Economist Position Available In Richland, South Carolina

Economist

Salary
Depends on Qualifications
Location Richland County, SC
Job Type
FTE – Full-Time
Job Number
174008
Agency
Office of Regulatory Staff
Opening Date
02/25/2025
Closing Date
3/14/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Agency Specific Application Procedures:

Online application is preferred.

Class Code:

UA45

Position Number:

60024934

Normal Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday (8:30 – 5:00)
Pay Band
Unclassified
Opening Date
02/25/2025
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

DESCRIPTION

BENEFITS
Job Responsibilities
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 FUTURE

15 days sick leave
15 days annual leave
13 paid holidays
Paid parental leave
Military leave
Health coverage including prescriptions
Dental
Vision
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Flexible spending accounts
Adoption assistance
Retirement plan
Supplemental retirement savings plan
Minimum and Additional Requirements
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.
Additional Comments
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.
Employer
State of South Carolina
Agency
Office of Regulatory Staff
Address
1401 Main Street, Suite 900
Columbia, South Carolina, 29201
Phone
803-737-0800
THE

LANGUAGE USED IN THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYEE AND THE AGENCY. THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT CREATE ANY CONTRACTUAL RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENTS. THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THE CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT, IN WHOLE OR IN PART. NO PROMISES OR ASSURANCES, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, WHICH ARE CONTRARY TO OR INCONSISTENT WITH THE TERMS OF THIS PARAGRAPH CREATE ANY CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT.

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