Rate Analyst Journey

The Revenue Strategy team is excited to announce this hybrid role with an in-office requirement Tuesday through Thursday. This position will be filled at either the Journey or Entry level; if interested in the Entry level (#3122), apply separately.

About the Role

In this role, you will perform rate analysis, conduct research, access large billing datasets, and collaborate closely with Load Research & Forecasting, Budget Office, Information Technology, and Customer and Grid Strategy teams. Your work directly supports SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan.

Responsibilities

• Design, evaluate, and implement firm service rates and Board-directed economic development rate options by forecasting retail revenues based on current and proposed rates to ensure recovery of SMUD revenue requirements.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and apply sophisticated computer models for rate options such as net energy metering, unbundled time-of-use rates, contracts, and feed-in tariff programs; develop and test experimental rates for proposed programs.
• Functionalize plant in service investment and operating expenses; classify costs into demand and energy components and allocate costs to retail classes; evaluate the impact of alternative methodologies on cost-of-service studies.
• Apply and review marginal cost analysis in rate design and cost estimation.
• Support development of class load surveys, including sample design and selection, data collection and validation, and analysis to meet federally mandated requirements and support rate design.
• Design and implement end-use monitoring programs as mandated by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
• Represent SMUD before regulators, Board committees, management, the public, and consultants on issues regarding load research, market research, cost of service, rate design, and related subjects.
• Organize and conduct public workshops to inform and educate ratepayers and solicit responses to rate proposals; establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships with ratepayers and industry professionals.
• Interpret and evaluate rate structures of other utilities to maintain a competitive position in all rate classes and minimize customer bypass.
• Compose technical proposals and reports, including the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager's Report and Recommendation on Rates and Services to the Board; respond to difficult or controversial issues raised by management, the public, and the Board.
• Assist in developing and supporting rate recommendations with accurate financial analysis and rigorous financial, rate, or economic theory.
• Review analyses, reports, or other decision documents prepared by contributors or stakeholders and provide comments or additional analyses to improve overall quality.
• Assist in the development, prioritization, and evaluation of strategic initiatives, including rates and programs, while incorporating customer feedback and ensuring all impacted parties are considered.
• Serve as a liaison between workgroups and business units to facilitate business needs.
• Perform other related duties, including working outside typical business hours when necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, engineering, mathematics/statistics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. If no degree, seven or more years of relevant work experience.
• Three or more years of combined progressively responsible relevant work experience in financial and/or mathematical and statistical analysis, computer modeling, conducting research, and maintaining data in spreadsheets.
• Experience with oral presentations of your work to management and/or the public.

Knowledge

• Retail electric rates and related utility standards.
• Market research techniques, including data validation and correction.
• Business policies and procedures; interrelationships between business operations and relevant external entities.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations affecting financial practices; accounting and financing; budget practices.
• Fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for cost-benefit analyses.
• Fundamentals of statistics; project management techniques; methods and techniques to manage cross-functional teams.
• Methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and strategies for public speaking.
• Techniques related to customer relations and public interaction on sensitive issues.
• Safety policies, practices, and procedures; English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary standards.
• Microsoft Office Suite applications, databases, data governance, documentation, file organization, and Adobe Acrobat.

Skills

• Develop and maintain spreadsheets and sophisticated computer models in various environments.
• Develop and maintain analysis using financial or statistical information; access data using various database tools and software packages.
• Compile and analyze complex financial, operating, and statistical data independently.
• Interpret, evaluate, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.
• Gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; evaluate complex issues and develop or implement resolution alternatives.
• Compile and prepare technical, statistical, and/or analytical reports and presentations; summarize and present analysis results in charts and graphs using presentation software.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on sensitive issues; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures, and activities internally and externally.
• Work under close public scrutiny; communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Business, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of SMUD policies and operations related to generating, transmission, and distribution resources.
• Advanced Excel skills.