The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia (Commission), a leading utility regulatory agency, is looking for a talented Senior Environmental Economist with significant regulatory or utility experience, who can make a professional difference in the Nation’s Capital.  The Commission oversees regulated utility and competitive companies that provide electricity, natural gas, and telecommunication services to District of Columbia ratepayers.  As a Senior Environmental Economist, you will be involved in a challenging variety of utility regulatory projects.  You will examine and analyze the electric and gas utilities’ climate policy plans and targets, including reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission, energy efficiency objectives, and other demand-side management programs. This position is in the Commission’s new Office of Climate Action, which is part of the Office of Technical and Regulatory Analysis (OTRA).

In this role, you will have an opportunity to interface with key stakeholders from federal and state agencies, including other state Public Service Commissions, FERC, and DOE. You will also interface with professionals of Fortune 500 energy companies, energy developers and providers, as well as regulatory professionals from across the Nation.  You will have opportunities to gain significant industry exposure and unmatched professional experience as a member of a leading regulatory agency with a proud 100+ year history of regulatory excellence.

The Senior Environmental Economist will examine and analyze the electric and gas utilities’ climate policy plans and targets, including reductions in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, energy efficiency objectives, and other demand-side management programs. Electric and gas utility climate policy plans may include multiple sectors: energy supply, building, and transportation sectors.  The ideal candidate will also provide expert advice which may involve complex regulatory and public policy issues, specifically climate goals and clean energy initiatives.

Expert knowledge of environmental economics, economics for regulated utilities, and utility ratemaking principles, GHG emission metrics and reporting, and cost-benefit analysis related to utility environmental policies and programs.  Demonstrated ability to develop and rank alternative scenarios and options, identify, and evaluate potential issues, and develop solutions and recommendations.  Expert knowledge of GHG inventory analysis and reporting practices for District, state, regional and federal reporting requirements on GHG emissions. 

Demonstrated ability to analyze GHG data and climate change issues and significant knowledge of carbon reduction efforts in other states/jurisdictions. Advanced knowledge of Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) programs for the District and other comparable jurisdictions, as well as electric and gas grid modernization initiatives. Advanced professional knowledge of sophisticated applied economics research, including advanced statistical and econometric methods and models.  Demonstrated ability to study and evaluate market trends and environmental strategies for electric and gas regulated utilities.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics or related areas is required. A graduate degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.