Description
Performs entry-level work in the analysis and evaluation of public utility operations subject to regulation by Iowa Utilities Commission; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Learns and prepares for advanced-level assignments in public utility regulatory work by performing one or more of the following functions:
Participates in field audits of utility companies by applying generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and procedures in the examination of accounts, records, and audit reports to determine conformance with prescribed utility accounting systems.
Meets with representatives of public utilities, private industry, and the public on matters related to public utility regulation.
Reviews utility companies' applications for rate increases to determine compliance with Department filing requirements.
Analyzes and audits purchased gas adjustment and energy adjustment clauses proposed by regulated utility companies to assist in determining compliance with regulatory principles, Iowa law, and Commission policy.
Analyzes testimony, exhibits, work papers, and data filed by regulated utility companies in contested cases to assist in determining cost of capital, revenue requirements and other rate, service, economic, and financial issues.
Compiles and analyzes data through performance reviews of utility companies to obtain information regarding utility operations including coal procurement, labor relations, fleet management, facilities operation and maintenance, inventories, data processing management and work force and equipment management to be utilized in Commission policy making, rate cases, staff training, long-range planning or drafting legislation.
Collects data for appraisal, evaluation, and depreciation studies of utilities properties and engineering cost studies by examining utility reports, records, operating data, and physical facilities to determine compliance with Commission rules and regulations, and adequacy of service provided by the utility to the public.
Testifies and is subjected to cross-examination on supportive issues, including methodologies, work papers, audit results, and related matters to present and support staff positions in formal proceedings.
Provides information for stipulation hearing with representatives of public utility companies to assist in presenting Commission staff position and in determining points of agreement.
Conducts research concerning public utility regulation issues by following objectives outlined by higher-level staff in collecting and analyzing data, formulating conclusions based on research and analysis, and summarizing and documenting results.
Reviews current literature and attends seminars and conferences to maintain current knowledge of economics, finance, trends in public utility regulation, laws, policies, and related fields impacting on work performed.
Analyzes existing rates of utilities by reviewing, examining, and evaluating cost studies and investigations of operational practices to assist in recommending acceptance or suspension of rates and rate supplements.
Evaluates utility company compliance with Commission rules, regulations, refund plans, interest calculations and revenue calculations; assists in recommending methods to achieve compliance.
Develops or assists in the development of computer programs for analyzing rate, service, economic, financial, and other data related to public utility regulation.
Competencies Required
Knowledge:
Administrative – Administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Business and Management – Principles and facts related to business administration and accounting, human and material resource management in organizations, sales and marketing, economics, and office information and organizing systems.
Economics and Accounting – Economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English Language – Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government – Laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Mathematics – Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Abilities:
Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Mathematical Reasoning – Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity – Speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition – Identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension – Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression – Communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Skills:
Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics – Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation – Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Four years of full-time work experience in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or as a paralegal/legal assistant.
A total of two years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, law, or paralegal equals one year of full-time experience.
Graduation from an accredited paralegal school.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, law, or paralegal.
Notes
Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.
Effective date: 10/26 KC