Regulatory Advocate

Position Description: Alliance for a Green Economy is in search of a full-time Regulatory Advocate to spearhead our work in utility rate cases and regulatory proceedings in New York State. Over the course of the last 5 years, AGREE has become one of the only environmental nonprofits that intervenes consistently in all major rate cases in the state. In addition, we participate in many major policy proceedings at the Public Service Commission concerning building electrification, energy efficiency, geothermal district networks, and the future of renewable energy and nuclear reactors in New York State.

AGREE is seeking a motivated, dependable, organized, and tenacious individual who is interested in leading the charge on our involvement in New York’s regulatory environment. We work in rate cases and statewide proceedings to accomplish the following goals:

  • Stop investments in new gas infrastructure projects and stop new gas hookups by supporting non-gas alternatives like building weatherization and electrification
  • Increase energy affordability for residential ratepayers, especially low-income households and disadvantaged communities and mitigate the bill impacts of utility programs and infrastructure
    Improve energy efficiency programs and policies to meet the state’s climate and environmental justice mandates
  • Increase the amount of renewable energy generation in New York State, particularly projects that directly benefit low-income and environmental justice communities
  • Participate in the implementation of the newly passed Utility Geothermal Networks and Jobs Act and ensure utility pilots are in compliance with the spirit of the law
  • Prevent false solutions such as nuclear, hydrogen, and bio-methane from capturing public funding that should be going toward renewable energy, energy affordability, energy efficiency, and building electrification
  • And more…

This position reports to the Executive Director and will work closely with the Deputy Director and a wide array of partners and stakeholders who intervene in cases with us. While we prefer candidates with experience in a utility regulatory environment, we will train the right candidate. Previous involvement (in whatever role) in the climate and environmental justice movement is a major plus for this role.

Location: This is largely a work from home position that will require occasional-to-frequent in-person presence at the Public Service Commission and other meeting spaces. Candidates must be able to easily drive or take public transit to the Public Service Commission’s offices at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY. Occasional travel to Syracuse, NY for staff meetings will be expected as will occasional attendance at the Public Service Commission offices in New York City. 

Compensation:  This is a salaried position; pay will range from $55,000-$65,000, depending on experience. Benefits include paid leave, health and dental insurance, and generous vacation.

Responsibilities to include:
  • Work closely with AGREE staff to develop regulatory strategy.
  • Participate in the full range of tasks involved in regulatory advocacy, including factual and legal research; discovery; working with experts to draft testimony, briefs and motions, comments, petitions, and other filings; and oral argument; and negotiation.
  • Decipher key takeaways from datasets about utility activities and the energy system, obtained through discovery requests, records requests, and public information gathering.
  • Engage in proceedings or other advocacy opportunities before the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Service.
  • Participate in cultivating relationships with allies and coalition partners.
  • Work with AGREE Staff, coalition partners, experts, and allies to coordinate public stakeholder engagement in regulatory proceedings.
  • Assist AGREE’s Communication’s Director in writing press releases, talking points, and other public facing outreach documents related to AGREE’s regulatory advocacy.
  • Work with other AGREE staff to coordinate our regulatory work with the rest of AGREE’s campaigns and programs.
  • Support efforts to ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
Qualifications:
  • Commitment to serving the public interest and a strong desire to fight for a just and equitable clean energy future.
  • Law school graduates who are admitted, or willing to apply for admission, to the NY state bar will be strongly preferred. We are open to candidates with no law degree, but who demonstrate they can adequately represent AGREE’s pro se involvement in regulatory proceedings. 
  • 1-3 years of policy, regulatory, or advocacy experience.
  • Knowledge of energy utility regulation is a major plus but not a requirement 
  • Excellent research, analytic, writing, and communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic and initiative, and sound judgment.
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.
  • Commitment to fact-based advocacy and well-researched positions; attention to factual detail and consistency.
  • Ability to keep confidences and protect confidential information.
  • Ability to argue for and fiercely defend a position in filings and negotiations
  • Demonstrated awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations.
  • Proven interest in and commitment to advocacy for the legal rights of low-income and other vulnerable populations
  • Demonstrated commitment to contributing to a positive, diverse, and collaborative workplace culture.  

How to Apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the positions will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a resume, and 1-3 work samples using our application form, linked here. The letter of application will be the most important determining document for who will be interviewed for the position. The letter should be 2-5 pages and should summarize relevant experience and skills. The letter should also discuss why the applicant is enthusiastic to work on this position. Work samples should demonstrate the candidate’s skills in one or more of the areas listed in the job description. They can include anything from research papers, policy analysis, legal filings, info sheets, and more.

Questions? Contact AGREE’s Deputy Director: avni@allianceforagreeneconomy.org or (315) 480-1515 x 705

Apply today!