Program Manager – Energy Efficiency & Demand Side Management (EE/DSM)

Job Responsibilities The South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility industries – electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, and transportation – before the Public Service Commission (PSC), the court system, and state and federal regulatory bodies. Additionally, the ORS houses the state’s Energy Office, Broadband Office, Digital Opportunity Department, Equipment Distribution Program (EDP), and has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natural gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

Responsibilities

The ORS Energy Planning and Emerging Technology Department performs a wide variety of analytical, research and administrative functions in the regulation of investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities. This position assesses electric utilities’ compliance with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies associated with Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EE/DSM) programs, Electric Vehicles (EV), and Distributed Energy Resources (DER). Job responsibilities include:

• Analyze utility filings related to EE/DSM programs and coordinate with external consultants in the preparation of the agency’s annual report detailing the evaluations and findings. Analyze Distributed Energy Resource program (DERP) filings and submit written and oral testimony detailing the evaluations and findings.
• Evaluate, implement policy initiatives related to the electrification, grid modernization, integrated resource planning and renewable energy integration, and interconnection.
• Coordinate and conduct investigations related to certificate applications for renewable electric generation facility leases located in SC. Update and maintain registry of leased facilities. Facilitate complaint/dispute resolution related to solar leasing.
• Develop semi-annual report on Distributed Energy Resources and Net Energy Metering Implementation in SC pursuant to Act 236 (2014).
• Prepare documents for submission to the PSC such as reports, testimony, exhibits, and review letters regarding regulatory issues or agency positions.
• Attend and participate in stakeholder and collaborative meetings.
• Monitor other required filings of regulated utilities to ensure compliance. Monitor state and federal activity for impact on state regulations and policies and assist with special studies and reports.
• Respond to inquiries, surveys, and questionnaires from the public, utilities, and other state agencies. Prepare and make presentations regarding utility regulation in SC. Assist the consumer services department and other ORS departments related to consumer complaints, disputes, issues or inquiries.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in utility regulation, EE/DSM program administration or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in business, mathematics, finance, economics, or engineering. Knowledge of EE/DSM program design and recovery mechanisms, market potential studies, Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), avoided costs, Net Energy Metering (NEM), and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

Additional Comments

• Position requires limited travel to include evening and/or out-of-town meetings.
• All ORS employees are required to attend ethics training annually for continued employment.
• All ORS employees are prohibited from owning equity in regulated utilities.
• Work hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.Remote work is not available and employees work in-office at 1401 Main Street, Suite 900, Columbia, SC 29201.