Policy Analyst 2 (Energy)

Duties Description

The Policy Analyst 2 (Energy), Grade 23, will support the work of the Transportation and Grid Modernization Unit within the Clean Energy and Markets (CEM) Section of the Office of Markets and Innovation (OMI). This position will support development and oversight of distributed energy resource (DER) and demand response (DR) programs that support the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Those programs include the utility Dynamic Load Management (DLM) programs; Excelsior Power; utility electric and gas peak load reduction programs; Grid of the Future; oversight of the Non-Wires Alternatives planning procurements and projects; utility business model reforms that include Earnings Adjustment Mechanisms and Platform Service Revenues; Virtual Power Plant policy; and advanced rate design tariff policy such as net energy metering reforms and the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) initiative. Under the supervision or direction of a higher-level Policy Analyst (Energy) or a member of the OMI Management Team, the Policy Analyst 2 (Energy) may perform duties that include, but are not limited to:

• Performing all the same duties as a Policy Analyst 1 (Energy) with increased autonomy.
• Utilizing advanced expertise to perform more technically complex aspects of energy policy and program development and oversight for demand response; energy market design; advanced rate designs; or advanced utility business models.
• Preparing detailed reports that contain analyses and interpretations of findings and recommending possible courses of action.
• Analyzing applicable policies and programs and developing and executing various standards and procedures.
• Presenting and/or testifying in subject matter area at seminars, conferences, meetings, and/or proceedings.
• Providing technical direction and guidance, analysis of technical training needs, and supervision or quality assurance review of work for lower-level staff.
• Participating in utility rate proceedings and assisting in developing position on specific issues. Reviewing and analyzing utility company testimony, exhibits, workpapers, and other materials and developing responsive testimony, exhibits, workpapers and materials with limited supervision.
• Reviewing utility filings, including those associated with implementation of new initiatives and/or filed in response to, or in compliance with, Public Service Commission (Commission) orders to ensure they meet Commission requirements. Analyzing projected costs related to such filings and initiatives.
• Comparing filings from several utilities to identify strengths and weaknesses and/or factors contributing to substantial cost differences across utilities. Collecting and documenting data to support the need for any modifications necessary to ensure consistent and equitable treatment of ratepayers.
• Acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the review, analysis, development, and implementation of Retail Market programs and policies.
• Performing all the same duties as a Policy Analyst 1 (Energy) with increased autonomy.
• Utilizing advanced expertise to perform more technically complex aspects of energy policy and program development and oversight for energy efficiency or electrification of heating.
• Preparing detailed reports that contain analyses and interpretations of findings and recommending possible courses of action.
• Analyzing applicable policies and programs and developing and executing various standards and procedures.
• Presenting and/or testifying in subject matter area at seminars, conferences, meetings, and/or proceedings.
• Providing technical direction and guidance, analysis of technical training needs, and supervision or quality assurance review of work for lower-level staff.
• Participating in utility rate proceedings and assisting in developing position on specific issues.
• Reviewing and analyzing utility company testimony, exhibits, workpapers, and other materials and developing responsive testimony, exhibits, workpapers and materials with limited supervision.
• Reviewing utility filings, including those associated with implementation of new initiatives and/or filed in response to, or in compliance with, Public Service Commission (Commission) orders to ensure they meet Commission requirements. Analyzing projected costs related to such filings and initiatives.
• Comparing filings from several utilities to identify strengths and weaknesses and/or factors contributing to substantial cost differences across utilities. Collecting and documenting data to support the need for any modifications necessary to ensure consistent and equitable treatment of ratepayers.
• Acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the review, analysis, development, and implementation of programs and policies to improve energy affordability and increase access to clean energy solutions for LMI households; and/or addressing the barriers faced by underserved communities in participating in the clean energy transition.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have one year of service as a Policy Analyst 1 (Energy); OR seven years of experience* in the review, analysis, development, or implementation of programs or policies related to one or more specialty program areas, which include renewable energy planning, procurement, and integration; energy efficiency; electrification of transportation or heating; demand response; energy storage; energy market design; advanced rate designs; advanced utility business models, or strategic use of energy related data. *Substitutions: an associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; a J.D. may substitute for six years of experience; and a Ph.D. may substitute for seven years of experience. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with one or more of the following policy areas: energy affordability for low-to moderate income (LMI) households; the assessment, design, or implementation of programs and interventions for improving energy affordability and access to clean energy solutions for LMI households; or a demonstrated understanding of the barriers faced by underserved communities in participating in the clean energy transition, or affordable housing. Additionally, ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.

*Substitutions: four years of specialized experience, or associate degree and two years of specialized experience, may substitute for bachelor’s degree. J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of general experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of general experience.

Additional Comments About the Department: The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to: ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers, protect the natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions via transmission and siting of renewable energy resources, and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: https://dps.ny.gov/employment-opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, an