State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Rate Specialist (6717AR)

$36.59-$47.30 Hourly / $2,926.67-$3,783.38 BiWeekly /
$76,386.00-$98,746.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Office of Consumer Counsel this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in conducting studies, analysis and research on the activities of electric, gas, water, telecommunications and cable television companies for the purpose of verifying rate structures in accordance with revenue allowed and improving rate design and investigation and mediation of disputes between claimants, consumers and/or public utility companies.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of an employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Schedules and performs studies and analyses of various companies under departmental jurisdiction; 
  • Studies and recommends methods of providing services more closely associated with cost based rates; 
  • Assists in establishing and maintaining a database on costs, demand characteristics and rates of companies for trend analysis, econometric analysis and special studies; 
  • Provides specification for computer models for use in econometric analysis and studies associated with rate structure and allocated cost of service; 
  • Reviews rate and tariff schedules for compliance with regulations, findings and orders; 
  • Assists in preparation for staff participation in formal hearings before department; 
  • Reviews, evaluates and reports on technical papers, actions taken by regulatory or legislative bodies and other developments which have a bearing upon policies and practices of regulated companies; 
  • Performs economic analysis in area of rate structure design and impact on consumer; 
  • Independently reviews individual consumer complaints, prepares reports of rate and policy review work, examinations and investigations; 
  • Participates in investigations or examinations of complex complaints and/or filings; 
  • Attempts to resolve disputes over rate and service issues; 
  • Participates in drafting recommendations for department decisions; 
  • Documents procedures; 
  • May cross examine witnesses of utility companies; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • and ability to interpret public utility regulations and guidelines; 
    • principles and practices of rate structure design; 
    • economic, financial and statistical methodologies used in analyzing rate structure; 
    • business practices and operational procedures of public utility companies; 
    • methods and procedures for conducting investigations and examinations; 
    • computer and statistical analytical packages; 
  • Skills
    • oral and written communication skills; 
    • interpersonal skills; 
  • Ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in electric, gas, water, telecommunications or cable television regulatory matters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
  • A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(34)-Statistics/Research/Planning

BARGAINING UNIT

(16)-ADMIN & RESID (P-5)

EEO

(2)-Professional

SALARY INFORMATION

AR 23

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for class of Rate Specialist in Salary Group AR 23 approved effective February 15, 2012. (Reviewed for content and revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section) Final No. 23-288

EFFECTIVE DATE

11/03/2023
CLASS: 6717AR; EST: 9/7/1979; REV: 11/7/2023;