RATE ANALYST 1, UTILITIES

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervising Rate Analyst, Utilities, or other supervisor, analyzes the impact of requested and alternate rate structures to determine equity and compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and decisions, and provides recommendations; may supervise the work of other analysts; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Takes the lead in conducting complex analyses of proposed public utility rates and/or rate schedules to determine their reasonableness, equity and compliance with the rules and regulations of the Board of Regulatory Commissioners and other state and federal authorities and agencies.
• May supervise the activities of other rate analysts evaluating rates and tariffs in the assigned industry.
• Testifies, prepares or participates in the preparation of testimony identifying the strength and weaknesses of petitioner's requests; general and specific conditions affecting the industry; impacts of proposals on the general public and other components, and rules, regulations, and precedents.
• Prepares statistical calculations, charts, graphs, and analyses demonstrating the need for and/or impacts of various options for structuring rate schedules to meet approved determinations of revenue requirements.
• Conducts regression and correlation analyses and elasticity studies to assess the ability of proposed options.
• Investigates and keeps current with rate design technologies that promote and develop efficiency and conservation, including load management, conservation, and cogeneration.
• Conducts investigations and provides recommendations for the resolution of interpretation of the proper application of existing tariffs in rate disputes.
• Prepares summaries of findings, involving cost of service and tariff design, and synopsis of positions of all parties, and provides recommendations.
• Confers with industry representatives to resolve matters of non- compliance with approved tariffs or rate schedules and questions regarding the proper classification of customers.
• Analyzes utility cost systems to properly allocate fixed and variable costs including capital, debt service, materials and supplies, overhead and source fuel among various classes of customers, off-peak users and interruptible service customers.
• Reviews opinions and decisions of federal agencies and other state utility commissioners, and prepares briefings of rate technology developments.
• Analyzes changes in basic fuel costs to obtain propriety of Raw Materials Adjustment Charges and Levelized Energy Adjustment Clauses.
• Analyzes capital operating ratios of various service delivery options to obtain lowest unit costs for service under varying load conditions.
• Analyzes load growth and capacity forecasts for cost of service and tariff design implications of various additional capacity options; determines distribution of base load and peak shaving facilities to obtain equitable distribution of costs between types of customers.
• Establishes and maintains records and files.
• Prepares and supervises the preparation of reports concerning rate and tariff matters containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, public administration, economics or finance.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in the development or evaluation and analysis of rate schedules involving the study of economic utilization and cost factors in a public or private agency or public utility.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of mathematical, and statistical techniques used to analyze data for the design of rate and tariff schedules.
• Knowledge of rate making and tariff design procedures.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to conduct research and surveys.
• Knowledge of economic factors impacting utility rates.
• Ability to perform complex mathematical and statistical calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with associates, public utility representatives and public.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate rate structures.
• Ability to conduct complex analysis and studies.
• Ability to interpret financial statements, data and reports.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply federal and state rules regulation, and procedures governing public utilities including rate making and tariff design.
• Ability to prepare reports, containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
• CODES: 25/P24 - DJ 2/10/01

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.