Regulatory Economist-Energy & Environment

The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) is the Midwest’s premier public interest environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. ELPC develops strategic environmental legal and policy advocacy campaigns, advances climate solutions with a focus on clean energy, protects the Great Lakes and Midwest natural resources, and combines litigation, policy advocacy, science, and economic analysis. Headquartered in downtown Chicago with offices across the Midwest and in Washington, DC, ELPC has a $15 million annual budget and received the ABA’s 2023 Award for Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship.

About the role

ELPC seeks a Regulatory Economist with an economics, finance, or business background to support work accelerating clean energy deployment and protecting the Midwest environment. The role involves conducting complex technical and financial analysis for advocacy before state public utility commissions, legislatures, courts, and public forums, working with attorneys and policy advocates across the Midwest. This is a hybrid position based in ELPC’s Chicago headquarters or regional offices in Columbus, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, or Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an expert witness in regulatory cases and legislative hearings.
• Conduct analysis to review and assess the economic, technical, and policy implications of proposals advanced in regulatory proceedings.
• Develop high-quality presentations, white papers, reports, and other communication and education materials.
• Translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences and present findings in both formal and informal settings.
• Participate in coalitions, working groups, and collaborative stakeholder processes.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Finance, Accounting, MBA, or MPP with strong quantitative training.
• At least 5 years of experience in the energy sector or related field, including electric or natural gas utility financial/accounting issues, regulatory proceedings, grid planning, business strategy, or comparable professional experience.
• Deep familiarity with regional energy markets (FERC/MISO/PJM).

Skills

• Ability to analyze electric and gas utility business practices, including financial statements and regulatory filings.
• Experience conducting research and analysis related to utility grids, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy storage, and capability to testify on these issues in regulatory proceedings.
• Smart, self-motivated professional with a demonstrated record of initiative and success.
• Strong writing, analytical, and oral presentation skills.
• Interest in and aptitude for multifaceted public policy advocacy involving media, legislative engagement, policy analysis, and collaborative processes.
• Effective team player who works well with ELPC’s multidisciplinary staff, including attorneys, policy advocates, communications specialists, and organizers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a geographically dispersed team, manage multiple priorities, and meet defined deadlines.

Travel

10–20% domestic travel.

Pay & Benefits

Annual salary: $100,000 – $110,000, commensurate with experience. ELPC offers a robust benefits package including generous time off, health, dental, vision, and retirement savings plans.