ORS MISSION:
The ORS represents the public interest in utility regulation. The public interest, as defined by the South Carolina General Assembly, is as follows:
The concerns of the using and consuming public with respect to public utility services, regardless of the class of customer, and preservation of continued investment in and maintenance of utility facilities so as to provide reliable and high-quality utility services.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Energy Operations Department performs a wide variety of analytical and evaluative research along with administrative functions in the regulation of investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in South Carolina. This position has a direct impact on the customers of regulated utilities in the state of South Carolina. Candidates will support regulatory oversight of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities. This includes researching, interpreting, and understanding the implementation of federal and state requirements, laws, and regulations as well as compliance with all laws, regulations, and Company policies and procedures. This position will perform regulatory oversight duties related to utility operations, financial impacts to both utilities and customers, electric and natural gas reliability, commodity forecasts, and other regulatory oversight functions. Candidates will coordinate, prepare and submit various reports, testimonies, and other correspondence to regulatory agencies as well as testify before the Public Service Commission of South Carolina (Commission).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, assist, and present testimony and exhibits for formal regulatory proceedings related to the electric and natural gas utilities before the Commission as well as answer questions from either Commissioners or attorneys representing other parties.
• Analyze and research electric and natural gas industry operations, practices, and the impacts on customers and reliable service.
• Analyze, interpret, and review for compliance matters related to state and federal regulatory laws, legislation, proposals, requirements, and other relevant material.
• Conduct examinations and reviews for regulatory proceedings including, but not limited to:
  • Testimony, reports, discovery responses;
  • Utility day-to-day operations, power plant operations and performance, power plant and utility equipment maintenance, and Company policies and procedures;
  • Cost of service studies and cost recovery proposals;
  • Depreciation studies, forecasting expenses, revenues, and sales;
  • Annual revenue requirements;
  • Utility rate design;
  • Utility financial reporting; and
  • Utility research on various topics.
• Coordinates and collaborates with other ORS departments, outside agencies, utilities, and various stakeholders.
• Serves as a liaison with and provides information and other educational resources to the public, utilities, and other various stakeholders regarding electric and natural gas utility regulation.

EXPERIENCE/KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

• Ability to conduct independent research on complex issues involving policy, economic, financial or technical matters.
• Ability to apply regulations, requirements, procedures, and policies applicable to the subject matter or issue.
• Ability to write clear and concise memoranda, reports, testimony, or other materials appropriate for various audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills along with the ability to speak in a clear and concise manner appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to provide and present testimony before the Commission and answer any questions from either Commissioners or under cross-examination from attorneys representing other parties.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with various stakeholders.
• Confer with regulated utility representatives (executives, attorneys, operating personnel, etc.) and other external parties on issues related to electric utility regulation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, business, finance, engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, or nuclear) or other related field.
• Knowledge of electric and natural gas utility operations and regional transmission organization structure including FERC regulations.
• Understanding of regulatory principles and state or federal energy regulations applicable to investor-owned public utilities.
• Proficiency using current technology and computer software.
• Maintain a high degree of personal and professional ethics at all times.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

• Position requires some travel, out-of-town lodging, site visits, and attendance at night hearings when necessary.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.
• Employee’s hours will be, at a minimum, one of the following: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, or 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
• ORS offices are located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina, off Main Street.
• All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.