Rate Analyst Journey

Purpose

To perform research and comparative analysis of load, market, end-use and cost of service studies and conceptualize and design rate structures to ensure establishment of rates which meet SMUD objectives and revenue requirements and comply with Board policies.

Nature and Scope

This is the journey level within the Rate Analyst classification series and will demonstrate working knowledge of rates with minimal oversight. Under general supervision, the journey level performs difficult and more complex work than the entry level as outlined by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs, evaluates and implements firm service rates and Board-directed economic development rate options by forecasting retail revenues based on current and proposed rates to ensure proposed rates recover SMUD revenue requirements; developing, implementing, maintaining and applying sophisticated computer models to achieve design and evaluation of rate options such as net energy metering, unbundled time of use rates, contracts and feed in tariff programs, and developing and testing experimental rates for proposed programs.
• Functionalizes plant in service investment and operating expenses; classifies costs into demand and energy components and allocate costs to retail classes; evaluates the impact of alternative methodologies on the cost of service study; applies and reviews marginal cost analysis in rate design and estimation of costs.
• Supports development of class load surveys including sample design and selection, data collection and validation, and analysis to meet federally mandated requirements and support rate design; designs and implements end-use monitoring programs as mandated by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
• Represents SMUD before regulators, Board committees, management, the public, and consultants on issues regarding load research, market research, cost of service, rate design, rate processes, and related subjects.
• Organizes and conducts public workshops to inform and educate ratepayers and to solicit responses to rate proposals; establishes and maintains cooperative professional relationships with ratepayers and industry professionals.
• Interprets and evaluates the rate structures of other utilities, as required by the Board, to maintain a competitive position in all rate classes and minimize the threat of customer by-pass.
• Composes technical proposals and reports such as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager's Report and Recommendation on Rates and Services to the Board and responds to difficult or controversial issues raised by SMUD management, the public and the Board.
• Assists in the development and support of rate recommendations with accurate financial analysis and rigorous financial, rate, or economic theory. Reviews analyses, reports or other decision documents prepared by other contributors or stakeholders and provides comments or additional analyses to improve the overall quality of information provided to management.
• Assists in the development, prioritization and evaluation of strategic initiatives including rates and programs while incorporating customer feedback and ensuring all impacted parties are considered. Serves as a liaison between workgroup/business units to facilitate business needs.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, mathematics/statistics, or related field from an accredited college or university. If no degree, seven (7+) or more years of relevant work experience. 

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three (3+) or more years of combined progressively responsible relevant work experience in financial and/or mathematical and statistical analysis, computer modeling, conducting research, and maintaining data in spreadsheets.
• Oral presentation of your work to management and/or the public.

Knowledge Of

Retail electric rates and related utility standards; market research techniques, including data validation and correction; business policies and procedures; interrelationships between business operations and relevant external entities; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations affecting financial practices; accounting and financing; budget practices; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses; fundamentals of statistics; project management techniques; methods and techniques to manage cross-functional teams; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and strategies for public speaking; techniques related to customer relations and public interaction on sensitive issues; safety policies, practices and procedures; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards; Microsoft Office Suite applications, databases, Data Governance, documentation, file organization, and Adobe Acrobat.

Skills To

Develop and maintain spreadsheets; develop and maintain sophisticated computer models in various computer environments; develop and maintain analysis using financial or statistical information, access data using various database tools and software packages; compile and analyze complex financial operating and statistical data on one's own; interpret, evaluate and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; summarize and present analysis results in charts and graphs using presentation software; collaborate with cross-functional teams on sensitive issues; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; work under close public scrutiny; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Economics, Business, Mathematics, orrelated field.
• Knowledge of SMUD policies; operations related to generating, transmission and distribution resources.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Physical Requirements