Would you like to contribute to achieving the state’s ambitious and internationally recognized clean energy and environmental goals? Established in 1912, the California Public Utilities Commission is leading California’s efforts to achieve safe and streamlined interconnection of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources, and the Interconnection and Distribution Engineering section is in search of dynamic, creative team members to assist in implementing critical statewide programs. The Interconnection and Distribution Engineering section values strong communication skills and seek individuals that perform well in team environments. If energy or environmental sustainability is your passion, and you endeavor to contribute to California’s clean energy future, we encourage you to apply for our positions.
Under supervision of the Project and Program Supervisor, the Utilities Engineer (UE) will advise and assist high-level decision-makers such as Commissioners, Judges, and Energy Division management. The UE may act as a team leader and project coordinator on distribution interconnection projects and policies, which may include the evaluation of technical or policy requirements applied to Distributed Energy Resources (DER). The UE will make recommendations based on independent analysis of technical, policy and regulatory issues. The UE will develop analysis for and make recommendations regarding the CPUC’s policy-setting rulemakings via a wide range of work products, review and provide feedback on proposed legislative bills, and/or oversee implementation of programs that result from these CPUC and legislative processes.
The UE will perform other work as necessary, such as reviewing, writing, and presenting reports; disposing of Advice Letters; coordinating with other California organizations and agencies (e.g., the California Energy Commission, the California Air Resources Board, California Independent System Operator); and responding to outside inquiries. More detail can be found in the duty statement.
Utilities Engineers perform mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering work in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of water systems, electrical power lines and power plants, telecommunications facilities, gas pipelines, and light and heavy rail systems. Incumbents conduct investigations and prepare reports involving engineering economic work which includes studies of capital costs, financial structure, inventories, depreciation, physical plant, valuations, revenues, expenses, and rate base determinations; make analyses of tariffs, cost of service, estimates of future requirements, and proposals for performance-based and incentive rate-making mechanisms for their effect on utility costs, revenue requirements, rates, safety, system reliability and operating efficiency, customer service, the environment, and competition; monitor and assess the effectiveness of the adopted incentive mechanisms; evaluate adequacy, reliability, and quality of service; conduct environmental studies; participate in safety audits of rail transit systems; investigate accidents of utilities and transportation facilities and recommend corrective action; inspect the facilities of utilities, railroads, and rail transit systems for compliance with Commission rules, regulations, and orders; examine records and recommend applicable safety measures for railroad and rail transit highway crossings; prepare correspondence, reports, safety oversight plans, and exhibits; testify in formal proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission, public interest groups, the regulated industries, and various governmental agencies as well as the Legislature; may serve as leadperson over other engineering and technical personnel on projects of limited scope.
