Regional Energy Program Advisor at Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Wayne State University; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Utilities Commission is seeking a Regional Energy Program Planner at the Planner Principal or Planning Director level, based in St. Paul, MN with some remote work and travel.

The role leads regional transmission planning and energy market activities and collaborates with state agencies and regional regulators to advance energy policy and docket management.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of work experience in electric regulation and economics.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical, policy, and planning analysis and advice relating to regional transmission planning and energy markets.
• Monitors, analyzes, and participates in activities of SPP, MISO, OMS, and FERC.
• Serves as an advisor to designated SPP and MISO lead Commissioners and other Commissioners.

Job description

The Public Utilities Commissionwill be filling one (1) vacancy in theRegional Energy Programat either the Planner Principal or Planning Director State classification level based on the education and experience of the successful candidate(s).Please make certain that your resume and application materials reflect all required minimum qualifications and experience as listed in the minimum qualifications for the classification level that you are interested in applying for.

This career opportunity is based at the PUC offices in St. Paul, MN with some remote work and travel. Candidates must be available to appear for briefings, meetings, and hearings in St. Paul and Eagan regularly. This position also requires out of state travel up to 20 percent of the time. This position is a hybrid work position with some telework and some in-office hours, dependent on the performance of the successful candidate and the business needs of the Commission. This position will be required to work onsite or in-person for at least 50% of scheduled workdays each month (including travel and off-site meetings).

Job Summary:

The Regional Energy Program Planners lead and coordinate the agency’s activities related to regional transmission planning, regional energy markets, federal transmission and energy market actions, and complex docketed matters coming before the Commission in close coordination with the Regional Energy Program Supervisor, the Regulatory Division Manager, andCommissioners.

Job Duties:

• Provides technical, policy, and planning analysis and advice relating to regional transmission planning and energy markets.
• Monitors, analyzes, and participates in the activities of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the related activities at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• Serves as an advisor to the designated SPP and MISO lead Commissioners and all other Commissioners on these issues.
• Assures managers, supervisors, and staff of all relevant units in the agency are informed of major regional and federal matters that impact energy policies and dockets before the Commission.
• Coordinates with staff at the Minnesota Department of Commerce and other relevant Minnesota state agencies on these issues.
• Helps coordinate and carry out complex technical and policy tasks relating to energy planning and markets, transmission infrastructure, forecasting, and other related issues.

APlanning Directorperforms the job duties of a Planner Principal at an advanced level. The incumbent leads complex technical and policy tasks and leads regional or national workgroups.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications for Planner Principal:

• At least 4 years* of work experience demonstrating the following duties:
  • Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
  • Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.

*Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience

*Master’s degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience

*Bachelor’s degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience

*Associate’s degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:

• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.

Minimum Qualifications for Planning Director:

• At least 5 years* of advanced work experience as a Planner Principal or equivalent, demonstrating the following duties:
  • Analyzing and advising on electric regulation and economics;
  • Experience and proficiency in translating complex ideas, policy issues, and data related to energy regulation and markets into useable information for decision-makers.
  • Providing technical direction to other staff,
  • Leading teams on complex technical and policy projects,

*Doctorate degree in accounting, finance, electrical engineering, economics, public administration, public policy, law, or related field may substitute for two years of experience

*Master’s degree in the above areas may substitute for 18 months of experience

*Bachelor’s degree in the above areas may substitute for one year of experience

*Associate’s degree in the above areas may substitute for six months of experience

Applicants who meet the above experience requirements will be further evaluated based on:

• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and analysis on complex issues, and to clearly and concisely present the results, both in writing and orally.
• Use of professional judgement in making recommendations to advance organization objectives and policy positions

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications for Planner Principal and Planning Director - State

• Additional work or educational experience on regional energy issues; such as resource planning, wholesale electricity markets, long range transmission planning, utility regulatory models and regulation.
• Experience with system modeling tools such as Strategist, Encompass, Plexos, or similar tools.
• Direct experience working with governmental agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders and regulatory programs.
• Thorough knowledge of state, federal and regional energy industry issues and trends.
• Demonstrated understanding of energy utility regulatory concepts and practices at state, regional, and federal level relevant to Minnesota.
• Ability to manage workload and multiple projects at one time.
• Understanding of conflict management and negotiation principles
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a reference check and background screening.