This position serves as a Senior Economic Analyst responsible for conducting advanced, independent economic, financial, and statistical analysis to evaluate routine and non-routine utility applications. Operating at an expert level, the analyst develops complex econometric, forecasting, and cost models to interpret technical data and formulate actionable regulatory recommendations for the Commissioners in both routine matters and highly contested utility cases. This position is responsible for making formal recommendations based on independent analysis, investigation, and research regarding all aspects of utility rate-setting. May provide expertly written and oral testimony in utility cases.
As a vital technical advisor to the Commission, this role monitors and evaluates utility participation in wholesale energy markets and organized electric grids, analyzing complex market rules, transmission planning policies, and system reliability to protect state ratepayer interests. The position requires a high degree of independent judgment and initiative to navigate conflicting policy considerations among competing economic interests. Modeling includes complex economic, accounting, and statistical forecasting, optimization, and cost modeling. Additionally, the analyst serves as a subject-matter expert on national and regional regulatory committees, prepares comprehensive technical memoranda, and may provide expert written and oral testimony in formal proceedings. This role requires both in-state and out-of-state travel.
Why Choose a Career with the Wyoming Public Service Commission?
Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities and MUCH MORE!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.
Advanced Economic & Statistical Research: Conducts and interprets original economic, demographic, statistical, and revenue-related research to analyze regulated utility conditions, market trends, and financial data.
Complex Regulatory Modeling: Develops complex economic, accounting, and statistical forecasting, optimization, and cost models to derive technical recommendations for the Commissioners regarding utility infrastructure, investments, and cost of service.
Market & Grid Evaluation: Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates utility participation in wholesale energy markets and organized power grids, including the impacts of regional transmission planning, capacity markets, and market rules on state ratepayers.
Comprehensive Technical Writing: Composes complex technical reports, articles, memorandums, surveys, and training materials detailing factual findings and potential solutions for issue resolution.
Rate Case Analysis: Provides independent analysis of regulatory issues and interprets data to develop recommendations regarding accounting, finance, economics, cost structures, and the derivation of rate designs in routine applications and complex contested cases.
Financial Auditing & Integrity: Conducts and reports on audits of accounting systems, program management, and operational methods of regulated entities to determine the accuracy and integrity of financial statements.
Compliance Interpretation: Interprets and investigates compliance issues regarding agency rules, state statutes, and federal rules, regulations, and statutes.
Hearing & Witness Support: Analyzes the testimony and exhibits of expert witnesses and assists in the preparation of cross-examination for administrative hearings and regulatory proceedings.
Commission Presentation & Support: Prepares technical memorandums and presents factual findings and expert recommendations directly to the Commission at open meetings and case deliberations.
Expert Testimony & Public Speaking: Evaluates and interprets complex results through the delivery of expertly prepared written reports, formal presentations, and oral testimony in regulatory proceedings.
Policy Navigation: Navigates complex policy considerations among varied and often conflicting positions and competing economic interests.
Committees & Workgroups: Participates in special studies or research workgroups within the agency and serves as a subject matter expert on various national and regional regulatory committees.
Professional Consultation: Consults with internal and external stakeholders regarding the access, methodology, and use of financial, economic, and regulatory information.
Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE:
Core Regulatory & Industry Knowledge:
Utility Industry Insight: Knowledge of utility regulation and the operational mechanics of the natural gas, pipeline, electric, water, and telecommunications industries. Skilled in financial, statistical, accounting, and economic analysis.
Regulatory Practices: Knowledge of utility regulatory practices, technical ratemaking mechanisms, procedures, and relevant Wyoming and federal statutes and regulations.
Wholesale Energy Markets: Knowledge of FERC regulations, open-access transmission tariffs (OATT), and the operational and financial mechanics of organized wholesale electricity markets.
Grid & Market Structures: Familiarity with North American RTO/ISO structures (such as SPP, MISO, PJM, or CAISO), including their processes for day-ahead/real-time energy markets and transmission expansion planning.
Technical & Analytical Skills:
Economic & Financial Analysis: Advanced skill in general business, accounting, management principles, and financial and economic analysis.
Quantitative Theory & Modeling: Strong knowledge of mathematical, scientific, statistical theory, and utility regulatory econometric modeling.
Data Utilization: Proficiency in utilizing statistical, economic, or accounting data to analyze complex energy market trends, congestion pricing, or utility asset dispatch strategies.
Professional Abilities:
Communication Excellence: Advanced skill in both written and oral communication, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
Critical Thinking & Agility: Ability to quickly assimilate new concepts and information related to changing utility regulation and ratemaking environments.
Project Management: Ability to independently plan work, take initiative, prioritize complex assignments, and consistently meet strict regulatory deadlines.
Collaborative Problem Solving: Ability to work effectively within a team environment to develop creative, innovative solutions and make sound recommendations based on informed judgment.
NOTES:
FLSA: Exempt
Supplemental Information
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Total Compensation Calculator.
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Finance)
Experience:
1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Economic Analyst
OR
Education & Experience Substitution:
4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Finance) with acquired knowledge at the level of an Economic Analyst
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
None
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position will require some travel, in and out of state.
The Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates the public utilities that provide services to consumers in the state. The three main industries it regulates are electricity, natural gas and telephone. In addition, the PSC also regulates some commercial water utilities and intrastate pipelines. It is the PSC’s responsibility to ensure the public utilities operating in Wyoming provide safe and reliable service to customers at just and reasonable rates.
