Department of Administrative Services

In the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Office of Consumer Counsel, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in complex cases pertaining to rates of public utilities companies and conducting complex investigations and mediation of disputes between claimants, consumers and/or public utility companies.

Performs the most complex related duties in conducting investigations, performing research work and analyzing rate structures and/or in response to consumer complaints and inquiries; holds hearings or formal mediation meetings pertaining to rate and/or service of electric, gas, cable television, water and sewage and telecommunications companies; develops administrative record of rate cases; testifies as an expert witness in court cases involving department; cross examines witnesses of utility companies; analyzes income statements pertaining to operating revenues and expenses of such companies; reviews and analyzes rate structures and bill frequency studies; performs special studies pertaining to rates, revenues and service; reviews and monitors various contracts of public utilities; establishes and maintains a database of public utility costs, demands, complaints, etc.; reviews rate and tariff schedules for compliance with regulations; attempts to resolve disputes over rate and service issues; participates in drafting recommendations for department decisions; documents procedures; may assist in training of lower level Rate Specialists and other staff; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret public utility regulations and guidelines; considerable knowledge of operational procedures of public utility companies; considerable knowledge of principles and practices in field of rate making, rate structure design, rate cost analysis and allocation of revenues by classes of services including design and analysis of utility rates; some knowledge of computer and statistical packages; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

Seven (7) years of professional experience in electric, gas, water, telecommunications or cable television regulatory matters.

1. 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.
   
2. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

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

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Associate Rate Specialist in Salary Group AR 26 approved effective December 2, 2011. (2012 SCOPE Review)