Sr. Energy Economist or Energy Economist II - Remote eligible

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation assistance

• Flexible working environment for positions that are eligible where employees have the flexibility to work from home and come into the office when collaborative in person work is needed.

• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a defined benefit plan fully funded by SPP.

Overview

As an Energy Economist within the Market Design Team, you will be at the forefront of shaping the economic framework that governs the electricity market operations. Your expertise will be instrumental in analyzing market dynamics, designing efficient market structures, and developing policies to enhance the reliability and affordability of electricity within the SPP footprint.

The Energy Economist will collaborate with stakeholders to develop, evaluate, and refine market design principles and rules governing the electricity market within the SPP region. They will conduct economic analysis to assess the effectiveness of current market mechanisms and identify opportunities for enhancements to improve market efficiency, reliability, and transparency. Evaluate proposed market design changes, regulatory policies, and market-based solutions to address emerging challenges in the electricity market.

The Energy Economist will also lend their expertise across Market Design and Markets as a whole. They will utilize quantitative techniques and econometric analysis to analyze market data, identify trends, and provide insights into the behavior of market participants and the overall market performance. They will conduct scenario analysis and sensitivity testing to evaluate the robustness of proposed market designs and policy interventions under various market conditions.

Overview

• Understand the organized wholesale market designs and the Company’s market rules and apply the knowledge to key business functions.
• Coordinate and communicate with SPP market participants and member companies regarding market design.
• Facilitate market design changes through the SPP stakeholder process.
• Provide technical expertise to SPP committees and working groups.
• Support Working Groups as necessary.
• Support FERC filings through providing data, and assist in drafting testimony and filing letters.
• Analyze and review market data for indications of market weaknesses through the development of adhoc analysis.
• Research and analyze the design of other RTO/ISO markets.
• Document analysis and studies in written reports.
• Review and develop education materials related to the market design.

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

• Sr. Energy Economist - Master’s degree in economics
• Energy Economist II - Bachelor’s degree in economics

Experience Requirements

• Sr. Energy Economist - Five (5) Years of Experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field; or an advanced degree in a related field may be considered toward relevant years of experience.
• Energy Economist II - Two (2) Years of Experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field; or an advanced degree in a related field may be considered toward relevant years of experience.

Required:

• Expertise in energy market theory with particular emphasis in electricity markets
• Proficient understanding of microeconomics, including the theory of competitive markets
• Knowledge of electricity market concepts and ability to apply understanding in unique analysis
• Proficient at organizing and conducting technical and analytical studies
• Ability to support diverse team members and manage parts of complex analysis projects
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Flexibility and aptitude to function with constantly changing conditions and priorities

 Physical Demands:

 The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

•  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to make decisions, interpret data, and problem solve.
• The employee frequently is required to stand or sit for extended periods; use hands to operate a computer keyboard and standard office equipment.
• The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 10 pounds.
• Requires the ability to work and collaborate with managers and employees at all levels to exchange ideas, information, and opinions to facilitate the task.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

 Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

 This is a full-time position. Days and hours of workweek are Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Working extended hours may be required.

 Travel Requirement:

This position requires moderate travel (10-15%).

Should you elect to apply for this position SPP will review your qualifications and if after reviewing the qualifications and experience of all applicants, your skills and credentials meet our needs, someone from our organization may contact you. Please be advised that the time required to complete the applicant review process typically takes between 30 and 90 days, but could extend beyond that. Once the position has been filled, all applicants will be notified via email.

Southwest Power Pool is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age or any other protected category.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines “reasonable accommodation” as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer. SPP adheres to the ADA and reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions.