Policy Analyst - Commission on Electric Utility Regulation

The Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation is hiring a Policy Analyst to conduct research, data analysis, and support legislative processes related to electric utility regulation. The role involves developing recommendations for policy decisions and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in public policy or energy regulation. The position is based in Richmond, VA, with the option to work remotely at least two days a week.
About the position

The Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (CEUR) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Policy Analyst to join its team. The CEUR is a Commission of the Virginia General Assembly, established to monitor the implementation of the Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act and oversee the issuance of ratepayer impact statements for electric utility regulation. The Commission is led by an executive director and consists of fourteen appointed and elected members, including representatives from the Virginia House of Representatives, Virginia Senate, citizen members, and a representative from the Attorney General's Office. The members are responsible for making policy decisions that ensure the advancement of clean, reliable, and affordable energy resources for Virginia's residents, businesses, communities, and economy at large. The focus areas of the CEUR include the annual new construction and development of utility-owned and operated solar facilities, the integration of renewable energy generation into the distribution grid, and the assessment of the need for additional generation from solar facilities to meet future objectives. The CEUR conducts robust, independent, and nonpartisan public policy research and performance evaluation to guide the Commission's agenda and make policy recommendations that inform legislators' decisions. The Policy Analyst will have the opportunity to engage in primary research through interviews, fieldwork, surveys, and other qualitative methods, perform data analysis including ratepayer impact analysis, and develop actionable recommendations for CEUR members' consideration. The role also involves supporting legislative members and Division of Legislative Services staff in drafting legislation and budget language to enact recommendations during the legislative session, as well as representing the agency before legislative audiences and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will thrive in a team environment and will be expected to balance multiple workflows while managing tight deadlines. This position is based in Richmond, Virginia, and offers a flexible work environment with the opportunity to work remotely at least two days a week.

Responsibilities
• Conduct or engage in primary research through interviews, fieldwork, surveys, and other qualitative methods.
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• Perform data analysis, including ratepayer impact analysis.
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• Engage with stakeholders in various settings including in-person site visits, workgroups, and interviews.
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• Synthesize information from secondary sources such as other states' research and journals.
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• Develop actionable recommendations for CEUR members' consideration.
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• Support legislative members and Division of Legislative Services staff in drafting legislation and budget language to enact recommendations during the legislative session.
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• Represent the agency before legislative audiences and other stakeholders.

Requirements
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in public policy or administration, energy policy, or a related discipline; or a J.D. with an interest in public policy.
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• 5+ years of professional experience, including 2+ years of research and/or legislative analysis in a public policy, program evaluation, energy, regulatory, or legal field.
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• Ability to conduct research in a non-partisan, neutral, and objective manner.
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• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
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• Ability to synthesize and present complex information in a clear and concise way.
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• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
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• Ability to balance multiple workflows and manage tight deadlines.
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• Intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn.
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• High level of attention to detail.
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• Ability to thrive in a team environment.
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• Solid knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice-to-haves
• Knowledge of the energy system, particularly in Virginia or the PJM region.
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• Familiarity with Virginia's state government and legislative process.

Benefits
• Competitive salary ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 based on experience.
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• Flexible work environment with the opportunity to work remotely at least two days a week.
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• Generous and affordable health and life insurance.
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• Annual, personal, and sick leave plus 12 paid holidays.
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• Retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings and employer matching.