Utility Analyst

Do you enjoy evaluating technical data and identifying areas requiring further investigation? Are you ready to tackle complex challenges in the utility industry? If so, apply now! The Department of Commerce, Division of Public Utilities, is seeking a dedicated professional to fill its vacant Utility Analyst position. 

This position is eligible for remote work up to three days per week after a period of initial in-office training (some remote work may be allowed during training).

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

You will act as an in-house consultant on issues pertaining to the regulation of public utility service. You will be expected to work both with others and independently on assigned and independent projects.  A typical project may require a combination of analysis and research, including the application of cost or financial accounting theory and practices; auditing standards and practices; economic theory and modeling; engineering standards and cost modeling; and regulatory practices and theory. Common duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advising management on trends and issues relating to public utilities, including:
  • public utility regulation practice and theory
  • public policy
  • terms, conditions, and pricing of utility services
• Analyzing public utility and industry data and information for the determination of rates, terms, and conditions of utility services;
• Auditing the financial records and books of a public utility to develop earnings and cost recovery recommendations;
• Conducting independent and coordinated research for the purposes of establishing policy positions on a variety of regulatory or utility matters;
• Reviewing and analyzing state and federal utility filings, including results of operations reports, financial statements, and SEC reports;
• Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations;
• Preparing presentations, including written and oral testimony;
• Testifying as an expert witness in hearings before the Public Service Commission or other forums;
• Developing, preparing, and presenting economic or engineering cost, financial feasibility, and compliance studies or cost modeling;
• Preparing utility property valuations, cost of service, and rate design studies;
• Assisting in the reviewing testimony and case preparation (i.e., preparation of witnesses, pleadings, briefs, and arguments); and
• Participating in settlement conferences or other constituent discussions or meetings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At least three years of knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

Accounting,

Economics,

Engineering,

Finance,

Public policy,

Data science.

Law

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate technical data, identify areas requiring further information, and develop well-supported conclusions.

A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.

PREFERRED

Professional utility (telecom, electricity, water, gas, etc.) and/or utility regulation experience.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR TEAM

Public Utilities is a small division, so we will provide you with the opportunity for a close working relationship with our wonderful team and a true learning environment. Visit our website to learn more about our division.

This position is eligible for a rich benefits package, generous paid time off, and great work-life balance. You can learn more about the offered benefits here.

AGENCY

Department of Commerce is the licensing and registration agency for Utah's professional and business community.  We provide oversight of business registrations, trademarks, Uniform Commercial Code filings, professional and occupational licensing, consumer protection, public utilities, securities, real estate, and residential mortgage lending.

Visit our website to learn more about our agency.

BENEFITS

• Health Insurance - Public Employee Health Program (PEHP):
  1. 3 medical plan options. Choose a Traditional or High Deductible Health Plan. There is an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other medical insurance coverage.
  2. 5 dental plan options, with an Opt-Out Cash Benefit option for those that have other dental insurance coverage.
  3. 4 vision plan options under EyeMed or OptiCare
• Retirement - Utah Retirement Systems (URS):
  1. Employees who have any service credit with an employer covered by the Utah Retirement Systems prior to 7/1/2011 are in the Tier I Public Employees System.
  2. Employees hired on or after 7/1/2011 and who have never been in the URS retirement system have two options for retirement in the Tier II System.
     • Tier 2 Hybrid Retirement System. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary between both plans (pension and 401(k))
     • Tier 2 Defined Contribution Plan. Employer contributes an amount equal to 10% of your salary to a 401(k) plan only.
  3. Employer contributions to your 401(k) are vested after four years.
• Paid Time Off:
  1. Annual leave and sick leave are accrued at 4 hours per pay period each (4 hours annual, 4 hours sick).
  2. Annual leave amounts increase with years of service.
  3. We have 12 paid holidays.

Qualifications:

(Includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)

The ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.

A knowledge and understanding of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures;

A knowledge of research methods, techniques, and sources of relevant information;

An ability to organize and conduct methodological examinations to analyze or identify underlying facts, principles, or trends associated with information or data to draw supportable conclusions;

An ability to communicate complex technical information and ideas clearly and concisely;

Knowledge or experience in dealing with people in a sensitive, tactful, and professional manner;

An understanding of negotiation techniques and methods;

Experience using analytical or reporting software; and

A capability to work independently with little or no supervision.

English Language— Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

 

Supplemental Information:

Top candidates may be asked to participate in a writing exercise or submit a writing sample during the course of the interview process. 

Job Classification: Utility Analyst (#16512). Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

A description of the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Division of Public Utilities can be found in Title 54, Chapter 4a of the Utah Code.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.

Effective July 1, 2021, in-state work rules require all work to be performed while physically within the state’s borders.

DHRM rules apply for promotions/transfers.

Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.