PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION REGULATORY ECONOMIST I

The Public Service Commission (PSC or Commission) regulates public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland. The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons. The PSC's jurisdiction extends to taxicabs operating in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Cumberland, and Hagerstown. 

The categories of regulated public service companies are listed below: electric utilities; gas utilities; combination gas and electric utilities; telecommunications companies; water, and water and sewerage companies; passenger motor vehicle carriers (sedans, limousines, and buses); railroad companies; taxicab companies; and other public service companies. 

The Commission is empowered to hear and decide matters relating to: (1) rate adjustments; (2) applications to exercise or abandon franchises; (3) applications to modify the type or scope of service; (4) approval of issuance of securities; (5) promulgation of new rules and regulations; and (6) quality of utility and common carrier service.

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This is a junior-level economist whose purpose is to review and perform analyses on applications to participate in the Community Solar Energy Generation System program to ensure compliance with program rules and regulations, prepare reports, answer inquiries, provide testimony, and develop positions on issues relating to the implementation of the Community Solar Energy Generating Systems and Property Taxes Act of 2023 ('CSEGS ACT'). The primary duty of this position is to provide analytical and policy support to the Commission, directly or through support of other division employees, providing program evaluation and analysis; investigating barriers and opportunities in the expansion Community Solar development, rate design, bill impacts, tariff terms, and State climate policy and equity goals.

Program & Policy Evaluation & Analysis. Review application to participate in the Community Solar program to ensure the applications comply with Community Solar program rules and regulations. Identify issues that may be of Commission's interest and discuss with supervisor in connection with the CSEGS Act (approved and proposed). After supervisor approves further action, collect data and conduct analyses/evaluations of the issue(s) and make recommendations for the supervisor's, and subsequently, the Commission's review. 

Written Comments and Testimony. Analyze, prepare, and recommend action on bucksheet assignments. Prepare written and oral testimony for hearings before the Public Service Commission. Testify in hearings before the Public Service Commission. 

Meetings. Participate in meetings, as assigned, with state agencies (e.g., MEA), utilities, consultants, and program participants on matters pertaining to the Community Solar program. Discuss issues with supervisor and provide reports with recommendations for the Commission's review on such activities as they may affect the customers in Maryland. 

Performs other duties as assigned. 

Experience: Four years of experience performing utility, energy policy, economic or econometrically-based analysis.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Engineering, Business, Finance, Accounting, Statistics or Mathematics from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in accounting classification or accounting specialty codes in the accounting and budget group field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience in the areas of the analysis of solar generation siting, wholesale power procurement, competitive electric markets, energy efficiency and/or demand response is desired. The successful candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: 

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

•           Personal Leave- new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date). 

•           Annual Leave – ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

•           Sick Leave – fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

•           Parental Leave – up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

•           Holidays – State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holiday per year.

•           Pension – State employees earn credits towards a retirement pension.

•           Positions may be eligible for telework.

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be submitted to: Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, 301 W. Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment. No postmarks will be accepted.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov or 410-767-4850, MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.