Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst Senior

City of Austin • Austin, TX

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing Austin Energy's strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the electric utility industry in Texas. This position manages and coordinates strategic policy for Austin Energy at the state and federal level, including federal and state legislative bodies, the Public Utility Commission, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. This position will work on various issues related to the ERCOT wholesale electric market, Public Utility Commission regulatory rulemakings, legislative analysis, and strategy. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, Economic, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus five (5) years of related work experience.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the State, Federal, and Local level.
• Knowledge of revenue requirements, rate design, transmission cost allocation, and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues.
• Knowledge of State electric grid market rules and processes.
• Knowledge of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Knowledge of competitive business practices and analysis.
• Ability to understand and implement performance-based measurements.
• Ability to complete detailed analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to review materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
• Advanced knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the state, federal and local level
• Understanding of revenue requirements, rate design, transmission cost allocation, and rate filing requirements
• Understanding of Texas municipally owned electric utility regulation issues
• Understanding of state electric grid market rules and processes
• Understanding of municipal utility finance and accounting
• Experience completing detailed legislative and regulatory analysis
• Experience preparing materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings
• Experience preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports
• Experience communicating effectively, orally, and in writing
• Experience preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication

Responsibilities

• Designs and coordinates legislative strategies with appropriate staff to improve Austin Energy's competitive position in the industry.
• Serves as Austin Energy's liaison with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the industry.
• Oversees, monitors, and participates in the State regulatory authorities’ processes, including implementing legislation, rule changes, workshops, and projects.
• Performs economic analyses of State and Federal operational, environmental, and financial regulations and reports related to the industry.
• Testifies as an expert witness in proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Oversees transmission certificate of convenience, necessity projects, and financial and economic analyses related to the industry.
• Develops and/or utilizes financial and/or econometric computer models for use in studies and reports.
• Represents municipal electric segment in State electric grid market participant process.
• Serves as liaison with the technical staff of the State regulatory agency and operator of the state electric grid.
• Provides research on regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

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