Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel

  • Full-time

Company Description

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 independent 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 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 California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of  its  employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a fully remote schedule. 

Relocation Assistance is available.

Job Description

We are seeking a regulatory attorney for a Counsel or Senior Counsel position (depending on experience), to represent the California ISO in regulatory and legal proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, state public utilities commissions, 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 supports work to shape the future of the electrical energy industry and includes advising internal clients to further the ISO’s strategic objectives, including:

  • Enhance the wholesale electricity markets to support reliable grid operations in a rapidly changing environment 
  • Promote policies and planning rules to provide for the efficient development, retention, and dispatch of an optimal fleet of transmission and distribution connected resources
  • Undertake transmission planning and support infrastructure development
  • Develop resource adequacy strategies and enhancements 
  • Enable new resource technologies and distributed energy resources to participate effectively in the ISO markets
  • Decarbonize the electricity and transportation sectors
  • Pursue operational, environmental, and cost benefits from a larger regional electric grid
  • Accommodate new technologies that allow customers to  manage energy use efficiently

The Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel partners directly with internal clients, industry participants, and other stakeholders and manages the legal and administrative process to seek regulatory approval for ISO proposals and positions.

Why the ISO?

Each day we make a difference as we fulfill our critical mission to keep the lights on for millions of people, 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 world-class industry leaders
  • 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 and public utility commission orders, prepare responsive documents, and implement plans to comply with regulatory rules and applicable laws
  • Advise internal clients on tariff, FERC, Federal Power Act, and state regulatory issues
  • Develop pleadings in various proceedings, including FERC and public utility commissions , tariff amendments, rulemakings, and other matters
  • Represent the ISO in hearings, including public utility commission hearings, and other forum.
  • 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
  • Support transmission planning, generator interconnection, and resource adequacy efforts
  • Advise on ratemaking issues
  • Support tariff compliance

Qualifications

Level of Education

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

Amount of Experience 

  • Five (5) or more years related experience.

Certifications

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

Type of Experience 

  • Energy regulatory experience, in particular experience with state public utility commissions and FERC
  • Experience with ISO/RTO markets and tariffs, transmission planning, generator interconnection, ratemaking, and resource adequacy.
  • Litigation and/or administrative hearing experience

Location

  • Flexible Work Policy
  • You will have the choice to work at our Folsom campus (1 or more days per week) or full-time remote work.
  • Some travel will be required, as necessary, including at times to our headquarters in Folsom (if remote), Washington D.C., the California Public Utilities Commission, and other state agency offices.

 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. 

Additional Information

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