Utility Regulatory Policy Analyst - Austin Energy

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 96,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a regulatory policy professional to plan, develop and implement Austin Energy’s strategic plans related to regulation of the Texas electric utility industry. The role involves coordinating legislative strategies and regulatory activities across Austin Energy and Texas stakeholders.

Responsibilities include analyzing data, monitoring regulatory filings and trends, and supporting expert witnesses in state proceedings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Economics, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus three (3) years of related work experience.
• Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Responsibilities

• Supports legislative strategies and regulatory activities; analyzes and drafts legislative bills.
• Reviews and analyzes data related to utility operations.
• Monitors and reports on regulatory filings.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the electric industry.
• Monitors and participates in meetings with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Monitors and participates in the State regulatory processes, including rulemakings, contested cases, workshops, and projects.
• Performs and reviews economic analyses of State and Federal operational and financial reports related to the electric industry.
• Supports expert witnesses in contested case proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Research regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Utility regulation

Municipal finance

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork

Travel ability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitute

Job description

About This Position

This position researches, analyzes, and interprets regulatory and electric industry trends related to regulation of the electric utility industry in Texas. Evaluates the impacts or rate structures, regulations, and the activities of regulated entities.

Job Description: Purpose:

Responsible for planning, developing and implementing Austin Energy’s strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides support for legislative strategies to improve Austin Energy's position in the electric industry including analyzing and drafting legislative bills.
• Reviews and analyzes data related to utility operations.
• Monitors and reports on regulatory filings.
• Analyzes and monitors State and Federal regulatory and legislative trends as implemented throughout the electric industry.
• Monitors and participates in meetings with industry, cooperatives, municipalities, new market entrants, and environmental and consumer organizations.
• Monitors and participates in the State regulatory processes, including rulemakings, contested cases, workshops, and projects.
• Performs and reviews economic analyses of State and Federal operational and financial reports related to the electric industry.
• Supports expert witnesses in contested case proceedings and workshops before the State regulatory authority, as required.
• Research regulatory related issues, analyzes strategic alternatives, and recommends strategic policy.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of regulatory processes at the State, Federal, and Local level; revenue requirements; rate design; and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues.
• Knowledge of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Knowledge of competitive business practices and analysis.
• Ability to understand and implement performance-based measurements.
• Ability to complete detailed analysis.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to review materials to be submitted for regulatory proceedings.
• Skill in preparing and analyzing economic and statistical reports.
• Skill in communicating effectively, orally, and in writing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in preparing professional reports, papers, and articles for publication.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business, Economic, Public Affairs, or any utility regulatory process development field, plus three (3) years of related work experience. Master's degree may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at the state and federal level.
• Basic understanding of revenue requirements, rate design, and rate filing requirements.
• Knowledge of utility regulation issues and basic understanding of municipal utility finance and accounting.
• Familiarity with ERCOT market rules and experience operating in ERCOT stakeholder process.
• Experience preparing legislative bill analyses on electric utility policy issues in Texas.
• Experience preparing testimony for administrative hearings on electric utility issues.
• Experience in rulemakings and administrative processes before the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Ability to travel to one or more location.

Compensation Range:

The annual hiring range for this position is $96,180.00-$123,100.00

Notes to Candidate:

This position will coordinate and assist with legislative strategies and regulatory activities and serve as coordinator across Austin Energy and the broader Texas stakeholder community for a wide range of ERCOT market and regulatory policy issues. They will also be responsible for aligning legislation and regulations with Austin Energy’s strategic plans and policies related to regulation of the utility industry in Texas. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternative work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location:

4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Pay Range:

Commensurate based on experience and approved City of Austin pay scales & rates

Days/Hours:

Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work hours may change according to departmental needs. Work hours may include after core hours of operation, holidays, and weekends.

TRAVEL:

If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

VETERAN INTERVIEW PREFERENCE:

Military/Veterans must provide a copy of their DD214 verifying honorable discharge, at the time of initial interview to receive military/veteran interview preference.

CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK:

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 7-year criminal history background check.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

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