Program Analyst Wanted at M-RETS

M-RETS Program Analyst Position Announcement

Deadline for applications: March 3, 2014.

The Program Analyst helps lay a successful technical analysis foundation for M-RETS. This position requires an array of skills and is involved with many aspects of the organization while working with a small staff as well as volunteer board of directors, officers and other stakeholders.

The Program Analyst has primary responsibility for performing analytical and energy policy recommendations for M-RETS and its procedures. The Program Analyst leads and develops research, gathers data, and conducts analysis to support the operations of M-RETS. The position works externally with stakeholders, including representatives of utilities, Public Utilities/Service Commission staff, contractors and other stakeholders. The Program Analyst reports to the Executive Director (E.D.). The Program Analyst works under general supervision with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The performance of the position will be measured based on the fulfillment of the annual goals and objectives mutually agreed upon with the E.D.

M-RETS efficiently tracks and verifies renewable energy generation in collaboration with stakeholders, facilitating renewable energy development in the public interest.

Key Accountabilities

The primary responsibilities for the position include:

Technical Analysis and Recommendations (60%)

  • Provide technical policy, analysis, recommendations and guidance to E.D. Support committees and subcommittees, policy workgroups and other ad hoc board and stakeholder groups.
  • Research and draft changes to M-RETS users’ rules and guidelines, including the M-RETS Operating Procedures and Terms of Use.
  • Modify and develop policies as needed on REC tracking, verification, data resettlements, data quality, REC import/export issues, including minimum data and metering standards for transfers between REC tracking systems, MISO and Qualified Reporting Entity policies on REC data reporting.
  • Compile, organize and streamline data into consistent and straightforward summaries for high level board and management decisions.
  • Support organizational efforts on data collection and reporting to meet stakeholder needs, ensuring access to data in M-RETS public reports and monitoring data and compliance report needs of state regulators.
  • Work with energy and forecasting models, including annual user fee structure analysis based on utility load, state requirements and REC forecasting.
  • Coordinate procedures for tracking distributed renewable energy generation and aggregation.
  • Help develop and implement new programs or initiatives for stakeholders that may result from
    board strategic planning.
  • Develop an understanding of other REC tracking systems for evaluative purposes, performance assessment, and interoperability concerns or opportunities.
  • Backup for E.D. when required.

Stakeholder and Contractor Liaison (40%)

  • Manage Software as a Service contract, monitor service levels, manage RFP for registry administration contract
  • Work with registry Administrator to keep tracking system relevant for stakeholders using the system for compliance and voluntary REC tracking. Serve as liaison with contracted registry administrator for software issues and technical registry related questions.
  • Manage Change Request details for software development enhancements. Work with contractor and stakeholders to develop Scopes of Work and staging of development releases to make most efficient use of enhancement funds.
  • Compliance liaison on mandatory (such as RPS) and voluntary (such as green pricing) reporting. Monitor utility regulatory filings, rulemaking proceedings, utility commission, legislative and agency proposals related to renewable energy requirements and REC’s.
  • Support voluntary, market-based REC activity (registry bulletin board and other efforts) as well as distributed generation and aggregators.
  • Communicate in a professional manner with all levels of the organization including Account Holders and decision makers.
  • Preserve confidentiality of proprietary and other sensitive information provided to M-RETS by contractors, Account Holders and others.
  • Some regional travel and public speaking required.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced professional with a minimum of five years of professional experience in a related field. A Bachelor’s degree is required and a Master’s degree is highly preferred. The successful candidate will be a person of integrity and stature with proven relevant experience, utility industry and/or nonprofit experience, and a commitment to collaboration. Other essential skills and experience include:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High competency in Microsoft operating systems, high level of skill in Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint
  • Knowledge of electric utility principles and practices, including physical operating business characteristics of the electric industry.
  • Tendency to be a self-motivated individual that acts as a self-starter seeking continuous improvement.
  • Strong organizational and prioritizing skills, with exceptional project and time management.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and expertise on wide-range of energy issues, including ability to
    analyze and prepare relevant technical and economic information.
  • High competency manipulating database reports.
  • Willingness to assist E.D., the board, and future co-workers with other tasks as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Above minimum qualifications and the following:

  • Experience using a REC tracking system as an Account Holder.
  • RPS compliance experience – regulatory and voluntary reporting.
  • Experience in utility regulatory proceedings and familiarity with current laws and regulations pertaining to electric energy industry.
  • Familiarity with utility metering varieties and standards, MISO meter and settlement data.
  • Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, markets, trends, and standards.
  • Background in engineering principles and experience relating to engineering economics;
    computer modeling for business planning and forecasting.
  • Experience with CRM’s, such as Microsoft Access, Sharepoint or similar programs.

Company Background

The Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS) tracks renewable energy generation in participating States and Provinces and assists in verifying compliance with individual state/provincial or voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and objectives. M-RETS is an important tool to keep track of all relevant information about renewable energy produced and delivered in the region.

Currently, 9 States and Provinces participate in the M-RETS System: Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Manitoba, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. M-RETS uses verifiable production data for all participating generators and creates a REC in the form of a tradable digital certificate for each MWh. More information about the tracking system can be found at m-rets.org.

M-RETS was incorporated as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit in August 2008. The board of directors of M- RETS is responsible for governance of the M-RETS System. The board of directors is composed of government representatives from M-RETS states and provinces in addition to a representative from each of the following stakeholder categories: Investor Owned Utility, Municipal Utility, Cooperative Utility, Marketer/Developer and a Nonprofit. M-RETS currently has two staff people.

Compensation
Compensation includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and a package of employee and health benefits.

Start Date
Preferably April 2014. Candidates ideally will work from the M-RETS office in St. Paul, MN.

Location To Apply
M-RETS efficiently tracks and verifies renewable energy generation in collaboration with stakeholders, facilitating renewable energy development in the public interest.

Deadline for applications: March 3, 2014.

Send a cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 professional references, salary requirements and writing sample in portable document format (pdf) via email to: amy@mrets.org.

Contact: Amy Fredregill, Executive Director, M-RETS Inc., 1885 University Avenue West, Suite 315, St. Paul, MN 55104, amy@mrets.org

M-RETS efficiently tracks and verifies renewable energy generation in collaboration with stakeholders, facilitating renewable energy development in the public interest.

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