COLA: Effective August 1, 2022, applicable to this position, Oregon Public Utility Commission will implement a cost-of-living salary increase of 3.1%.

The salary listed in this job announcement is reflective of employees working in a full-time (1.0 FTE) position. This position is part-time (.5 FTE), so the salary will be pro-rated accordingly.

Join the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) for an opportunity to make a difference implementing Oregon’s national leading decarbonization policies. The PUC is at the forefront of the state’s efforts to transform our energy systems while balancing the need for safe, reliable, and affordable utility services.

The agency is seeking to fill one part-time (. 5 FTE / 20 hours per week) Utility and Energy Analyst 3, Senior Energy Policy Analyst position in the Energy Resources and Planning Division. As a Senior Energy Policy Analyst, you will play a key role in regulations and programs affecting utility and energy development across the state and in the region by: 

• Using your analytical skills to assist other leads or lead the PUC review of utility integrated resource plans (IRPs) and procurement processes (RFPs) and other utility planning activities related to HB 2021;

• Ensuring gas utility planning and resource acquisitions are responsive to the State’s Climate Protection Program, which has annual targets and seeks to reduce GHG emissions from gas utilities 45% by 2030; and

• Conducting analysis of regional energy markets, resource adequacy, renewable energy and distributed energy resource programs and activities.

In this role, you will utilize your technical analysis, written and verbal communication, and collaboration skills to develop and formulate recommendations on emerging energy issues affecting people and businesses. You will provide expertise on a range of issues, such as competition in energy supply, decarbonization, and the alignment of utility activities with the public interest.

If you are seeking a rewarding employment opportunity that harnesses your existing skills and talents while establishing or growing your experience in energy policy, as Oregon transitions to a more sustainable system, the PUC could be your next exciting career. Apply now to positively shape Oregon energy policy and impact the public good, all while collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals in a collegial work environment!

PUC Overview:

Celebrating more than 150 years of history, the work of the PUC impacts nearly every household throughout the state. The agency’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest to arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, and independent decisions supported by fact and law. The PUC is responsible for just and reasonable pricing by the Oregon's investor-owned electric, natural gas, and telephone utilities, as well as select water companies via economic regulation.

This is done through robust analysis and independent decision-making conducted in an open and fair quasi-judicial hearings process. 

Our office is located in downtown Salem, in close proximity to the State Capitol, and we maintain a Portland satellite office.

Hybrid-Remote Work:

Hybrid-Remote work promotes the health and safety of Oregonians, decreases the agency’s impact on the environment and supports flexibility and work-life balance for PUC staff.

The duties of this position may be performed remotely, at our central office in Salem, and at the PUC’s Portland satellite office. The ability to report to Salem and Portland is required when business or operational needs are necessary for onsite activities.

Hybrid-Remote work may be provided to PUC staff in accordance with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), “Working Remotely” statewide HR policy. Currently, employees may request approval for hybrid-remote work (generally from the employee’s personal residence). Requests are evaluated based on the agency’s business needs.

The PUC has stable funding through an assessment levied on the regulated natural gas, electric, telecommunication, and water utilities. We pride ourselves in being a great place to work, learn, and grow professionally. As a State of Oregon agency, we offer:

• Competitive benefit plans;

• Eleven (11) paid holidays per year, personal business leave, vacation leave, sick leave and many other benefits; and

• Flexible work schedules.

More information about the Oregon Public Utility Commission can be found online at: www.oregon.gov/PUC

What You Will Do as Senior Energy Policy Analyst:

As the Senior Energy Policy Analyst, you will conduct a wide range of applied research, financial modeling, writing, meeting facilitation, and public presentations related to Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs). An IRP presents a utility’s current plan to meet the future energy and capacity needs through a “least-cost, least-risk” portfolio of resources that meet Oregon laws and rules. The Commission’s planning activities also form the primary tool to ensure decarbonization of energy happens in a cost-effective manner. In addition to planning, you will conduct analysis, writing, and other activities to assist the Commissioners in making business and policy decisions, including those related to how individual companies meet greenhouse gas emission reductions while minimizing costs.  For more information, please see:  www.oregon.gov/puc/utilities/Pages/Energy-Planning.aspx

Senior Energy Policy Analysts lead and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to inform PUC Commissioners, agency leadership, and other organizations through financial, econometric analysis, energy market analysis, and well-crafted written and oral presentations and recommendations. They serve as a technical and policy experts on diverse regulatory matters and perform analysis related to utility plans primarily focused on:

• Review and analysis of planning and financial models that consider varying forecasts of the future to optimize resource operation, acquisition, and risks faced by utility customers under various supply and demand side portfolios of energy resources;

• Development and defense of technical analysis on a host of issues related to planning and resource acquisitions for which the utility incurs different costs to serve;

• Review of forecasts and development of alternative forecasts of utility costs and risks faced by utility customers under various portfolios of energy resources (e.g., wind, solar, geothermal, etc.);

• Analysis of present and past issues and party positions in complex regulatory and policy cases and developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of future energy choices;

• Leading engagement processes that broaden stakeholder participation, inclusion, and diversity in key policy development efforts; and

• Communicating findings and recommendations through clear, concise, and well written comments, memos, and whitepapers; present and defend recommendations before various audiences including the PUC’s Commissioners.

What’s in it for You:

• Build upon your current skills to become an energy industry expert

• Play a crucial role in shaping Oregon’s decarbonization policies, protecting Oregon ratepayers, while balancing the competing demands of industry and stakeholders

• Work in public service with professionals who are passionate about energy and climate policy, economics, and protecting customers

What we are looking for:

A skilled professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Finance, Economics or a closely related field, and four years of professional-level experience in Public Policy, Finance, or Economics;

OR

Seven years of work experience in Public Policy, Finance, Economics or a closely related field, and four years of professional-level experience in Public Policy, Finance, or Economics; four of which must have been at a professional level.

A Master's degree in Public Policy, Finance, Economics or a closely-related field, will substitute for one year of the professional-level work experience.

A Juris Doctorate or a Doctoral degree in Public Policy, Finance, Economics, or a closely-related field, will substitute for two years of the professional-level work experience.

The most competitive candidates will demonstrate the following requested skills:

(Note: You do not need to have education or work experience related to all the following requested skills to be considered for this position.)

• A Juris Doctorate or graduate-level degree in Finance, Economics, or Public Policy;

• Work experience utilizing analytical skills to conduct complex economic, financial, statistical, or mathematical analysis;

• Work experience that demonstrates the ability to conduct independent research on a complex policy or technical topic areas and quickly comprehend the concept(s);

• Work experience or education that demonstrates an ability to learn and quickly come up to speed on complex matters related to energy utility regulation, in areas such as electric and/or gas utility planning and procurement operations, carbon markets, or resource valuation methodologies;

• Work experience that demonstrates the ability to independently compose clear, concise written recommendations based on quantitative and/or qualitative analysis;

• Work experience that demonstrates the ability to provide clear and persuasive presentations to decision makers;

• Work experience that demonstrates the ability to coordinate or lead multiple projects and priorities at the same time;

• Work experience creating and performing complex analysis using sophisticated Microsoft Excel spreadsheets; and

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Teams) and Adobe products.