Public Utility Division Director

Responsibilities

• Manages the Public Utility Division; directs or supervises staff in the completion of assigned functions and activities while coordinating with Commission Divisions.

• Reviews and approves staff Recommendations in public utility regulation matters, to include filed cases, and policy recommendations; serves as senior advisor on public utility causes in presenting Division staff’s position to the Commission; and at times provides testimony regarding policy recommendations and utility regulatory theory. This requires close work with division counsel in case preparation (strategy, witness preparation, testimony review) and execution. Such work can also include participation in settlement discussions, collaboration with stakeholders, and complex decision making.

• As Administrator of the Oklahoma Universal Service Fund, responsible for managing a process that provides statutorily defined financial support programs for some telecommunications carriers, schools, libraries, and eligible healthcare entities based on collection of assessments.

• Presents expert Division responses to inquiries about information from the legislature, industry, and the general public. Also, monitors legislative activity with potential impact on the Public Utility Division and/or the Commission., to include offering critiques and alternative legislative language for consideration.

• Represents the Division in industry meetings, news media presentations, town/group meetings, and interfaces with other governmental agencies.

• Oversee the Pipeline Safety Department with responsibilities to ensure safe transport of natural gas, petroleum, and other hazardous materials by pipeline. Involved in the administration of federal rules, to include federal programs, Commission rules, and enforcement activities in accordance with the Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act.

• Advises Commissioners regarding Division operations and of changes in legislation, regulations, or industry trends, which affect the public utility industry in the State of Oklahoma.

• Manages the preparation and implementation of the budget for the Public Utility Division.

• Directs the development and implementation of the Division’s operational policies and procedures and directs Division compliance with Division operating policies.

• Develops and recommends policies, rules, and regulations which pertain to the administration of Public Utility Division consistent with federal and state laws; participates in program analysis.

• Directs and supervises Division staff practices; approves new staff selections, promotions, and additional staff actions; and directs training for Division staff.

• Reviews reports, administrative audits, activities and other information to evaluate multi-functional program effectiveness, develops controls to assure accountability for division operations, policy implementation and the maintenance of efficiency in various units.

Qualifications

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university in a related field such as: Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Energy Management, Finance, Public Administration, or other related field and seven (7) years of professional business or public administration experience in the field of public utility regulation, including five (5) years in a supervisory or administrative capacity; (or) an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of professional or technical administrative experience in business or public administration for each year of the required education. Ideal candidate would hold an advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration or Economics, or a Juris Doctorate. No substitution will be allowed for the required professional experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.

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