Utility Analyst

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State..Job Title: Utility Analyst (Public Service Coordinator III)Division: Electric DivisionCode: YC01Opening date: September 23, 2026Closing date: October 16, 2026Location: Hallowell, Maine (Hybrid Work Schedule Available)Salary: $90,000 - $143,000 (commensurate with experience)About UsThe Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) plays a pivotal role in shaping Maine's energy landscape. We are committed to serving the public interest by balancing access to safe and reliable utility services with rates that are just and reasonable for customers and public utilities, while minimizing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. We are seeking passionate professionals to join our Electric Division and help us tackle some of the most important issues facing this industry.If you have intellectual curiosity , a strong analytical mindset , and a passion for solving complex problems in a dynamic and collaborative environment, this is a great opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful public service career. The Electric Division at MPUC is looking for people who thrive on critical thinking and evaluative analysis to help shape the future of Maine's energy systems.The RoleAs a Utility Analyst at the MPUC, you’ll provide expert analysis, advice, and support to the Commission’s leadership on a wide range of electric regulatory matters. You will play a key role in investigating utility filings, conducting complex analyses, and helping to shape important decisions that affect the state’s energy future. This is not strictly a data-analytics role; instead, it’s about delving deep into utility cases and related matters , performing detailed analyses, and drawing actionable conclusions.Key Responsibilities: (including but not limited to)Evaluate Utility Filings : Review filings from electric and natural gas utilities, such as requests for rate changes, grid planning proposals, and interconnection requests. You’ll need to assess these proposals for alignment with regulatory expectations, technical feasibility, and their impact on consumers.Conduct In-Depth Analysis : Investigate complex cases by performing financial, operational, and/or technical evaluations. Your analysis will help guide decisions on whether utilities are operating effectively and efficiently.Review and Synthesize Information : Collect data from various sources, including utilities, to understand underlying issues and to build a thorough case for regulatory action. Maintain detailed documentation of your findings and reasoning.Research & Application : Interpret and apply laws, regulations, and Commission precedent to your analyses and recommendations.Advisory Role : Provide clear and concise expert recommendations to the MPUC Commissioners, including drafting staff analyses and recommended decisions , as well as other legislative and policy reports that influence regulatory outcomes.Collaborate with Stakeholders : Work alongside team members, external stakeholders, and utilities to gather insights and data, and to ensure that the regulatory process is thorough and well-informed.This position offers a unique opportunity to get hands-on with a range of regulatory challenges and to directly influence decisions that affect Maine’s energy sector.Why This Role is ExcitingYour role as a Utility Analyst will put you in the middle of critical energy discussions, where your work will have real-world consequences. Your efforts will help ensure the state's energy systems are reliable, sustainable, and affordable for consumers. We trust our analysts to take initiative, ask the right questions, and determine how best to approach complex problems. You’ll have the freedom to manage your own work within regulatory timeframes, exercise your judgment, and take an analysis from an initial question through to a clear, actionable conclusion. If you enjoy solving complex problems and digging into the details, this is a great fit.Additionally, we offer:Hybrid Work Flexibility : Work remotely three days a week and spend two days a week in our office in Hallowell. (Must reside in Maine)Professional Development : Access to ongoing training and growth opportunities to support your career advancement.Career Growth : Opportunities to advance to Analyst II and Senior Analyst positions (included in salary range above).Inclusive Culture : Work in a collaborative and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are both necessary and valued.Who We're Looking ForWe’re looking for candidates who are intellectually curious, proactive, and able to handle complex analyses with attention to detail. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team. You should be eager to tackle complex regulatory challenges, identify key issues and present clear, actionable recommendations.Minimum Qualifications:Candidates must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in finance, economics, accounting, business, engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field. The following skills and traits are equally necessary:Critical Thinking & Analytical Reasoning : The ability to break down complex issues, ask the right questions, and approach challenges with a structured problem-solving mindset. You should be able to dissect filings, proposals and regulations, assess them from multiple angles, and draw actionable insights. Skilled in the use of Excel or other modeling tools for managing and evaluating data related to regulatory filings and utility performance is a must.Attention to Detail : A keen eye for identifying discrepancies, inconsistencies, or overlooked details in filings, reports, or technical documentation. You should demonstrate precision in your work, ensuring thorough evaluations and well-supported recommendations.Intellectual Curiosity : A natural inclination to dive deep into unfamiliar topics, seek out new information, and continuously learn. We want someone who is not afraid to tackle complex regulatory issues and who thrives on solving difficult problems. You’ll need to be comfortable with ambiguity.Clear and Effective Communication : The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally. You’ll need to present analyses and recommendations to diverse audiences—both technical and non-technical—and to stakeholders who may have varying levels of understanding.Proven Initiative : We want someone who takes ownership of their work and is proactive in addressing challenges. Your ability to initiate research, seek out solutions, and ask insightful questions will be a key part of your success.Time Management & Organizational Skills : The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to work independently, stay organized, and meet internal and external deadlines across multiple assignments without compromising quality.Collaboration and Teamwork : Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and in teams.Preferred Qualifications:At least 3 years of relevant experience in the utility sector.Expertise in utility ratemaking , or accounting , electrical engineering, or regulatory compliance .How to ApplyApplication Instructions:If you’re eager to apply your analytical skills and intellectual curiosity in a meaningful and impactful way, we encourage you to apply! Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the \"Apply for this opening\" button. Applicants must upload a cover letter introducing your interest and qualifications, a current resume , and responses to the following questions.1. Describe a situation in which you evaluated whether an individual, organization, process, or proposed action complied with a law, regulation, policy, standard, contract, or other requirement. What evidence did you review, what concerns did you identify, and what conclusions or recommendations did you reach?2. Describe a time when you encountered an issue that required you to go beyond the information or instructions initially provided. What prompted you to take additional initiative, what did you do, and what was the result?3. Describe a time when your work led you to a conclusion or recommendation that differed from what others initially expected or preferred. How did you develop and support your position, communicate it, and respond to questions or disagreement? Is there anything you would do differently?4. Describe a time when you had multiple important assignments with competing deadlines. How did you determine what to prioritize, organize your work, and ensure that you met deadlines without compromising the quality or accuracy of your work?In total, responses should be no more than four double-spaced pages using a minimum 11-point font.Incomplete applications or applications that fail to adhere to the stated instructions may not be considered. If you require a paper application, please go to the following link: .Contact Information:For more information or questions, please contact Tanya Lavoie, Maine Public Utilities Commission, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.We look forward to hearing from you!Benefits of working for the State of MaineNo matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. When you or immediate members of your family are ill, utilize 12 days of sick leave per year.Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$13,650.48 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by up to 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements .Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes a percentage of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office .Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including non-birthing and adoptive parents—receive six weeks of fully paid parental leave . Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness ..If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting. #J-18808-Ljbffr