Advisor Regulatory Research and Analysis

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us?

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.

We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The opportunity

The Advisor, Regulatory Research and Analysis will support research projects by undertaking research and analysis to understand the policy and regulatory challenges and opportunities facing Ontario’s electricity sector. The Advisor will monitor regulatory developments in Ontario and other jurisdictions and conduct research and analysis projects on topics likely to include: regulation of the electricity sector, integrated energy planning, regulatory oversight of system planning, cost recovery approaches, permitting and approvals for new energy technologies, the energy transition, and other topics in support of the IESO’s Corporate Strategy. The Advisor will engage internally and externally with stakeholders to scope and conduct this research and analysis to ensure research meets the IESO’s needs. The Advisor will also support the identification, assessment, and development of recommendations (or options for recommendations) to address identified regulatory challenges and opportunities, coordinating amongst different viewpoints to reach consensus outcomes.

What you’ll do

• Research, Analysis and Reporting
• • Conduct research and analysis on topics including, but not limited to: electricity sector regulation, integrated energy planning, regulatory oversight of system planning, cost recovery approaches, permitting and approvals for new energy technologies, the energy transition, and other topics in support of the IESO’s Corporate Strategy.
  • Conduct critical reading of regulatory documents (e.g. filed evidence, regulations, standards, codes, decisions and orders), policy documents (e.g. legislation, policy statements, programs, consultations) with the ability to summarize and communicate issues of interest to the IESO verbally and/or in written form to decision makers.
  • Assess the business, market and operational impacts of existing and proposed policy or regulatory approaches and changes on the IESO and Ontario electricity sector
  • Develop innovative positions and recommendations based on policy and regulatory developments in Ontario and other relevant jurisdictions.
  • Manage research projects from start to finish with oversight from supervisor.
  • Develop assorted written deliverables including: reports, briefing notes, memos and presentation decks.
  • Deliver results of research and analysis in public presentations (both internal and external).
  • Manage a diverse portfolio of research projects with varying degrees of complexity and producing results within established timelines.

• Monitoring
• • Monitor regulatory proceedings, consultations and other matters in Ontario, federally and in other relevant jurisdictions to inform the IESO’s response to regulatory developments.
  • Establish and maintain currency with regulator business plans and priorities, provincial energy policies, Ministerial directions, and regulations associated with the IESO’s mandate.
  • Develop and maintain currency with relevant existing and evolving North American system operator and utility practices.

• Collaboration
• • Work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, as the case may be, to scope and conduct research and analysis.
  • Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and reach consensus positions and recommendations for the IESO’s position on, and response to, regulation and policy and changes thereto.
  • Work collaboratively with supervisor on highly unusual problems and important matters.
• Perform other duties as required.

What you need to succeed

Education:

• Requires knowledge of:
  1. Qualitative and quantitative research and analysis methods
  2. Technical and business writing

• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired through the successful completion of a 4-year university degree (graduate degree is considered an asset). Preferably in the areas of business, political science, public policy, finance, engineering, or equivalent education and experience.

Experience:

• Conducting complex regulatory and policy research.
• Researching and analyzing regulatory constructs and developments in other Canadian provinces and international jurisdictions and converting analysis into relevant information for the Ontario context to aid in the decision-making process.
• Engaging and consulting with internal and external stakeholders to scope and conduct research.
• Monitoring regulatory proceedings, consultations, and policy/legislative development processes to extract key insights and information.
• Preparation of assorted written deliverables including: reports, briefing notes, memos and presentation decks.
• Delivering results of research and analysis in staff-level public presentations (both internal and external).
• Communication, with an emphasis on ability to disseminate detailed information in a clear, professional manner in both written and oral form.
• Managing a diverse portfolio of research projects with varying degrees of complexity and producing results within established timelines.
• Understanding electricity sector restructuring, drivers for restructuring, and trends elsewhere.
• Understanding Ontario’s electricity markets, the operation of Ontario’s electricity system, and the various organizations involved in the electricity and broader energy sector.
• The principles and process for the regulation of system operators and energy utilities.
• Rate or tariff design principles.
• A period of over 6 years, and up to and including 8 years, is considered necessary to gain this experience, including the period of adjustment in the role itself.

What’s in it for you
 

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry

Deadline: 06/06/2023

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario. When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

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