Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DPU:

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA.

Job Description:

The DPU’s Rates and Revenue Requirements Division seeks applications for a Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II to support the review and analysis of utility rate filings, revenue requirements, rate design, and related regulatory matters. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex finance, accounting, economic, and policy issues that directly affect Massachusetts residents and businesses.

Position Overview:

The Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II will use their expertise to conduct economic analysis on regulated utility operations, capital investment decisions, and pricing to retail customers. The successful candidate will join the DPU’s Rates and Revenue Requirements Division, which provides in-depth, holistic economic, financial, accounting, and mathematical and statistical analysis on the regulation, practices, and programs of the electric, gas, and water investor-owned utilities as well as limited oversight of the municipal light plants in the Commonwealth.

In this role, you will utilize your technical and collaborative skills working with other industry experts to develop and formulate recommendations on energy and water issues. If you are seeking a rewarding employment opportunity that harnesses and grows your skills and talents, positively shapes energy and regulatory policy, and impacts the public good while collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals in a collegial work environment, the DPU could be your next exciting career.

A cover letter must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II applies a broad mix of economic and public policy skills in analyzing issues and cases before the DPU, and will work both individually and as a team member with other analysts, economists, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on a wide range of cases such as reviewing\: electric, gas, and water utility filings for changes in base rate revenue requirements and rate structures; other rate trackers and surcharges; and financing petitions. The position requires competency in cross-examining company and intervention witnesses. The position requires reviewing, analyzing, and preparing oral and written recommendations for the Commission on utility requests for changes in base rate revenue requirements, base revenue allocations, rate design, other surcharges, as well as financing agreements.

The Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II participates in all facets of assigned cases, including developing information requests, questioning expert witnesses during hearings, drafting memoranda and policy recommendations, as well as writing sections of DPU orders. The position requires excellent quantitative and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts in a clear and concise manner. Excellent oral communications skills are highly desirable. Incumbents of positions at Public Utilities Analyst/Economist II level exercise considerable independent judgment.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical support on matters such as revenue requirements, cost of service, depreciation, taxes, cost of capital and return on equity, ratemaking and rate design, grid modernization, advanced metering infrastructure, electric vehicle infrastructure, net metering, utility owned solar and storage, the interconnection of renewable energy, storm cost recovery/storm funds, pension and post-retirement benefits other than pension, vegetation management, performance incentive mechanisms and performance based regulation, gas system enhancement programs, revenue decoupling, and various other topics as assigned.

• Analyzes rate requests and finance petitions from utility companies; solves problems, devises techniques, and develops recommendations using existing precedent, guidelines, regulations, and policy goals.

   

• Methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations. 
• Give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner. 
• Work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision. 
• Issues data requests, cross-examine witnesses, drafts memoranda and sections of DPU orders, and applies mathematical techniques of economic research. 
• Responds to consumer, administrative, and utility inquiries. 
• Collects, compiles, and reviews economic data obtained from various sources, including other agencies and trade organizations, for economic analysis purposes. 
• Maintains major work contacts with professional and technical personnel, utility organizations, agency personnel, as well as other local, state, and federal agencies.