Utility Analyst

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The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) plays a pivotal role in shaping Maine's energy landscape. We are committed to serving the public interest by balancing access to safe and reliable utility services with rates that are just and reasonable for customers and public utilities, while minimizing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We are seeking passionate professionals to join our Electric Division and help us tackle some of the most important issues facing this industry.

If you have intellectual curiosity, a strong analytical mindset, and a passion for solving complex problems in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this is a great opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful public service career. The Electric Division at MPUC is looking for people who thrive on critical thinking and evaluative analysis to help shape the future of Maine's energy systems.

As a Utility Analyst at the MPUC, you’ll provide expert analysis, advice, and support to the Commission’s leadership on a wide range of electric regulatory matters. You will play a key role in investigating utility filings, conducting complex analyses, and helping to shape important decisions that affect the state’s energy future. This is not strictly a data-analytics role; instead, it’s about delving deep into utility cases and related matters, performing detailed analyses, and drawing actionable conclusions.

Your role as a Utility Analyst will put you in the middle of critical energy discussions, where your work will have real-world consequences. Your efforts will help ensure the state's energy systems are reliable, sustainable, and affordable for consumers. We trust our analysts to take initiative, ask the right questions, and determine how best to approach complex problems. You’ll have the freedom to manage your own work within regulatory timeframes, exercise your judgment, and take an analysis from an initial question through to a clear, actionable conclusion. If you enjoy solving complex problems and digging into the details, this is a great fit.

Additionally, we offer:

• →Hybrid Work Flexibility: Work remotely three days a week and spend two days a week in our office in Hallowell. (Must reside in Maine)
• →Professional Development: Access to ongoing training and growth opportunities to support your career advancement.
• →Career Growth: Opportunities to advance to Analyst II and Senior Analyst positions (included in salary range above).
• →Inclusive Culture: Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are both necessary and valued.

We’re looking for candidates who are intellectually curious, proactive, and able to handle complex analyses with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. You should be eager to tackle complex regulatory challenges, identify key issues and present clear, actionable recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in finance, economics, accounting, business, engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field. The following skills and traits are equally necessary:

• Critical Thinking & Analytical Reasoning: The ability to break down complex issues, ask the right questions, and approach challenges with a structured problem-solving mindset. You should be able to dissect filings, proposals and regulations, assess them from multiple angles, and draw actionable insights. Skilled in the use of Excel or other modeling tools for managing and evaluating data related to regulatory filings and utility performance is a must.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for identifying discrepancies, inconsistencies, or overlooked details in filings, reports, or technical documentation. You should demonstrate precision in your work, ensuring thorough evaluations and well-supported recommendations.
• Intellectual Curiosity: A natural inclination to dive deep into unfamiliar topics, seek out new information, and continuously learn. We want someone who is not afraid to tackle complex regulatory issues and who thrives on solving difficult problems. You’ll need to be comfortable with ambiguity.
• Clear and Effective Communication: The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. You’ll need to present analyses and recommendations to diverse audiences—both technical and non-technical—and to stakeholders who may have varying levels of understanding.
• Proven Initiative: We want someone who takes ownership of their work and is proactive in addressing challenges. Your ability to initiate research, seek out solutions, and ask insightful questions will be a key part of your success.
• Time Management & Organizational Skills: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet internal and external deadlines across multiple assignments without compromising quality.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in the utility sector.
• Expertise in utility ratemaking,  or accounting, electrical engineering, or regulatory compliance.

Application Instructions:

If you’re eager to apply your analytical skills and intellectual curiosity in a meaningful and impactful way, we encourage you to apply! Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "Apply for this opening" button. Applicants must upload a cover letter introducing your interest and qualifications, a current resume, and responses to the following questions.

1.      Describe a situation in which you evaluated whether an individual, organization, process, or proposed action complied with a law, regulation, policy, standard, contract, or other requirement. What evidence did you review, what concerns did you identify, and what conclusions or recommendations did you reach?

2.      Describe a time when you encountered an issue that required you to go beyond the information or instructions initially provided. What prompted you to take additional initiative, what did you do, and what was the result?

3.      Describe a time when your work led you to a conclusion or recommendation that differed from what others initially expected or preferred. How did you develop and support your position, communicate it, and respond to questions or disagreement? Is there anything you would do differently?

4.      Describe a time when you had multiple important assignments with competing deadlines. How did you determine what to prioritize, organize your work, and ensure that you met deadlines without compromising the quality or accuracy of your work?

In total, responses should be no more than four double-spaced pages using a minimum 11-point font.

Incomplete applications or applications that fail to adhere to the stated instructions may not be considered.  If you require a paper application, please go to the following link:   https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process.  

Contact Information:

For more information or questions, please contact Tanya Lavoie, Maine Public Utilities Commission, at Tanya.M.Lavoie@maine.gov  or 207-287-1360.  

We look forward to hearing from you!