Lead Economist/Electric Load Forecasting

This position leads the development of electric load forecasts, including peak demand, energy consumption, and sales across the service region. The focus is on leveraging data analytics and predictive modeling to inform strategic planning and regulatory compliance.

Core responsibilities include analyzing extensive datasets (such as AMI and billing records), developing and maintaining econometric models, and assessing the impact of programs like energy efficiency, demand-side management, and electrification. The role also supports regulatory proceedings through data responses and expert testimony when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance complex economic models to produce historical and forecasted analysis of class-level and end-use electric sales.

• Analyze key electric load drivers, including data centers, electric vehicles, rooftop solar, DSM, EE programs, and broader electrification trends.

• Design and improve analytical tools, data pipelines, and methodologies for load research and forecasting.

• Extract and analyze large volumes of historical billing and AMI data to uncover usage patterns and trends.

• Apply advanced statistical, mathematical, and econometric techniques to address complex forecasting challenges.

• Support revenue and sales budgeting processes, including variance analysis.

• Clearly present, explain, and defend forecasts and methodologies in high-stakes or adversarial settings.

• Provide regulatory support, including responding to discovery requests and testifying as an expert witness in proceedings.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Lead Economist: Minimum 7 years of directly related experience.
(Note: A Master’s degree counts as one year of experience; partial years of 6+ months are rounded up.)

• Utility forecasting experience required at the Lead level; preferred at the Senior level

• Strong foundation in statistical analysis, econometrics, and economic or demographic modeling

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

• Skilled in at least one major statistical platform (e.g., R, Python, SAS, MetrixND) and SQL

• Experience building dashboards using Power BI or Tableau

• Familiarity with revenue and sales variance reporting

• Prior experience serving as a witness in regulatory proceedings is preferred

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills