Director, Rates & Regulatory

Director, Rates & Regulatory

Position overview

Delta Utilities is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director, Rates & Regulatory to play a critical role in ensuring the organization’s compliance with regulatory rate and ratemaking requirements and support strategic initiatives related to regulatory ratemaking matters for natural gas utilities. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

This individual will be responsible for managing and leading the regulatory rates & regulatory analyst group covering multiple natural gas utility companies. The Director, Rates & Regulatory will support and lead base rate cases and other cost recovery filings in Louisiana and Mississippi. The position will be responsible for developing strategy and proposals to rate cases; overseeing the preparation of calculations, schedules and filings; leading collaboration efforts between operations, finance, legal, senior management and external stakeholders; developing and supporting testimony to be used in rate case and other cost recovery filings; preparing, reviewing and supporting discovery responses; and leading implementation of associated orders of regulatory bodies (New Orleans City Council, Louisiana Public Service Commission and Mississippi Public Service Commission). Main areas of focus will be revenue requirements requested in base rate, performance incentive metrics, and other cost recovery mechanisms that may be proposed. This position must be capable of testifying before the various regulatory bodies to support the Company’s proposals and positions on regulatory matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, teach and develop rates & regulatory team and lead cross-functional major workstreams, providing guidance to others (both internal and external to the group) and delegate work as appropriate
• Knowledgeable of and remains current on industry issues and emerging rules, and proactively addresses how these issues may affect regulatory processes, suggesting proper ratemaking treatment
• Able to learn, apply knowledge and analyze complex data, policies, procedures, laws and regulations affecting rate and regulatory reports, rate filings, tariffs and other rates and regulatory matters, assessing the potential impact and advising company senior management on the changes to the company’s operations and financial performance
• Lead the development and support for natural gas rate initiatives in New Orleans and the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, including preparation of complex regulatory filings
• Effectively and succinctly communicates complex regulatory and cost recovery concepts to broad and diverse internal and external audiences (Delta Utilities management, Delta Utilities Board, Delta Utilities customers, regulators, intervenors, etc.)
• Lead and develop expertise within the rates & regulatory analyst team to prepare expert testimony, provide oral testimony and represent the company in regulatory hearings
• Lead the analytical requirements for and preparation of general rate case proceedings (i.e. cost of service activities, rate impact analysis, and preparation of filing requirements)
• Act as an expert witness before regulatory bodies and in litigated proceedings. Provide expert testimony and / or coordinate the preparation of testimony by other witnesses on behalf of the company on regulatory issues
• Represent the company in regulatory proceedings, hearings, and meetings with regulatory agencies
• Identify potential regulatory issues and hurdles and propose solutions and strategies to overcome barriers
• Prepare and review proposed revenue requirements based on historical costs and appropriate proforma adjustments; develop, propose, lead the implementation and tracking of performance incentive metrics that help advance key policy goals
• Respond to or review data requests from intervenors; identify emerging trends or issues; coordinate with external stakeholders on the discovery process and collaborate internally to ensure resolution
• Leads and supports processes for the implementation of regulatory orders and the on-going monitoring of the orders to ensure company’s compliance with all rate related regulatory requirements, including the preparation and submission of necessary reports, filings, and documentation through continuous application of in-depth working knowledge of regulatory, ratemaking, accounting, financial, and legal concepts and standards unique to the natural gas utility industry
• Work with industry associations, regulators, and other stakeholders to influence regulatory policies in line with the company’s interests
• Develop and present policy recommendations to senior management and regulatory bodies
• Maintain accurate records of all regulatory activities, filings, and communications; report on regulatory matters to senior management as needed
• Work closely with internal departments on regulatory matters
• Provide regulatory guidance and support to other departments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations
• Engage with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and other external stakeholders to build and maintain positive relationships
• Serve as a point of contact for rate related regulatory inquiries and provide timely and accurate responses
• Participate in industry forums and conferences to stay informed of regulatory trends and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, accounting, mathematics or a related field.
• Desired: Master’s degree, CPA or equivalent experience is preferred

• 10 plus years of previous work experience working in the utility industry with knowledge related to rate and regulatory matters; creating and maintaining relationships with regulatory bodies; legal, rates, operations, sales and / or accounting experience in the energy industry; rates and / or regulatory submissions and filings; and direct interaction with regulatory authorities
• 7 plus years of supervisory experience in leading, developing and coaching teams

About Delta Utilities

Delta Utilities is a leading utility with a core focus on natural gas distribution. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly 600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as one of the top 40 providers in the United States.

In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/

Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or employment applicants on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.

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