Utility Specialist 3

About the Department

The Rates and Analysis Department participates in federal and state programs and investigations regarding energy policy, delivery, and reliability; monitors and advises on utility conformance with prudent corporate oversight practices and procedures; monitors energy efficiency and portfolio compliance requirements; processes utility rate change requests and performs technical investigations. The department is comprised of accounting and finance, grid modernization and retail markets, and regulatory utility services divisions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject-matter expert in public utility rates, accounting theory, policies, practices, and procedures.
• Function as a regulatory accounting analyst across electric, natural gas, water, and other base distribution rate cases.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and directions to lower-level staff members.
• Support rate case investigations.
• Draft assigned sections of staff reports and letters.
• Prepare testimony as needed, assist in settlement negotiations, and present testimony under cross-examination during hearings.
• Conduct audits of natural gas, water, and electric riders, as well as audits associated with Commission rulemaking and formal or informal Commission proceedings.

Requirements

Completion of graduate core program or 3 years of experience in one or more of the following fields: accounting, code enforcement, finance, business administration, public administration, utility and/or transportation code of enforcement, geology, management, law, economics, mathematics, or engineering.

Five years of utility or transportation regulatory experience involving a combination of the following:

• PUCO operations, programs, and policies affecting regulation of utility or transportation companies.
• State and federal laws, regulations, and procedures governing utility or transportation company operations.
• Competitive programs and alternative regulations.
• Rate and/or tariff structure, financing and securities, or economics applied to utility or transportation companies.
• Utility or transportation regulatory processing and case hearing proceedings.
• Cost recovery and cost adjustment methods and procedures.
• Enforcement of customer service standards.
• Statistical, mathematical, or analytical methods used in formulating and solving problems or in decision-making.
• Developing and conducting research studies and/or investigations of scientific, technical, or legal nature involving issues of utility or transportation or alternative regulation.

Or 36 months of experience as a Utility Specialist 2, 66952.

Or equivalent of the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Skills

• Accounting and Finance
• Auditing
• Investigation
• Training
• Leading Others
• Negotiation
• Written Communication

Pay

Hourly Rate: $41.81. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary is set at the lowest rate of the salary range. In most cases, successful employees will increase a step in the salary range within six months, with subsequent step increases occurring every year. The State of Ohio offers cost-of-living adjustments, longevity supplements after five years of public service, and wellness benefits.

Schedule

PUCO core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need. Most positions perform work on-site at the PUCO Central Office. Flex-time schedules are based on operational need and require supervisor approval.

Location

180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215, Franklin County.

About the Agency

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) affects nearly every household in Ohio. The PUCO regulates providers of all types of utility services, including electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone, water and wastewater, and rail and trucking companies. More recently, the PUCO gained responsibility for facilitating competitive utility choices for Ohio consumers. The PUCO employs a professional staff that includes engineers, economists, attorneys, and safety inspectors. Continually monitoring the activities of utility and transportation companies, the PUCO works to ensure safe and reliable services for all Ohioans. Its mission is to assure all residential and business consumers access to adequate, safe, and reliable utility services at fair prices, while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.