ENERGY POLICY ANALYST

Job Description:

The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is seeking a Climate and Clean Energy Policy Analyst to assist staff working on cases and projects related to compliance with Rhode Island’s Act on Climate. Responsible for the oversight of utilities spanning electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater, and other businesses within our state, the RIPUC is at the forefront of implementing state policy in the public’s interest. The Climate and Clean Energy Policy Analyst will play an integral role working alongside a diverse team of lawyers, financial experts, and economic and policy professionals to address critical issues related to meeting the GHG emissions reductions mandated by the Act on Climate. Your portfolio will encompass a wide array of essential matters, including energy procurement, investments in clean energy initiatives, GHG emissions reduction strategies, and energy efficiency enhancements. The workload is categorized into three distinct areas: casework, special projects, and liaison functions.

Casework (estimated 60%)

• Review filings of testimony and evidence submitted by parties to identify issues related to GHG emissions and clean energy. This includes assessing areas like annual energy efficiency, demand response programs, grid modernization investments, new generation proposals, and policy-aligned ratemaking and rate design.
• Analyze proposals concerning GHGs and clean energy in alignment with RIPUC and state policies. Identify areas where the information in the record is unclear or insufficient.
• Develop well-structured questions for issuance to involved parties in cases to clarify key issues and to interrogate their positions.
• Identify and monitor information related to approved programs and investments. Maintain a thorough understanding of program and investment project designs. Lead or assist in tracking performance and outcomes.
• Contribute to the overall efforts of the RIPUC team by participating in internal case meetings, supporting public meetings and hearings, and handling related responsibilities.
• Draft documents as requested on various matters.

Special Projects (Estimated 30%)

• Collaborate in brainstorming, defining scope, and executing special projects aimed at advancing state policy within the RIPUC's jurisdiction related to the Act on Climate and clean energy. Examples include projects exploring the future of the natural gas distribution business in Rhode Island, battery storage markets and programs, and clean energy procurement studies.
• Assist in research to enhance project outcomes.
• Participate in stakeholder relations, involving communication, meeting preparation, facilitation, and the collection and review of public input.
• Contribute to the creation of materials supporting RIPUC's special projects, including RFPs, public notices, internal memoranda, and public reports.

Liaison Functions (Estimated 10%)

• Play a pivotal role in interagency projects by serving as a subject matter expert for other agencies' work, representing RIPUC staff, offering peer review, and facilitating information sharing and gathering.
• Attend public meetings linked to the Act on Climate and contribute as required.
• Contribute to a deeper understanding of state, regional, and federal programs related to GHG emission and clean energy that are pertinent to the RIPUC's jurisdiction.
• Assist in monitoring proposed legislation.
• Aid in responding to industry studies and public information requests.

Qualifications

• Creative and critical thinking
• Research experience
• Organizational skills
• Versatility
• Communication and writing skills

Preferred Experience

• Bachelor's degree

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $35.00 - $38.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35 - $38