Economist Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

Economist State of South Carolina

• 2.

9

Columbia, SC Job Details Full-time Estimated:

$68.1K

• $111K a year 1 day ago Qualifications Economics 5 years Master’s degree Driver’s License Bachelor’s degree Senior level Full Job Description JOB The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries
• electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation
• before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and state and federal regulatory bodies.

Additionally, the ORS houses the state’s Energy Office, Broadband Office, Digital Opportunity Department, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina. The public interest, as defined by the South Carolina General Assembly, is as follows: The concerns of the using and consuming public with respect to public utility services, regardless of the class of customer, and preservation of continued investment in and maintenance of utility facilities so as to provide reliable and high-quality utility services. Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer, the Economist will have the following responsibilities: Analyze and prepare testimony

• Analyze cost of capital/operating margin testimony and workpapers of other parties.

Issue relevant discovery on positions and issues raised by the subject company to inform review and assist in cross examination preparation. Develop reasonable cost of capital/operating margin recommendations to align with ORS’s mission. Review and make recommendations related to utility securitization, financing plans, pension adjustments, Prepare, publish, and present accurate and concise testimony and economic analysis in various proceedings before the PSC. Select and manage consultant/expert services, as necessary.

Analyze impact

• Research and determine potential economic impacts to utilities due to changes in state/federal regulations and laws, rate decisions, alternative regulation, utility restructuring, market conditions, and/or deregulation.

Analyze the impacts of proposed mergers and acquisitions on utility financial conditions. Monitor utility financial conditions, including at parent company, subsidiary, and affiliate levels. Monitor developments in other state/federal jurisdictions, financial markets, emerging economic issues for activities that may impact the financial condition of the utilities. Analyze, develop, and make recommendations concerning financial and economic issues inutility regulation at the state and federal level. Review and analyze utility governance documents including, but not limited to, the code of conduct. Review the financial structure and risk of entities applying for the authority to operate as a solar leasing company. Review and analyze utility fuel hedging programs and present results, as necessary.

Research and compile data

• Develop and maintain various econometric models, indexes, and databases for use in various regulatory activities.

Maintain familiarity with expert witness testimony and commission orders in other state jurisdictions to monitor cost of capital trends. Monitor and report on utility investor communications, financial announcements, and financial reports. Monitor and report on credit rating agency actions related to utilities. Monitor and report on economic and employment trends that contribute to the FOMC’s decisions related to interest rate changes. Present economic analysis and perspectives at various conferences or seminars. Conduct financial and economic research aligned with the ORS mission.

South Carolina is a great place to live and work! The State of South Carolina offers its employees generous benefits and a healthy work-life balance.

FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOUR FUTURE15

days sick leave15 days annual leave13 paid holidaysPaid parental leaveMilitary leaveHealth coverage including prescriptionsDentalVisionLife insuranceLong-term disabilityFlexible spending accountsAdoption assistanceRetirement planSupplemental retirement savings plan

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Master’s degree and at least five 5 years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in economics and ten years of relevant experience. Relevant experience includes conducting economic, financial, or statistical research and regulatory analysis.

Must be able to research, analyze, and interpret utility financial and other economic data pertaining to regulated utilities. Effective communication in both oral and written form including testifying in formal proceedings before the PSC.A Certified Rate of Return Analyst (CRRA) with the Society of Utility and Regulatory Financial Analysts (SURFA) is desirable. Ifthe selected candidate is non-certified, successful completion of the CRRA certification will be required.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Position requires travel and occasional work after normal hours or on the weekends.

Must possess a valid driver’s license.

All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.

All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.

Work hours are Monday

• Friday, 8:30 am
• 5:00 pm.

Remote work is not available and employees work in-office at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, SC 29201.