Job Specification Details

This is the third level of the Utilities Economic Analyst Job Series. It involves specialized analytical work involving a variety of major investigations and planning studies within the Department of Public Service. Assignments include areas of actual or potential policy issues and major operational decisions. Within broad outlines of assigned project, incumbent has wide discretion as to data sources, methods of investigation, and report presentation. Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant Director and/or Director of the division. Position provides guidance to Utilities Analyst 1 & 2 positions.

Plans, organizes, and conducts detailed investigations or performs specialized analytical assignments of critical importance and in support of the State's Twenty-Year Electric Power Plan and Comprehensive Energy Plan. Areas of study may include, but are not limited to the following:

Analysis of utility proposals for new generating or distribution facilities including economic, environmental, and technological considerations.

Analysis of state and regional electric transmission planning policies and their impacts on Vermont, as well as analysis of non-transmission alternatives.

Assistance in determining the future requirements of energy in the state, including the impacts and potential of electric and thermal efficiency.

Review and analysis of the potential contribution of emerging technologies on energy needs and supply; and

Review of regulatory proposals for economic, environmental, and technological, implications.

Assists in negotiations with and regulation of electric utilities. Supervises the Utilities Economic Analyst II position and may supervise additional assigned economic, planning, and technical staff and consultants for varying periods of time. Organizes and prepares detailed reports on findings and recommendations. May present testimony before legislative committees and boards. May testify as an expert witness at hearings. Performs related duties as required.

Normal office working conditions generally prevail, with some required travel to sites and meetings. Some public speaking, attendance at public meetings and testimony before committees and boards is required. Evening, weekend, or overtime work may be occasionally necessary. Incumbents should have some private means of transportation available.
 

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of power supply markets and economics.

Considerable knowledge of the financial, institutional, and engineering characteristics of the region's electric power system.

Knowledge of both current and potential economic and engineering developments relating to generation and transmission systems.

Ability to master state, regional, and national energy policy issues relating to electric utilities, natural gas and other heating fuels, electric and thermal energy efficiency, and energy use in transportation.

Experience with data management and analytics tools (e.g., ArcGIS, SQL, Power BI) and awareness of data processing and computer capabilities as they relate to utility planning, finance, engineering, alternate systems, and cost projections.

Ability to organize and conduct major technical studies of complex utilities issues confronting the state, to draw appropriate conclusions and to present them in a logical and timely manner.

Ability to visualize cause and effect relationships between both tangible and intangible forces and conditions, particularly as they affect electric power systems and needs.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to prepare and present clear, detailed reports.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Bachelor's degree AND four (4) or more years of professional experience working in the field of economic or energy planning and analysis.

OR

Master's degree AND three (3) or more years of professional experience working in the field of economic or energy planning and analysis.

College degree in economics, engineering, or science.

n/a