Regulatory Affairs Intern

38 Columbia Gas of Virginia Inc; Town of Chester (NY); On-site; USD 23,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource offers a 12-week summer internship in Chester, VA for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027. The program explores how government policy and regulation affect utility operations and customer outcomes.

Responsibilities include monitoring SCC proceedings, researching regulatory issues, preparing filings, and supporting cross-functional regulatory initiatives. The role emphasizes written and analytical skills and requires U.S. work authorization.

Qualifications

• Must be a rising junior or senior – enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Communications, Law/pre-Law, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and summarize activities of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), Virginia General Assembly, and relevant federal regulatory agencies.
• Conduct research on regulatory, legislative, and policy issues affecting utility operations and customer programs.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of regulatory filings, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Support regulatory proceedings by gathering data, tracking case activity, and summarizing Commission orders and regulatory developments.
• Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy changes and prepare impact summaries for internal stakeholders.
• Assist with compliance tracking and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Prepare presentations, reports, briefing materials, and executive summaries.
• Maintain regulatory records, filing systems, and data repositories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect information and support regulatory initiatives.
• Participate in special projects involving utility regulation, customer programs, broadband deployment, renewable energy policy, infrastructure investment, and economic development initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research abilities

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Communications, Law/Pre-Law, Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is interested in how government policy and regulation impact critical infrastructure, utility services, and customer outcomes. They possess strong analytical skills, enjoy researching complex issues, and are eager to learn about the intersection of public policy, business strategy, and utility operations.

Program Details

This is a 12-week summer internship program starting in May 2027, for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027. The role is based in Chester, Virginia. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location to be eligible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and summarize activities of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), Virginia General Assembly, and relevant federal regulatory agencies.
• Conduct research on regulatory, legislative, and policy issues affecting utility operations and customer programs.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of regulatory filings, reports, and supporting documentation.
• Support regulatory proceedings by gathering data, tracking case activity, and summarizing Commission orders and regulatory developments.
• Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy changes and prepare impact summaries for internal stakeholders.
• Assist with compliance tracking and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Prepare presentations, reports, briefing materials, and executive summaries.
• Maintain regulatory records, filing systems, and data repositories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect information and support regulatory initiatives.
• Participate in special projects involving utility regulation, customer programs, broadband deployment, renewable energy policy, infrastructure investment, and economic development initiatives.

Learning Opportunities

• Virginia State Corporation Commission proceedings and processes
• Utility regulatory strategy and compliance
• Legislative and policy analysis
• Utility rate and tariff concepts
• Broadband, telecommunications, and energy policy issues
• Regulatory research and stakeholder communications
• Cross-functional utility operations and business decision-making

Qualifications Required

• Must be a rising junior or senior – currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Communications, Law/pre-Law, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and research abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

Preferred

• Interest in utility regulation, energy policy, broadband policy, telecommunications, government affairs, or public administration.
• Familiarity with the Virginia legislative process or regulatory environment.
• Experience researching public policy or regulatory issues.
• Knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools such as Power BI.
• Previous internship or leadership experience demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

Desired Competencies

• Intellectual curiosity
• Professionalism
• Critical thinking
• Research and analysis
• Written communication
• Attention to detail
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Initiative and adaptability

As a public utility

NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners. We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320.

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish).

Salary Range

$17.40 - $29.30. The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Company Overview

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you'll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you'll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America's Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we've stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you're interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.