Prin Regulatory Compliance Analyst

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Principal Regulatory Compliance Analyst supports compliance initiatives for Consumers Energy, ensuring adherence to the standards and requirements of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Regional Reliability Organizations, Independent System Operators (ISOs), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Department of Energy. The incumbent is regarded as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and collaborates cross-functionally to develop reliability compliance policies and procedures through extensive research and analysis.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of procedures that define standard work necessary to meet NERC, FERC, and MISO requirements.
• Anticipate, interpret, and analyze proposed or new FERC, NERC, and MISO standards and requirements; coordinate enterprise-wide adoption as applicable.
• Oversee the review of compliance evidence and documentation for accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements; drive the development of action plans and risk controls to meet regulatory objectives within established timelines.
• Evaluate business unit processes to determine alignment with applicable regulatory obligations (FERC, MISO, NERC, etc.); recommend and oversee improvements as needed to achieve compliance.
• Lead the development and delivery of training and training materials related to FERC, NERC, and MISO compliance; promote a culture of compliance awareness.
• Manage responses to federal and industry-level alerts and inquiries regarding the company’s compliance programs.
• Lead risk control activities, review program procedures, identify gaps, and support implementation of process improvements and waste reduction initiatives.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for interpretation of relevant FERC and NERC standards.
• Ensure compliance through the use and maintenance of systems that track compliance activities, training records, required reporting, and regulatory changes.
• Participate in industry forums and discussions to help influence regulatory standards development and modifications.
• Lead and support the company’s compliance with applicable FERC regulations, orders, tariffs, and related obligations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to organize and interpret technical data.
• Ability to develop clear and effective documentation for regulatory processes and procedures.
• Sufficient understanding of business processes to guide subject matter experts toward compliant practices.
• Detailed knowledge of regulations within scope and ability to oversee procedure development to ensure compliance with FERC and NERC requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and compliant work environment by adhering to organizational policies and legal regulations; proactively identifying and addressing potential concerns.
• Strong planning, organizational, and continuous improvement skills.

Additional Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of FERC regulations and regulatory frameworks, which may include:
• The Federal Power Act
• The Natural Gas Act
• FERC Standards of Conduct
• Affiliate Restrictions
• Market behavior and market manipulation rules
• Market-Based Rate requirements
• Electric quarterly reporting and related reporting requirements

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Law, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, along with seven (7) or more years of experience in compliance, risk management, auditing, and/or utility operations. Experience with reporting, technology adoption, change management, and data analysis is required. Demonstrated experience managing technical, cross-functional programs is also required.
• [OR] Associate degree with nine (9) or more years of experience in the areas listed above.
• [OR] High school diploma or GED with eleven (11) or more years of experience in the areas listed above.

Preferred Experience

• Advanced degree or relevant compliance certification.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex regulatory requirements to business operations, controls, and processes.
• Experience leading or supporting compliance assessments, investigations, audits, monitoring activities, and corrective action planning.