Regulatory Economist

State of Nevada; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) invites applications for a Regulatory Economist to perform applied economic research on utilities, forecasting loads, cost of service studies, rate design and testimony preparation.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or Doctorate in economics or related fields and has professional experience in energy or telecommunications regulation, with strong written and verbal communication and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, in

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, econometrics, finance or closely related field with professional level experience in energy or telecommunications regulation
• Doctorate degree in economics, econometrics, finance or closely related field
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

Responsibilities

• Perform applied economic research on utilities and related industries.
• Forecast loads and analyze cost of service, rate design, and procurement.
• Provide written and oral testimony for Commission proceedings and legislative committees.
• Review contracts, PPAs, and affiliate transactions; assess mergers and transfers of control.
• Develop economic analyses and recommendations for commissions and utilities.

Skills

Regulatory experience in energy/teleco

Leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in economics/econometrics/finance or related

Doctorate in economics/econometrics/finance or related

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

Job Summary

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Regulatory Economist. Must be highly professional, well-organized, self-motivated, and possess leadership skills. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision as well as in a team environment in collaboration with other analysts, auditors, economists, engineers, and legal staff; compile and summarize information and prepare correspondence, periodic or special reports related to assignments; and contribute effectively to the accomplishment of the team or agency goals, objectives, and activities. Must possess skill in effective written and verbal communication; must be able to collaboratively or as a team complete writing assignments; required skills also include planning, prioritizing and executing timelines without the need for supervision.

Essential Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, econometrics, finance or a closely related field and professional level experience in energy or telecommunications regulation; OR a doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, econometrics, finance or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Duties

This position will be required to perform applied economic research on a wide range of matters related to the utilities and industries that the Commission regulates, which include short-term and long-term forecasting of loads, the billing determinates of public utilities, competitive policy analysis, market analysis, cost analysis, and rate structure analysis of various aspects of utility issues. Evaluate, analyze and interpret utility data such as load data to explain the impact of economic factors, weather, and energy efficiency programs on customer usage and overall utility loads. Evaluate and analyze a utility’s resource plan (including resource procurement and risk management strategies), provide an economic analysis and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utilities. Evaluate and analyze a utility’s conservation and efficiency plan and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utility. Evaluate a utility’s cost of service study and rate design and develop recommendations to the Commission and the utility. Conduct a rate of return on investment, financial and macroeconomic analyses to develop a reasonable rate of return and financing for a utility. Review utility contracts including renewable power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) and affiliate transactions and contracts. Conduct an analysis of a merger and transfer of control. Must be familiar with recent developments of the regulated industries (e.g., electric, gas, telecommunications and water and sewer) at the federal agencies as well as in other state jurisdictions. Conduct a study of a regulated industry in terms of competitiveness and efficient industry structure. Provide written testimony and orally defend testimony for proceedings brought before the Commission; and serve as an expert witness. Analyze issues and evaluate other parties’ written and oral testimony for accuracy, logic and consistency with existing Commission policy, state statutes and regulations, and write rebuttal testimony based upon analysis. May be required to prepare and present testimony to legislative committees. May be required to make presentations to various state, local and federal agencies. May be expected to perform additional job-related duties and to have or develop additional specific job-related knowledge and skills.