PUCT, Attorney (Attorney II - IV), Market Analysis

About the Public Utility Commission of Texas

The Public Utility Commission regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implementing respective legislation and offering customer assistance in resolving customer complaints. We are committed to building a highly skilled workforce. Our team boasts a wide range of expertise, from legal and engineering professionals to dedicated administrative staff. What unites us is our dedication to serving the public and our commitment to protecting customers, fostering competition, and promoting high quality utility infrastructure.

About Market Analysis Division

The Market Analysis Division oversees electric markets subject to competition. Market Analysis monitors compliance with rules relating to the operation of the retail and wholesale electricity markets within the ERCOT power region to ensure well-functioning markets, efficient prices, adequate generation capacity, and customer protections. Market Analysis supports the Commission's participation in a variety of proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to protect the interests of Texas Electric ratepayers and stakeholders. It also supports the Commission's participation in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Mid-Continent Independent System Operation (MISO) and Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) activities to protect the interests of Texas ratepayers located in the non-ERCOT areas of Texas. The Data Analytics team, established in 2023, works within the division to support and enhance PUCT's capability to make better, data-driven policymaking and rulemaking decisions. In addition, division tracks, monitors and reviews annual and semiannual reports, letters of credits filed by the REPs (Retail Electric Providers) to ensure financial compliance with the Commission rules.

Role Summary

The Market Analysis Division is seeking an Attorney, a position responsible for performing moderate to advanced professional legal work for the Market Analysis Division. Work includes analyzing complex issues related to electric markets with a focus on ERCOT wholesale and retail competitive markets and utilities regulation; monitoring ERCOT Stakeholder process for developing legal opinions; and participating in contested case proceedings, rulemakings, legislative analysis, and policy development. Work involves extensive collaboration with market economists, engineers, industry stakeholders, and other professional staff.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited law school with LLB or JD degree and licensed with the State Bar of Texas and eligible to practice law in Texas; and:

• Attorney II: Minimum of two (2) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney.
• Attorney III: Minimum of three (3) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law.
• Attorney IV: Minimum of four (4) years legal work experience as a licensed attorney, preferably in utility regulation or administrative law.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in utility regulation, administrative law, or electric markets.
• Degree in economics, engineering, business administration or public policy.
• Experience with litigation or administrative law experience as a licensed attorney.
• Experience supporting or advising on electric market operations, regulatory proceedings, or policy development involving at federal or state level including ERCOT, or other RTO/ISO organizations, or electric utilities.

Work Schedule

The PUCT operates on a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees may request an alternative work schedule in accordance with the PUCT's Alternative Work Schedule Policy. Approval of such requests, including any form of telecommuting, is at management's discretion and based on the business needs of the agency and the requirements of the position.

Newly hired employees are required to complete a waiting period before becoming eligible to telecommute:

• After thirty (30) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to one (1) day per week.
• After ninety (90) days of employment and with supervisor approval, a new hire may telecommute up to two (2) days per week.
• Supervisors may require new hires to report to the office more frequently if necessary to support training, performance, or business needs.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications. The salary of an ERS Retiree or non-contributing member may be 6% less than the recommended salary.

Benefits

The PUCT offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. For a detailed overview, please visit https://www.puc.texas.gov/HumanResources/Home/Benefits.