Job Details
Join the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for an opportunity to influence investment in the electric grid in Massachusetts and help shape the Commonwealth’s clean energy future! The Public Utilities Engineer applies a broad mix of engineering, public policy, and data analytic skills towards the analysis, synthesis, and advancement of issues and cases before the DPU – and more specifically, those under the purview of the Electric Power Division (EPD). The EPD’s primary mission is to ensure that the regulated electric utilities in Massachusetts provide their customers with the most reliable service at the lowest possible cost. EPD also oversees and implements initiatives that encourage clean and renewable energy. Additional Department priorities include greenhouse gas emissions reductions, safety, security, affordability, equity, consumer rights, transparency, responsiveness, and public engagement.
Through technical and engineering data and document review and occasional field visits, meetings, exercises/drills, audits, and observations, the Public Utilities Engineer plays a key role in assessing and determining the performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance of electric utility distribution systems. Some of the cases that the Public Utilities Engineer play a key role in are Electric Sector Modernization Plans, safety compliance, storm and emergency response, service quality, system performance and reliability, vegetation management, interconnection of distributed generation, grid modernization, and cost prudency and review. The Public Utilities Engineer will help assess investments proposed by the electric distribution companies, as well as the viability of alternative investments such as Non-Wires Alternatives and Virtual Power Plants. The Public Utilities Engineer responds to inquiries from stakeholders and customers/ratepayers. The Public Utilities Engineer also investigates and responds to emergencies, incidents, major service interruptions including storm events with evening and weekend on-call or standby duty.
The Public Utilities Engineer will work both individually and as a team member with other engineers, economists/ analysts, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on multiple issues and cases. The Public Utilities Engineer will perform most of its work in an office setting. The Public Utilities Engineer will participate in all facets of assigned cases, which include: (1) reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties, (2) developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings, (3) questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings, (4) developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and (5) writing sections of DPU orders. The position requires excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts in a clear, methodical manner. Excellent oral communications and presentation skills are highly desirable. The Public Utilities Engineer must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment.
A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.
- Reviews petitions filed by electric utility companies and provides technical and engineering support on matters such as construction, improvement, or expansion of utility facilities and infrastructure, zoning exemptions, use of eminent domain, electric sector modernization plans, grid modernization, interconnection of distributed generation, and electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Reviews annual emergency response, system planning and reliability, vegetation management compliance, and service quality reports and plans filed by electric utility companies.
- Reviews the prudency and appropriateness of costs incurred and projected by electric utility companies for vegetation management, emergency and storm response, and other regulated program activities as part of their filings seeking cost recovery from electric customers/ratepayers.
- Investigates consumer complaints concerning charges and application of rates of electric utilities, line extensions, and quality and availability of service to resolve complaints and recommend corrective action.
- Investigates electric system accidents, incidents, and major service interruptions to determine if a violation or non-compliance of operating rules and safety regulations occurred, provide notification, determine whether a risk to public safety exists, determine cause and scope, report findings, draw conclusions, and make recommendations. Investigation activities may include on-site inspections, interviews, document and data gathering and review, and fact-finding meetings.
- Performs occasional field and site visits to observe activities including, but not limited to, vegetation management; responding as an observer to emergency events on the electric distribution system; and large electric distribution system construction/upgrade projects, as requested.
- Monitors and responds to emergency events, incidents, and major service disruptions including storm events, which may require travel (to a field location or emergency operations center) and working extended hours, nights, and weekends on on-call or standby status. Participates in reliability and emergency response preparedness meetings, exercises, and drills with electric utilities.
- Participates in meetings with state, regional, and federal agencies and authorities (e.g., MA DOER, ISO‑NE, NEPOOL) in matters relating to electric system operation, safety, and reliability.
- Collaborate with electric utility companies, state and government officials and public safety officials to evaluate, develop, and implement plans for emergencies and storms and improving response time and system resilience to ensure public safety and system reliability.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE
- methodically gather, assimilate, and analyze data and information in documents to identify gaps and inconsistencies, make appropriate inquiries, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations;
- give written and oral instructions in a precise and understandable manner;
- work productively and effectively both in a team environment and individually with intermittent supervision;
- write clearly and concisely, appropriately document sources, and organize work;
- effectively work on, prioritize, and complete multiple assignments;
- use sound judgement;
- solve problems, devise techniques, and develop policy recommendations using existing precedent or guidelines;
- read and interpret documents such as blueprints and technical reports; and
- maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
A preferred candidate would have some engineering experience in the electric energy or utility industry with knowledge or demonstrated interest in at least one of the following areas:
1. electric distribution system design, construction, inspection, analysis, and regulatory and safety compliance;
2. storm and emergency response planning and implementation;
3. electric distribution system performance and reliability; and
4. energy policy, regulations, markets, and technology, particularly in renewables, grid modernization, and distributed generation.
When determining experience for preferred qualifications and entrance requirements, candidates should consider all their experience (work experience, internships, volunteer work, etc.).
You must fill out an application here to apply: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2400012Z . If you apply, please also send an email to morgane.treanton@mass.gov to let me know.