Definition
Performs advanced-level work in the analysis and evaluation of public utility operations subject to regulation by the Iowa Utilities Commission; performs related work as required.
Work Examples
Analyzes existing rates of utilities by reviewing, examining, and evaluating cost studies and investigations of operational practices to recommend acceptance or suspension of rates and rate supplements.
Determines compliance and/or recommends methods of compliance by utility companies with Commission approved refund plans, interest calculations, and revenue calculations.
Reviews utility companies’ applications for rate increases to determine compliance with Commission filing requirements.
Meets with representatives of public utilities, private industry, and the public on matters related to public utility regulation.
Analyzes and audits both purchased gas adjustments and energy adjustment clauses proposed by regulated utility companies to determine compliance with regulatory principles, Iowa law and Commission policy and recommends approval and/or modifications.
Develops or directs other staff that develop computer programs for analyzing economic, financial, and other data related to public utility regulation.
Conducts research projects concerning public utility regulation issues by determining objectives, collecting and analyzing data, forming 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.
Collects and analyzes data for appraisal, valuation, and depreciation studies of utility properties and engineering cost studies by examining utility reports, records, operating data, and physical facilities to determine compliance with Department rules and regulations and adequacy of service provided by the utility to the public.
Prepares information for stipulation meetings and hearings with representatives of public utility companies to assist in presenting the Commission staff position and in determining points of mutual agreement with public utility companies.
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 to determine companies' compliance with the prescribed utility accounting system.
Analyzes testimony, exhibits, work papers, and data filed by regulated utility companies in rate cases to determine cost of capital, revenue requirements, and other economic and financial issues.
Compiles data by conducting performance reviews of utility companies to obtain information regarding utility operations, such as 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 technical issues including utility cost of capital, rate structures, engineering issues, and related issues to present and support staff positions in formal proceedings.
Formulates cross-examination questions for public utility company witnesses and provides input in the preparation of briefs and oral arguments presented to the Commission to provide facts necessary for proper disposition of contested issues.
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.
Negotiation – Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
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.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:
All of the following (a and b):
Three 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; 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.
All of the following (a, b, and c):
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; and
A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate 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.
Graduation from an accredited paralegal school, and experience equal to two years of full-time work in legal research.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctorate degree in in accounting, business administration, finance, economics, operations research, computer science, environmental science, statistics, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or electrical engineering.
Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board, and experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a licensed professional engineer.
All of the following (a, b, and c):
Possession of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate; and
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; 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 2.
Notes
Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.