STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Research Analyst

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

Recruitment #200512-6855AR-001

Introduction

The State of ConnecticutDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting Connecticut’s natural resources and environment as well as making affordable, clean and reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state.  The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in building Connecticut’s green economy and fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies. PURA balances the public's right to safe, adequate and reliable utility service at reasonable rates with the provider's right to a reasonable return on its investment. PURA also keeps watch over competitive utility services to promote equity among the competitors while customers reap the price and quality benefits of competition and are protected from unfair business practices.

PURA’s mission is to ensure that public utilities operate with integrity, reliability and efficiency. As the utility industry evolves to meet the changing demands of customers, PURA is seeking innovative ways to gather, analyze, and assess information from the utilities and the market so that the agency can implement programs and mechanisms that promote safety, resilience, and reasonable rates. The person hired for this Research Analyst position will be tasked with researching, and assisting in the implementation of different strategies for optimizing PURA’s approach to regulating these critical services. The individual will work with an experienced team of engineers, accountants, rate specialists, lawyers, and policy advisers to effectuate PURA's broad statutory mandate across multiple sectors – electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications.

For example, PURA regulates the public right of way (ROW) and certain discreet aspects of telecommunications in Connecticut. State initiatives to expand broadband access and to implement next generation (5G) technology require PURA to be actively engaged on and to have regulatory resources available for telecommunications infrastructure. One role of the research analyst would be to assess the entire ROW process as a whole to develop an improved process for reviewing and approving these types of applications to keep Connecticut on the leading edge of telecommunications infrastructure.

With respect to the electric sector, one example of a role this position could fulfill is to research, analyze and recommend improvements to distributed energy resources programs over which the Authority exercises regulatory oversight by comparing and contrasting the state’s initiatives to best practices from other jurisdictions.

The position will be located at Ten Franklin Square in New Britain, CT. The city is a short distance from downtown Hartford with easy access to Boston and New York. The region provides incredible quality of life with reasonably-priced housing, short commutes, and an array of outdoor and cultural activities.

This position is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

Applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application.

Questions about this position should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office: DEEP Human Resources. DEEP.HumanResources@ct.gov, (860)424-3006.

Selection Plan

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

 

This posting MAY require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please also check your SPAM/Junk folders.  You must reply by the deadline indicated on the notification or you will be automatically disqualified from consideration.  

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in research design and implementation.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Develops and implements formal research projects and assists in these activities on more comprehensive and complex research assignments; analyzes, interprets and prepares data in a variety of ways; prepares narrative and statistical reports; develops computerized databases and analyzes and interprets computer generated reports; performs related duties as required.

Duties specific to this position include:

Provides research and analytical support within a new division of PURA focused on conducting regulatory oversight of utility sector programs and initiatives, spanning the electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications sectors. Researches, analyzes, and assists in the implementation of programs to streamline PURA's review and analysis of dockets, including right-of-way and electric and water submetering applications. Compiles, tracks, and analyzes financial, technical, and other data for research and evaluation purposes. Monitors, tracks and recommends modifications to existing plans and programs. Acts as a liaison with other divisions and units, agencies, boards, utility representatives and outside officials. Assists with drafting regulations, reports and agency decisions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of research methods and techniques; knowledge of statistics; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to analyze data; ability to develop programs and use prepackaged computer programs to perform data analysis; ability to understand agency related policies and procedures as they relate to research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in research, data analysis or economics.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

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 economics, statistics or a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Knowledge or experience with utility regulation and policy;
  • Knowledge or experience with electric grid modernization industry trends;
  • Knowledge or experience in broadband deployment, 5G wireless buildout, public access programming and other telecommunications industry trends;
  • Ability to read, interpret and understand written material including relevant state and federal laws and regulations;
  • Ability to interpret and create charts, graphs, and tables;
  • Ability to read engineering reports;
  • Strong interpersonal skills as well as oral and written communication skills;
  • Strong project management skills, with a focus on interdepartmental communication;
  • Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis and database management;
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including SharePoint and Teams;
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to work independently.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.