Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst

City of Austin • Austin, TX

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. This position researches, analyzes, and interprets regulatory and electric industry trends related to regulation of the electric utility industry in Texas. Evaluates the impacts or rate structures, regulations, and the activities of regulated entities. Responsible for planning, developing and implementing Austin Energy’s strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas. This position will coordinate and assist with legislative strategies and regulatory activities and serve as coordinator across Austin Energy and the broader Texas stakeholder community for a wide range of ERCOT market and regulatory policy issues. They will also be responsible for aligning legislation and regulations with Austin Energy’s strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas. 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

• Knowledge of regulatory processes at the State, Federal, and Local level; revenue requirements; rate design; and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues.
• 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.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Economic, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus three (3) years of related work experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and federal level.
• Basic understanding of revenue requirements, rate design, and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues and basic understanding of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Familiarity with ERCOT market rules and experience operating in ERCOT stakeholder process.
• Experience preparing legislative bill analyses on electric utility policy issues in Texas.
• Experience preparing testimony for administrative hearings on electric utility issues.
• Experience in rulemakings and administrative processes before the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Ability to travel to one or more location.

Responsibilities

• Provides support for legislative strategies to improve Austin Energy's position in the electric industry including analyzing and drafting legislative bills.
• Reviews and analyzes data related to utility operations.
• Monitors and reports on regulatory filings.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the electric industry.
• Monitors and participates in meetings with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Monitors and participates in the State regulatory processes, including rulemakings, contested cases, workshops, and projects.
• Performs and reviews economic analyses of State and Federal operational and financial reports related to the electric industry.
• Supports expert witnesses in contested case proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Researches regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees