The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel represents the California ISO in regulatory and legal proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, public utilities commissions, the federal and state courts, and other agencies.  The Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel provides legal advice to business units regarding compliance with the ISO tariff, federal and state regulations and laws, and reliability standards.  This position will have a direct role in shaping the future of the electrical energy industry by advising internal clients across ISO departments as they develop new policies such as:

• Enhancing the ISO markets to support reliable grid operations in a rapidly changing environment 
• Enhancing the ISO markets and promoting policies to provide for the efficient development, retention, and dispatch of an optimal fleet of transmission and distribution connected resources
• Developing resource adequacy enhancements 
• Developing new market rules and products to enable new resource technologies and distributed energy resources to participate effectively in the ISO market to provide grid services
• Decarbonizing the electricity and transportation sectors
• Pursuing operational, environmental, and cost benefits from a larger regional electric grid
• Accommodating new technologies that allow customers to efficiently manage energy use

The Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel partners with internal clients, industry participants, and other stakeholders through the ISO’s policy development process, then manages the legal and administrative process to seek regulatory approval for ISO proposals.

WHY THE ISO?

Each day we make a difference as we fulfill our critical mission to keep the lights on for millions of people in California and the West, all the while leading the way to a decarbonized, reliable, and efficient grid. 

• You get to work on cutting edge  complex issues, interfacing with leaders throughout the industry through our open stakeholder process and regulatory proceedings
• You will work in an extremely collaborative environment with some of the best in the industry
• You will be challenged, be part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized

 What You Will Be Doing

• Represent the ISO at various external groups and industry forums to promote policy consistent with the ISO's responsibilities and objectives.
• Actively participate in internal policy development teams developing and evaluating proposals and providing regulatory guidance.
• Evaluate and provide counsel regarding enhancements to the ISO’s markets to ensure efficient market operations, grid reliability, and  achievement of corporate goals
• Identify technical and regulatory barriers and create solutions to integrate new resources and technologies into the ISO markets
•  Review FERC orders, prepare responsive documents, and implement plans to comply with regulatory rules and applicable laws
• Advise internal clients on tariff, FERC, and Federal Power Act  issues
• Develop pleadings in various proceedings including FERC hearings, tariff amendments, rulemakings, and other cases
• Coordinate work assignments with outside counsel as appropriate
• Collaborate with colleagues to develop "best practices" policies and procedures, and to identify and resolve issues to help create a flexible and efficient organization

QUALIFICATIONS:

Level of Education

•  A Juris Doctorate degree (J.D.) is required.

Amount of Experience 

• Five (5) or more years related experience or Sr Counsel position based on level of experience.

Certifications

• Must be a licensed attorney in good standing in California or able to register as in-house counsel in California.

Type of Experience 

• Energy regulatory experience, in particular experience with FERC and public utility commissions.
• Experience with ISO/RTO markets and tariffs is beneficial.

Other

• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. 
• Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail. 
• Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential. 
• Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines and aggressive expectations. 
• Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority. 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.