inclination to dive deep into unfamiliar topics, seek out new information, and continuously learn. We want someone who is not afraid to tackle complex regulatory issues and who thrives on solving difficult problems. You’ll need to be comfortable with ambiguity.
Clear and Effective Communication: The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. You’ll need to present analyses and recommendations to diverse audiences—both technical and non-technical—and to stakeholders who may have varying levels of understanding.
Proven Initiative: We want someone who takes ownership of their work and is proactive in addressing challenges. Your ability to initiate research, seek out solutions, and ask insightful questions will be a key part of your success.
Time Management & Organizational Skills: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet internal and external deadlines across multiple assignments without compromising quality.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years of relevant experience in the utility sector.
Expertise in utility ratemaking, or accounting, electrical engineering, or regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Evaluate Utility Filings: Review filings from electric and natural gas utilities, such as requests for rate changes, grid planning proposals, and interconnection requests. You’ll need to assess these proposals for alignment with regulatory expectations, technical feasibility, and their impact on consumers.
Conduct In-Depth Analysis: Investigate complex cases by performing financial, operational, and/or technical evaluations. Your analysis will help guide decisions on whether utilities are operating effectively and efficiently.
Review and Synthesize Information: Collect data from various sources, including utilities, to understand underlying issues and to build a thorough case for regulatory action. Maintain detailed documentation of your findings and reasoning.
Research & Application: Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and Commission precedent to your analyses and recommendations.
Advisory Role: Provide clear and concise expert recommendations to the MPUC Commissioners, including drafting staff analyses and recommended decisions, as well as other legislative and policy reports that influence regulatory outcomes.
Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work alongside team members, external stakeholders, and utilities to gather insights and data, and to ensure that the regulatory process is thorough and well-informed.

Benefits

Hybrid Work Flexibility: Work remotely three days a week and spend two days a week in our office in Hallowell. (Must reside in Maine)
Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and growth opportunities to support your career advancement.
Career Growth: Opportunities to advance to Analyst II and Senior Analyst positions (included in salary range above).
Inclusive Culture: Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are both necessary and valued.
13 paid holidays
3+ weeks of vacation leave annually
12 days of sick leave per year
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by up to 5%.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums
Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes a percentage of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement – Up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Living Resources Program – Employee assistance program.
Parental leave: six weeks of fully paid parental leave for all employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.