Job Description

Join the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (“DPU”) for an opportunity to make a difference in the regulatory landscape in Massachusetts!  The DPU is seeking an exceptional Regional Planner IV to join our Electric Power Division (“EPD”) team.  The EPD’s primary mission is to ensure that the regulated electric utilities in Massachusetts provide their customers with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost.  The EPD also oversees and implements initiatives that encourage clean and renewable energy and helps implement policies and rules resulting from the enactment of the 2008 Green Communities Act, the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, the 2021 Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy Act, the 2022 Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind Act, and other energy and climate related legislation.

As one of our new Regional Planner IV, you will play a key role by supporting, and in many cases, leading particular aspects of the following three broad categories of EPD-related issues and cases: (1) the provision of reliable, cost-effective electric supply to customers, including basic service, competitive supply, and ratemaking; (2) initiatives and activities aimed at achieving a more efficient, modernized, and environmentally sustainable electricity system, including energy efficiency, grid modernization, advanced metering infrastructure, electric vehicle infrastructure, net metering, long-term contracts, utility owned solar and storage, and the interconnection of distributed generation; and (3) supporting the reliability and safety of the electric system, including service quality and vegetation management.  You may also assist in the development of new regulations, as well as the review of the environmental and cost impacts of proposed activities, legislation, and policies before the State legislature, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (“EEA”), and the DPU; and make recommendations to the DPU regarding its involvement and intervention.

As a senior member of the EPD, you will assist the Director and Assistant Directors to coordinate, guide, advance, and review the economic, regulatory, and policy analytical activities of EPD staff in all facets of cases, which include:  (1) reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties, (2) developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings, (3) questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings, (4) developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and (5) writing sections of DPU orders, decisions, and other correspondence.  Our team will also need your help to coordinate such activities among EPD staff as well as staff and management from other DPU divisions, particularly Rates, Legal, and Consumer.

Our hiring team is looking for a Regional Planner IV  who is a great team player, can think outside the box, and is not afraid to dive headfirst into new and exciting challenges.  If this all sounds incredibly exciting, we encourage you to apply!

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee regulatory cases and planning projects undertaken by EPD staff by coordinating, guiding, and reviewing their technical, policy, and economic analytical activities. In some cases, particularly those that are complex or involve substantive issues, execute the analyses and procedural steps and participate in discovery and the drafting of DPU orders, decisions, and other correspondence.  Coordinate such activities among EPD staff as well as staff and management from other DPU divisions, particularly Rates, Legal, Consumer, and Regional and Federal Affairs.
2. Review quality of work undertaken and completed by direct reporting staff; and provide guidance in terms of organizing work, approaches to solving substantive problems, and effective writing.
3. Formulate and guide the analytical and investigative approach for cases and issues. Identify and organize the substantive policy and analytical issues that will be key factors in the resolution of the case.
4. Plan and develop regulations and guidelines for programs overseen by the EPD, and evaluate the technical merits of regulations, guidelines and programs to ensure that DPU goals are being meet.
5. Provide recommendations and technical assistance to consumers, municipalities, and other governmental agencies on regulatory and policy strategies, including impacts of competitive markets, rate design, infrastructure investments, incentive programs, and pilot data collection methods and strategies as well as the technical adequacy and impact of existing laws, rules and regulations.
6. Supervise the project management functions and needs of the EPD in terms of the technical adequacy of regulatory case and planning data in order to improve the efficiency of data systems for case management or public consumption of information.
7. Review and make recommendations on the technical and economic aspects of proposed legislation and regulations on regulated utilities.
8. Develop and recommend changes in the planning components of carbon emissions, energy resources, distribution planning and rate or incentive design policies.
9. Represent the DPU and Commission in external meetings or stakeholder groups, while following the established ex-parte rules and polices.
10. Other duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Directors of the EPD.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

Ability to:

1.  Methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations;
2. Effectively conduct research on the effect of energy and environmental policies on key stakeholders and Massachusetts consumers;
3.     Give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
4.     Work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision;
5.     Write clearly and concisely, appropriately document sources, and organize work;
6.     Effectively work on, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments;
7.     Use sound judgement;
8.  Solve problems, devise techniques, and develop policy recommendations using existing precedent or guidelines;
9.  Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others; and
10. Work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE 

A preferred candidate would have some experience in the energy or utility industry in at least one of the following areas:

1.   Energy policy, markets, and technology, particularly in renewables and distributed generation;
2.   Energy efficiency, demand response, and electrification;
3. Sustainability planning and implementation, including climate action and emission reduction plans and programs, greenhouse gas/carbon emissions inventory and reporting, energy use curtailment, green building; or
4.    Utility, public utility commission, or regulatory work.

When determining experience for preferred qualifications and entrance requirements, candidates should consider all their experience (work experience, internships, volunteer work, etc.).

REMARKS

EPD staff are currently on a hybrid schedule, working partly from home.  Schedule will be finalized upon hire.

Candidates may be asked for a writing sample.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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