Definition
Performs journey-level analytical work in the evaluation of public utility operations subject to regulation by the Iowa Utilities Commission; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Performs field audits of utility companies by applying generally accepted accounting and auditing principles and procedures in the examination of accounts, records, and audit reports and assist in determining compliance with prescribed utility accounting systems.
Analyzes testimony, exhibits, work papers, and data filed by regulated utility companies in rate 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.
Provides testimony and responds to cross-examination on supportive issues including methodologies, work papers and results of field audits, and related issues to present and support the staff positions in formal proceedings.
Provides information for stipulation hearings with representatives of public utility companies to assist in presenting the Commission staff position and in determining points of agreement.
Analyzes and audits both purchased gas adjustment and energy adjustment clauses proposed by regulated utility companies to determine compliance with regulatory principles, Iowa law, and Commission policy.
Collects data for appraisal, valuation, depreciation studies of utility 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.
Conducts research projects concerning public utility regulation issues by following objectives outlined by higher-level staff; collecting and analyzing data, developing 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 regulations, laws, policies and related fields impacting on work performed.
Meets with officials of public utilities, private industry and the public on matters related to public utility regulation.
Provides information for stipulation hearings with representatives of public utility companies to assist in presenting the Commission staff position and determine points of agreement.
Analyzes existing rates of utilities by reviewing, examining and evaluating cost studies and investigating operational practices to assist in recommending acceptance or suspension of rates and rate supplements.
Evaluates operational methods and procedures to determine compliance with and/or recommend methods of compliance by utility companies with Commission rules, regulations, refund plans, interest calculations, and revenue calculations.
Reviews utility companies' applications for rate increase to ensure compliance with Commission filing requirements.
Develops and/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.
Computers and Electronics – Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service – Principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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:
Category Flexibility – Generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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).
Information Ordering – Arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning – Choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility – Add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
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.
Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Persuasion – Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Education, Experience, and Special Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
Six 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.
All of the following (a and b):
Two 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, or electrical engineering, or as a paralegal/legal assistant; and
A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, law, or paralegal equals one year of full-time experience.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, or paralegal/legal assistant.
Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board.
All of the following (a, b, and c):
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate; and
One year of full-time work experience in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or electrical engineering; and
A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), 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, or electrical engineering equals one year of full-time experience.
Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes one year of full-time work as a Utility Analyst 1.
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