Economist (PRC #4211)

New Mexico Department of Justice; Santa Fe (NM); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission is seeking a Public Utilities Economist in the Economics Bureau to support evidence preparation and presentations in utility regulation cases. The role focuses on financial and economic analyses including capital structure, ROE, and rate design, with involvement in energy procurement and grid modernization.

The ideal candidate will have education or experience in economic analysis, be able to communicate clearly in writing and speech, meet deadlines,

Qualifications

• Strong ability to express complex analyses clearly in writing and orally.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple analyses in a fast-paced regulatory environment.
• Effective collaboration with attorneys, staff, and external parties.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and present evidence and analyses in regulatory cases.
• Respond to interrogatories and coordinate information requests to support reviews.
• Conduct economic and financial analysis related to utility capital structure, rate design, and filings.
• Assist in renewable energy procurement, energy efficiency plans, and grid modernization efforts.

Skills

Economic analysis

Written and oral communication

Deadline-driven

Team or independent work

Education

Associate degree in Economics, Statistics, or Business Administration

Job description

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission serves New Mexico by ensuring safe operations and reliable utility services at fair, just, and reasonable rates consistent with the State's legal, economic, environmental, and social policies.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

Why does the job exist?

The Public Utilities Economist in the Economics Bureau plays a key role in the preparation and presentation of evidence and analyses in cases before the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. The position provides expertise concerning but not limited to utility capital structure, return on equity, debt financing, allocation of costs to rate classes and rate design. The Public Utilities Economist in the Economics Bureau also addresses utility renewable energy procurement plans, energy efficiency program plans, transportation electrification plans, grid modernization, community solar, and may assist in resource acquisition and abandonment matters, and other matters as necessary.

How does it get done?

Presentation under oath of both written and oral testimony as evidence, as well as cross-examination as an expert witness in a quasi-judicial setting. Preparation of responses to interrogatories from various parties in cases. Preparation of interrogatories to utility companies or other parties to obtain information necessary for review and analyses of utility cases. Coordination of and/or participation in team meetings to discuss and reach consensus on litigated issues in utility cases. Collaboration with in-house attorneys assigned to cases. Utility compliance review. Presentation of utility matters. Other responsibilities as necessary.

Who are the customers?

The Utility Division serves as advocacy staff to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission by representing the public interest in the regulation of electric, natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunication matters. The public interest, as defined by law, seeks to balance the interests of consumers with those of utility investors.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have education and/or experience with financial and/or economic analyses, generally, and preferable in utility regulation, specifically. The ideal candidate will possess the skills required to: (1) express complex matter clearly in writing and orally, (2) meet deadlines, and (3) work successfully in either a team environment or individually, and (4) have an interest in learning about a rapidly evolving utility industry.

Associate Degree in Economics, Statistics, or Business Administration and two (2) years of experience in database manipulation, statistical analysis, or spreadsheet and/or statistical software usage. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Employment Requirements

Drivers license and background check prior to hire.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.