This position leads market modeling efforts for resource optimization in the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) market, including Congestion Revenue Rights (CRR) portfolio management, market analytics, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The analyst also supports forecasting (complementary to the lead forecaster), project management activities, and filings required by regulatory agencies. This senior role is intended to support strategic initiatives that enhance economic performance and compliance across NCPA's operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
This position requires the incumbent reports for work on time and maintains satisfactory attendance in accordance with Agency policy; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives to meetings and appointments on time; performs special assignments for the Department Manager or others as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Responsibilities:
Develop, maintain, and improve models for economic market analysis, scenario planning, and resource optimization, utilizing tools such as GAMS and SAS.
Conduct quantitative studies and performance assessments related to power purchase programs, natural gas consumption, pricing trends, and overall energy market behavior.
Prepare and support regulatory filings, compliance reports, and policy analyses for state and federal agencies, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with evolving standards.
Provide analytical and strategic support for annual budget development, cost forecasts, and capital planning for both agency-wide and project-specific initiatives.
Lead or contribute to strategic initiatives, including renewable energy development, integrated resource planning, and emerging technology assessments.
Represent NCPA and its member interests at industry meetings, stakeholder workshops, and regulatory forums involving utilities, CAISO, and governmental organizations.
Perform risk modeling and economic scenario analysis to evaluate exposure, hedging strategies, and the impact of policy or market changes on NCPA operations.
Support and validate load and resource forecasts on various time scales (hourly to long-term), ensuring continuity and robustness of forecasting processes.
Assist with pre-scheduling loads and resources into the CAISO day-ahead market, working closely with operations staff to ensure efficient and accurate submissions.
Manage and enhance data infrastructure to support modeling, reporting, compliance, and internal decision-making needs.
Coordinate and oversee consultants, contractors, and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment on scope, deliverables, and timelines for key energy projects.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Computer Science, Business, Mathematics or a related field; and five (5) years of related experience and/or training. A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of CAISO markets, including bidding strategies, congestion management, and Congestion Revenue Rights (CRRs). Strong understanding of economic research principles and public utility management. Expertise in statistical and economic modeling techniques, as well as energy resource planning and integrated power systems. Proficiency with energy forecasting tools such as Itron MetrixND. Skilled in data programming tools, including SAS, SQL, VBA, R, Python, and other statistical or scripting languages. Working knowledge of regulatory compliance procedures, including preparation of reports and filings for state and federal agencies. Understanding of project budgeting, cost forecasting, and financial analysis related to energy markets and utility operations.
Abilities: Ability to develop, calibrate, and maintain complex market and forecasting models using advanced statistical and economic methods. Ability to analyze large and diverse datasets, draw meaningful conclusions, and present actionable recommendations. Strong capacity to understand and interpret CAISO market mechanisms, including pricing, settlements, CRRs, and market optimization strategies. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Skilled in regulatory analysis and able to prepare detailed reports and filings that comply with local, state, and federal requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex technical and economic information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive teams and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, operations, finance, legal, and external consultants. Proficient in budget planning and financial modeling, with the ability to forecast project and operational costs, assess economic viability, and support annual budget development. Capacity to evaluate risk scenarios related to energy markets, supply planning, and contract obligations. Ability to interpret and apply policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks to practical utility operations and market participation strategies. Ability to innovate and adapt models, tools, or methods to support evolving market conditions, policy changes, and member needs.
Special Requirements
Valid California Driver's License and insurance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to talk or hear. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences and is free from discrimination.