Regulatory Affairs Intern
About the role
The ideal candidate is interested in how government policy and regulation impact critical infrastructure, utility services, and customer outcomes. They possess strong analytical skills, enjoy researching complex issues, and are eager to learn about the intersection of public policy, business strategy, and utility operations. This is a 12-week summer internship program starting in May 2027, for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027. The role is based in Chester, Virginia. Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location to be eligible. As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
The selected intern will gain exposure to:
- Virginia State Corporation Commission proceedings and processes
- Utility regulatory strategy and compliance
- Legislative and policy analysis
- Utility rate and tariff concepts
- Broadband, telecommunications, and energy policy issues
- Regulatory research and stakeholder communications
- Cross-functional utility operations and business decision-making
Responsibilities
- Monitor and summarize activities of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), Virginia General Assembly, and relevant federal regulatory agencies.
- Conduct research on regulatory, legislative, and policy issues affecting utility operations and customer programs.
- Assist in the preparation and organization of regulatory filings, reports, and supporting documentation.
- Support regulatory proceedings by gathering data, tracking case activity, and summarizing Commission orders and regulatory developments.
- Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy changes and prepare impact summaries for internal stakeholders.
- Assist with compliance tracking and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Prepare presentations, reports, briefing materials, and executive summaries.
- Maintain regulatory records, filing systems, and data repositories.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to collect information and support regulatory initiatives.
- Participate in special projects involving utility regulation, customer programs, broadband deployment, renewable energy policy, infrastructure investment, and economic development initiatives.
Qualifications
Required:
- Must be a rising junior or senior‑ currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in: Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Communications, Law/pre‑Law, Engineering, Related field
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and research abilities.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
Preferred:
- Interest in utility regulation, energy policy, broadband policy, telecommunications, government affairs