Rate Analyst Entry

Sacramento-Municipal-Utility-District; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is hiring for an entry- or journey-level analyst in its Revenue Strategy team in Sacramento. The hybrid role includes training and progression through to the journey level, with responsibilities spanning rate design, load research and stakeholder engagement.

The position involves forecasting retail revenues, developing and testing rate options, and supporting public workshops and regulatory interactions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, mathematics/statistics or related field.
• 1+ years of financial or mathematical and statistical analysis experience.
• Experience with rate design, cost of service and public policy context is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participates in design, evaluation and implementation of firm service rates and Board-directed rate options by forecasting revenues and developing models.
• Assists in functionalization and allocation of costs to retail classes and conducts cost-of-service analyses.
• Supports class load surveys and end-use monitoring programs as mandated by the CEC.
• Represents SMUD before regulators and stakeholders on load research and rate design matters.
• Organizes public workshops to inform ratepayers and solicits feedback on proposals.

Skills

Rate analysis

Data analysis

Financial modeling

Public speaking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Excel

Databases

Adobe Acrobat

Office Suite

Job description

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The Revenue Strategy team is excited to announce the opening of this position. In this role, you will be performing rate analysis, conducting research, accessing large datasets with billing data, and working closely with Load Research & Forecasting, Budget Office, Information Technology and Customer and Grid Strategy teams. Your work in this area plays a highly visible role in SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan.

This is a hybrid role with an in-office requirement Tuesday through Thursday.

We are posting this opportunity for the Entry level along with our Journey level position. The department will be filling one position at either level. If you are interested in the Journey (#3120) level position you will need to apply to the position separately.

Purpose

Assists in performing research and comparative analysis of load, market, end-use and cost of service studies and conceptualize and design rate structures to ensure establishment of rates which meet SMUD objectives and revenue requirements, and comply with Board policies.

Nature and Scope

This classification is comprised of two levels: Level "E" is the entry-level where incumbents are provided formal training and/or certification for progression to the journey-level of the classification. The incumbent is promoted/progressed to the journey level "J" upon successful completion of all training and/or certification requirements for the classification. Incumbents hired at the entry-level are required to successfully progress to the journey-level within 18 to 60 months, depending on the length of the training and/or certification program. If an employee is unsuccessful with progressing to the journey-level they will return to last class held or separate from SMUD.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participates in the design, evaluation and implementation of firm service rates and Board-directed economic development rate options by forecasting retail revenues based on current and proposed rates to ensure proposed rates recover SMUD revenue requirements; developing, implementing, maintaining, and applying sophisticated computer models to achieve design and evaluation of rate options such as net energy metering, unbundled time of use rates, contracts and feed in tariff programs; and developing and testing experimental rates for proposed programs.
• Assists in the functionalization of plant in service investment and operating expenses; classify costs into demand and energy components and allocate costs to retail classes; evaluates the impact of alternative methodologies on the cost-of-service study; applies and reviews marginal cost analysis in rate design and estimation of costs.
• Assists in conducting class load surveys including sample design and selection, data collection and validation, and analysis to meet federally mandated requirements and support rate design; designs and implements end-use monitoring programs as mandated by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
• Supports the representation of SMUD before regulators, Board committees, management, the public, and consultants on issues regarding load research, market research, cost of service, rate design, and related subjects.
• Assists in organizing and conducting public workshops to inform and educate ratepayers and to solicit responses to rate proposals; establishes and maintains cooperative professional relationships with ratepayers and other industry professionals.
• Participates in the interpretation and evaluation of the rate structures of other utilities, as required by the Board, to maintain a competitive position in all rate classes and minimize the threat of customer by-pass.
• With guidance, composes technical proposals and reports such as the general manager's reports and recommendations to the Board and responds to difficult or controversial issues raised by SMUD management, the public and the Board.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, mathematics/statistics or related field from an accredited college or university. If no degree, five (5+) or more years of relevant experience.

Required Experience Qualifications

• One (1+) or more years of combined progressively responsible relevant work experience in financial and/or mathematical and statistical analysis, technical project management, computer modeling, research, and maintaining data in spreadsheets; and conducting oral presentations of your work to management and/or the public.

Knowledge Of

• Basic retail electric rates and related utility standards; research techniques, including data validation and correction; fundamentals of accounting, finance and budget practices; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses; fundamentals of statistics; project management techniques, methods and techniques to manage cross functional teams, methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and strategies for public speaking; techniques related to customer relations and public interaction on sensitive issues; safety policies, practices and procedures; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards; Microsoft Office Suite applications, databases; Data Governance; documentation; file organization; and Adobe Acrobat.

Skills To

• Develop and maintain spreadsheets; develop and maintain sophisticated computer models in various computer environments; develop and maintain analysis using financial or statistical information; access data using various database tools and software packages; compile and evaluate complex financial operating and statistical data on one's own; interpret, assess and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; summarize and present analysis results in charts and graphs using presentation software, collaborate with cross functional teams on sensitive issues; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; work under close public scrutiny; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Economics, Business, Mathematics, or related field.
• Knowledge of SMUD policies; operations related to generating, transmission and distribution resources.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers.Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform "substantially similar work," when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will bedeterminedby the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

CalPERS

SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit www.calpers.ca.gov .

SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.