Research Analyst

Do you have the desire to make a difference on a new and dynamic team?

If so, we have the opportunity for you!

At the State of Connecticut, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), we are dedicated to conserving, improving and protecting our natural resources and the environment; and increasing the availability of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy.

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is statutorily charged with regulating the rates and services of Connecticut's investor owned electric, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies and is the franchising authority for the state's cable television companies. Ensuring affordable and reliable service from these sectors is critical to maintaining public health and safety and a thriving economy in the state of Connecticut.

PURA is statutorily charged with regulating many aspects of Connecticut's utility sector, including but not limited to:

• Ensuring the prudence of electric system modernization, natural gas system expansion and water system infrastructure investments.;
• Reviewing mergers and acquisitions in all the above regulated sectors;
• Conducting periodic utility rate cases;
• Overseeing service quality, safety and investment for the state's telecommunication infrastructure; and
• Implementing federal requirements for natural gas pipeline safety.

Position Details

PURA currently has an opportunity for multiple Research Analysts in the Office of Utility Program and Initiatives (OUPI). These positions are offered on a full-time, first shift basis with a schedule of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. These positions will be located in New Britain, CT.

The Research Analyst supports the work of the OUPI in effectuating the agency’s Equitable Modern Grid initiative, which has led to the creation of new energy storage and electric vehicle programs. Through this initiative, PURA will develop new and innovative approaches to deploying novel technologies, improving the integration and interconnection of distributed energy resources, providing opportunities for non-wires solutions to replace traditional poles and wires, deploying smart meters and advanced data and communications networks to more effectively operate the grid, identify and address grid outages, and integrate grid assets, increasing grid resilience and equitable outcomes for all ratepayers, among other efforts.

The Research Analyst may also assist PURA in establishing a performance-based regulation (PBR) framework for the state’s electric distribution companies, to ensure that the electric utilities incentives are aligned with the public interest, along with implementing key portions of Public Act 20-5, known as the “Take Back Our Grid” Act, and Public Act No. 21-159, "An Act Concerning Equitable Access to Broadband."

Further, the Research Analyst may also support the agency’s proceedings related to the Connecticut’s clean energy and energy affordability programs administered by the state’s investor-owned electric utilities, including the new Residential Renewable Solutions program designed by PURA, as well as similar reliability and resilience programs administered by the electric utilities. The Research Analyst may also support PURA’s future investigation(s) into the utilities’ distribution planning practices and analysis.

More details about this role can be found in the class specification.

What We Can Offer You

Our employees participate in a competitive benefits plan that includes healthcare coverage, and a retirement plan, as well as paid time off! We encourage a healthy work/life balance to all employees. 

Learn more about how you can Make an Impact working with the State of Connecticut:

This is a competitive recruitment, open to the public.

The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.

All State employees shall follow the guidelines as listed in Executive Orders 13F (3a) and 13G (3a).

To Apply:

• Complete a Master Application and directly apply to this recruitment.
• In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process. Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State of Connecticut.

What to Expect After You Apply:

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

Note: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.

Should you have any questions about the position, please contact Samantha Wasef, Leadership Associate – Talent Solutions at Samantha.Wasef@CT.Gov

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

Conducts technical and policy research and analysis on topics related to the Office of Utility Programs and Initiatives work including, but not limited to, renewable energy, affordability, clean energy innovation, broadband, reliability, security, and resilience programs inclusive of cybersecurity and vegetation management, distribution planning, performance-based utility regulation, among others; acts a project manager for discrete agency investigations, as assigned, developing procedural schedules for all dockets under their purview in order to ensure that the Authority’s objectives for each proceeding are achieved and all standard practices are followed; studies and recommends methods of providing services more closely associated with cost and performance based rates; assists in establishing and maintaining a database on costs, demand characteristics and rates of companies; and, assists in preparation for staff participation in formal hearings before authority.

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.

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

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.

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, engineering, economics, finance, environmental studies or a related field; and
• An advanced degree in renewable energy, engineering, environmental studies, climate change, public utility regulation, finance, or economics or a related field.
• One (1) year of professional work experience in energy policy or utility regulation;
• Experience working on grid modernization, clean and renewable energy, energy affordability, broadband/telecommunications, electric reliability and resilience, and/or performance-based regulation;
• Experience and proficiency in data and other analysis;
• Experience in report or similar writing;
• Experience in project management, as well as the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and to work independently;
• Experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including SharePoint and Teams.

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.