
Senior Economist (Rate/Financial Analyst IV): DORA/Public Utilities Commission -
State of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
Hybrid Workplace Arrangement
Although this position will be designated under the department’s hybrid workplace program, it will still be required to report to the department office on a scheduled basis and at the discretion of the supervisor, based on business need.
Overview The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. The Economics Section staff provide economic expertise to the PUC, analyzing utility proposals, conducting complex economic analyses, and making technical and policy recommendations. The Senior Economist provides economic analysis and policy or technical recommendations, reviews utility filings, provides research support, formulates recommendations, and often serves as the lead in litigated proceedings.
Responsibilities
Perform economic and financial analysis for revenue requirement cases, rate design proposals, and evaluation of proposed utility investments and financing mechanisms.
Assist in the evaluation of large and complex data sets and conduct economic, statistical, and financial analysis related to public utilities.
Provide specific recommendations within the Section and work with other professionals such as engineers, economists, and legal counsel.
Examine and investigate the books and records of regulated utilities to verify compliance with regulatory practices and Commission rules.
Review the reasonableness of utility proposals and perform economic analyses as a basis for recommendations to approve, modify, or deny utility applications or tariff filings.
Perform research as directed by the Commission or Section Chief regarding employment, economics, demographics, energy, and other data sets.
Minimum Qualifications
Option 1: Nine (9) years of full‑time, progressively responsible professional work experience conducting economic, financial, and/or quantitative analysis.
Option 2: Combination of Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, public policy, statistics, or related field AND seven (7) years of full‑time, progressively responsible professional experience.
Bachelor’s degree in the same fields AND five (5) years of full‑time professional experience.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) substitutes for one (1) year of required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a government body or utility industry providing regulatory analysis or preparing regulatory filings.
Familiarity with national, regional, and state energy policy.
Advanced degree in accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, public policy, or statistics.
Experience with formal litigation processes and courtroom‑style testimony.
Experience gathering, researching, and synthesizing financial, policy, and technical studies affecting utility costs.
Experience working with electric or gas utility companies or regulatory entities.
Required Competencies
Written and verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail and critical thinking.
Ability to engage in public speaking and present testimony at hearings or courts.
Research and analytical skills on energy and regulated utility matters.Time management and prioritization.
Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations.
Integrity and high ethical standards.
Experience with PC software including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Conditions of Employment
Successful passing of reference and/or background check.
Ability to travel independently as required by business need.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
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Overview The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably priced services consistent with the economic, environmental, and social values of our state. The Economics Section staff provide economic expertise to the PUC, analyzing utility proposals, conducting complex economic analyses, and making technical and policy recommendations. The Senior Economist provides economic analysis and policy or technical recommendations, reviews utility filings, provides research support, formulates recommendations, and often serves as the lead in litigated proceedings.
Responsibilities
Perform economic and financial analysis for revenue requirement cases, rate design proposals, and evaluation of proposed utility investments and financing mechanisms.
Assist in the evaluation of large and complex data sets and conduct economic, statistical, and financial analysis related to public utilities.
Provide specific recommendations within the Section and work with other professionals such as engineers, economists, and legal counsel.
Examine and investigate the books and records of regulated utilities to verify compliance with regulatory practices and Commission rules.
Review the reasonableness of utility proposals and perform economic analyses as a basis for recommendations to approve, modify, or deny utility applications or tariff filings.
Perform research as directed by the Commission or Section Chief regarding employment, economics, demographics, energy, and other data sets.
Minimum Qualifications
Option 1: Nine (9) years of full‑time, progressively responsible professional work experience conducting economic, financial, and/or quantitative analysis.
Option 2: Combination of Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, public policy, statistics, or related field AND seven (7) years of full‑time, progressively responsible professional experience.
Bachelor’s degree in the same fields AND five (5) years of full‑time professional experience.
Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) substitutes for one (1) year of required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in a government body or utility industry providing regulatory analysis or preparing regulatory filings.
Familiarity with national, regional, and state energy policy.
Advanced degree in accounting, business administration, economics, engineering, finance, mathematics, public policy, or statistics.
Experience with formal litigation processes and courtroom‑style testimony.
Experience gathering, researching, and synthesizing financial, policy, and technical studies affecting utility costs.
Experience working with electric or gas utility companies or regulatory entities.
Required Competencies
Written and verbal communication skills.
Attention to detail and critical thinking.
Ability to engage in public speaking and present testimony at hearings or courts.
Research and analytical skills on energy and regulated utility matters.Time management and prioritization.
Understanding of laws, rules, and regulations.
Integrity and high ethical standards.
Experience with PC software including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
Conditions of Employment
Successful passing of reference and/or background check.
Ability to travel independently as required by business need.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans. The State is resolute in non‑discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
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