Public Utilities Analyst - Energy Planning

The State of South Carolina is hiring a Public Utilities Analyst in Columbia, SC, to support energy planning and utility regulation. Responsibilities include analyzing utility filings, evaluating resource plans, collaborating with legal teams, and presenting findings to the Public Service Commission. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and involves coordinating with stakeholders while staying updated on industry developments.
About the position

The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) is seeking a Public Utilities Analyst in the Energy Planning Department. This role is crucial in representing the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation across various sectors, including electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation. The ORS also oversees the state's Energy Office, Broadband Office, Digital Opportunity Department, and has responsibilities related to railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety. The Energy Planning and Emerging Technology Department within ORS performs a variety of analytical, research, and administrative functions that are essential for the regulation of investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, as well as the South Carolina Public Service Authority (Santee Cooper). The Public Utilities Analyst will support the evaluation of electric utilities' Integrated Resource Plans (IRP), grid modernization efforts, distributed energy resources (DER), energy efficiency and demand-side management programs (EE/DSM), electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development, and other emerging technologies. Key job functions include analyzing and evaluating utility filings such as IRPs, grid modernization plans, DER, EE/DSM, EV programs, and Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) avoided cost filings. The analyst will also be responsible for analyzing capacity expansion and production cost models, forecasting economic supply and demand curves, and conducting resource adequacy studies. Collaboration with the legal department is essential for reviewing testimonies, reports, discovery responses, and other financial reporting. The analyst will prepare and present testimony and exhibits before the Public Service Commission (PSC) in formal regulatory proceedings related to utility filings or emerging technologies. Additionally, the role involves analyzing state and federal regulatory legislation and coordinating with various stakeholders, including professional consultants, regulated utilities, and government agencies. Staying updated on the latest developments in the energy industry and emerging technologies is also a critical aspect of this position.

Responsibilities
• Analyze and evaluate utility filings including Integrated Resource Plans (IRP), grid modernization plans, distributed energy resources (DER), energy efficiency and demand-side management programs (EE/DSM), and electric vehicle (EV) programs.
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• Analyze and evaluate capacity expansion and production cost models, forecasted economic supply and demand curves, energy and capacity projections, and resource adequacy studies.
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• Collaborate with the legal department to review testimonies, reports, discovery responses, cost of service studies, and annual revenue requirements.
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• Review, prepare, and present testimony and exhibits before the Public Service Commission (PSC) in formal regulatory proceedings.
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• Analyze and interpret state and federal regulatory legislation and proposals.
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• Coordinate and collaborate with professional consultants, regulated utilities, and various stakeholders.
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• Monitor the latest developments in the energy industry and emerging technologies.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance, economics, engineering, or a related field.
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• At least one year of professional experience related to the analyses or operation of electric or natural gas public utilities.
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• Understanding of regulatory principles and state and federal energy regulations applicable to investor-owned utilities.
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• Understanding of the design and operation of electric and natural gas generation, transmission, and distribution systems.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits