Associate Director of Rates

About the Finance Team

The Finance Team manages MCE’s annual budget, oversees treasury and investment strategies, and leads the agency’s rate setting process. They support MCE’s investment grade credit ratings, accounting functions, reserve goals, and relationships with external financial institutions.

As an Associate Director of Rates

Join MCE as the Associate Director of Rates, spearheading the development of independent, innovative, and sustainable rate designs based on our market data and the growing variability of our customer base. You'll conduct in-depth analyses to create equitable and financially viable rate structures for energy and programs. By strategically leveraging models, market insights, internal data, and regulatory frameworks, you'll propose rate designs and implementation plans that align with MCE’s goals.

In this pivotal role, you'll engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure our rate methodologies are well-informed and impactful. Your strong analytical background and expertise in data-driven decision-making will be essential as you communicate complex concepts effectively to a diverse audience. Additionally, you may present rate proposals to MCE’s Board of Directors, utilizing your extensive experience with various rate structures to craft unique solutions that offer the best rates for our customers while ensuring financial stability for the agency.

Supervisory Position

This may be a supervisory position. 

Key Responsibilities (Illustrative Only)

• Oversee the design and implementation of innovative and modern rate methodologies tailored to the promotion of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) free and renewable energy, in a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved organized market that considers diverse rate design structures across different regions, and electric load serving utility types including CCAs, investor owned, municipal, federal and cooperative utilities that align with MCE’s organizational goals.

• Analyze energy usage data, market trends, and be an in house subject matter expert on rates to inform rate design decisions.

• Work with compliance and policy about rate directions and provide information, reports, and input on reports, filings, and other projects. 

• Assess the financial and social impact of rate changes on the customer base and the organization.

• Systematically analyze MCE’s load and resource data to design and implement innovative, equitable rate structures that reflect market dynamics and meet the needs of a diverse customer base.

• Leverage models to predict the outcomes of different rate structures, including analyzing and incorporating such factors as the cost of capacity, resource adequacy, and energy production, and the potential revenue impacts of various rate options to ensure financial sustainability and risk mitigation.

• Forecast future energy trends and prepare the rate structure to adapt to changes in technology, consumer demand, and regulatory environments.

• Conduct general cost and revenue analysis as needed.

   

• As assigned, participate in regulatory proceedings on behalf of MCE and evaluate proposed regulatory policies at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other state agencies to assess the impact on MCE; develop technical analysis, written reports, and presentation materials to support MCE’s positions.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

• Demonstrated experience in innovative data driven rate making processes for multiple types of utilities. 

• Experience with Regulatory agencies, including the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Energy Commission (CEC), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 

• Strong data analysis skills and expertise in leveraging models and tools for innovative rate design. 

• Provide clear and concise communication about complex ideas to a broad audience including executives and MCE’s Board of Directors. 

• Communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. 

Experience/Education

• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience and

  • At least seven (7) of those ten (10) years in energy and/or similar environments or in a closely related field in an investment banking or related business function.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or a closely related field. 

• A Masters degree in Finance, Economics, Business, Engineering, or a related field is strongly preferred. 

Knowledge of:

• Public agency processes both for internal and external engagement purposes. 

• Deep understanding of direct and indirect customer behavior and usage change in the electric industry. 

• Understanding and usage experience in variable, time, weather, and condition dependent rate design softwares that take into account storage, GHG free and renewable penetration. 

• Innovative billing models from within and outside the electric utility industry. 

• Energy industry trends, regulatory changes, and advancements in renewable energy technologies that impact rates. 

Ability to:

• Supervise teams effectively and compassionately. 

• The incumbent must be able to travel between and work at any MCE office and to occasionally attend evening meetings. This position may require in-person attendance for position-specific and agency meetings/events and may require in-person attendance at Board meetings.

• Develop data models for rate structures, rate design scenarios, and fiscal impact modeling. 

• Take initiative in identifying opportunities to improve existing policies or create new ones. 

• Manage multiple priorities and quickly adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Regularly engage with external and internal stakeholders through forums and one-on-one discussions to explain and gain support for proposed rates, fostering trust and transparency. 

• Prepare clear, data-backed presentations for the Board of Directors and senior management that outline rate strategies, impacts, and benefits, ensuring strategic alignment and informed decision-making.

Compensation

Competitive compensation package offered, based on candidate experience along with generous benefits and perks, including fully paid premiums for health insurance, parental leave, dependent care subsidies, student loan repayment, and employee wellness program.

Starting Salary Range for Associate Director of Rates is $155,113- $208,380.

Application Process

As a part of the application process for the Associate Director of Rates, all candidates must submit a resume, a cover letter, and answer all of the applicable questions within the application.
As we narrow to our top pool of applicants, candidates moving through the process may participate in an initial all in one phone interview, cross-team panel, and final interview. #LI-SC1