Energy Regulatory Attorney

D.C. Office of the People’s Counsel

Energy Regulatory Attorney Vacancy

 

(Vacancy No. 08-03)

 

February 2008

 

The Office of the People's Counsel (“OPC” or the “Office”), an independent District government agency, is the statutory consumer advocate for District utility ratepayers and consumers. The Office is seeking an energy regulatory attorney to head the Market Monitoring Unit working on matters related to the regulation of gas and electric utilities at the federal and state level.  Applicants should have vision, skill, and a passion for advocacy and consumer education. Must be a team player and self-starter able to identify nascent and inchoate issues arising in a largely uncharted field. .

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Responsible for supervising OPC’s Market Monitoring Section. Assist the People’s Counsel in developing OPC positions on wholesale electric issues and advocating positions at PJM and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Responsible for coordinating state retail policy with the wholesale market. Prepare data requests and responses, comments, expert testimony, and accompanying exhibits for submission in oversight and regulatory proceedings before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and other necessary national or local forums.  Assist in the preparation of education and outreach materials containing relevant utility issues, trends and information for diverse groups. Make presentations to community groups and attend various community meetings, seminars and conferences.  As needed, responsible for ensuring relevant information is posted on the.

 

Must maintain substantive working knowledge of emerging utility regulatory issues, cases, and legal developments. Direct and coordinate preparation and filing of pleadings and related documents for submission to the Public Service Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, federal courts and other agencies.  Coordinate litigation, including pretrial discovery, briefs, motions, technical reports and studies, cross-examination, expert testimony and oral arguments. 

 

Identify, recommend and evaluate expert technical consultants and attorneys for participation in formal cases or investigations. Direct and coordinate work of independent contractors and technical consultants to ensure timely implementation of OPC policy.

 

REQUIREMENTS

 

Must work well under pressure and meet recurring deadlines. Excellent writing and analytical skills are a must.  Strong oral communication skills are needed.  Must have excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Must be detail oriented and have ability to understand technical and regulatory issues.  Experience in utility issues before state and federal administrative agencies highly desirable, but not mandatory. Strong supervisory skills required.

 

Juris Doctor degree; member of District of Columbia Bar or eligibility to waive in D.C. Bar and written proof that waiver application has been filed as soon as practicable, but no later than 45 days after acceptance of employment offer.

 

Candidates must have a minimum of two to three (2-3) years practical and actual working experience in civil litigation or consumer oriented or legal services advocacy.

 

Fluency in Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and/or Amharic preferred, but not mandatory

 

SALARY

 

 $101K - $117 (commensurate with experience)

 

Applications now being taken now. Position open until filled.

 

Send resume, unedited writing sample, and employment form DC2000 (which can be found at OPC's website, www.opc-dc.gov) (do not complete section on ranking factors) to the following:

 

Ms. Derryl Stewart King

Director of Human Resources

Office of the People's Counsel

1133 15th Street, N.W.

Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005-2710

 

or to

 

email: hr@opc-dc.gov

 

 Once an application is submitted, please do not write, call or e-mail to inquire about the status of the hiring process. All applicants will timely be so advised by the Office.