public utilities engineer - electric power division

Public Utilities Engineer - Electric Power Division

Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

Posted: 10/03/24

Please be aware that this is an office-based, hybrid role. This role requires analyzing and reviewing technical and engineering documents, reading, writing, and some public speaking with occasional field visits.

Job Opening:
The Department of Public Utilities seeks applicants for a Public Utilities Engineer - Electric Power Division to perform the following duties:

Position Overview:
Through detailed review of technical and engineering data and documents, as well as occasional field visits, meetings, exercises/drills, audits, and observations, the Public Utilities Engineer plays a key role in assessing and determining the performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance of electric utility distribution systems. Some of the cases in which the Public Utilities Engineer plays a key role are our Electric Sector Modernization Plans, safety compliance, storm and emergency response, service quality, system performance and reliability, vegetation management, interconnection of distributed generation, grid modernization, and cost prudency and review. The Public Utilities Engineer will review investment filings proposed by the electric utility companies and the viability of alternative investments, such as Non-Wires Alternatives and Virtual Power Plants. The Public Utilities Engineer responds to inquiries from stakeholders and customers/ratepayers. The PUE needs to be available for evening and weekend on-call or standby duty in the case of an incident or significant service interruption, including storm events; this work is typically conducted from home.

The Public Utilities Engineer will work both individually and as a team member with other engineers, economists/analysts, accountants, regional planners, and attorneys on multiple issues and cases. The Public Utilities Engineer will perform most of its work in an office setting.

The Public Utilities Engineer will participate in all facets of assigned cases, which include:

1. Reviewing and analyzing documentation and data filed by petitioning parties (typically the regulated utilities) and intervening parties,
2. Developing questions and information requests related to petitioner filings,
3. Questioning petitioner and intervenor witnesses during evidentiary hearings,
4. Developing, presenting, and defending policy positions of the DPU, and
5. Writing sections of DPU orders.

The position requires excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to express thoughts clearly and methodically. Excellent oral communication and presentation skills are highly desirable. The Public Utilities Engineer must be able to exercise considerable independent judgment.