Principal, Energy Market Policy (Hybrid)

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 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 is available in a hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the Director, acts as a technical expert responsible for providing expertise and support to the division, executives, and leadership, on energy market design and issues. Engages with regulatory entities, customers, and regional partners on matters related to energy market evolution and challenges. Provides senior level expertise on a diverse array of energy policy and market matters, including expertise on matters that arise during the growth of an ISO market footprint. 

What Will You Be Doing:

• Conduct thorough evaluations of operation and market performance, analyzing industry trends, west-wide industry resource, and grid information. Utilize data to inform the ISO policy and strategic direction, focusing on the growth of the ISO market footprint and addressing seams between our market footprint and surrounding market and non-market areas. Interpret market performance data to make meaningful assessments of market trends. Advise on policy changes and strategic market direction based on data-driven insights. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert to the executive leadership team and Board of Governors regarding California ISO markets and potential changes. Stay abreast of global electricity market designs to recommend best practices and innovative solutions. Provide perspective from direct expertise with the growth and associated evolution of ISO markets and translate lessons to California ISO context. Provide technical and strategic expertise on the continual development of market structure and design in support of corporate strategy and initiatives. Shape wholesale electricity market design to meet challenges associated with the grid today and in the future.
• Collaborate with executives and staff to ensure policy development produces reliable, open, cost-effective service as we continue to decarbonize and transition to deeper regional markets. Interact and collaborate with the Market Surveillance Committee to ensure they can adequately advise the Board of Governors and Governing Body on market design changes.
• Represent CAISO in regulatory, stakeholder, and industry forums dealing with market design and performance. Act as an expert witness or subject matter expert on complex market design matters before regulatory agencies. Make presentations to the CAISO Board of Governors, WEM Governing Body, CAISO Enterprise Board, and stakeholders, contributing to regulatory filings.
• Build, maintain, and leverage relationships with peers and customers to solicit and inform perspectives on market design and performance. Proactively engage a broad range of stakeholders in California and across the West to advance Energy Imbalance Market and Extended Day-Ahead Market initiatives. Serve as a market expert in strategic engagements with industry participants, furthering wholesale markets in the West. Represent the ISO in interactions with customers, FERC, and state agencies.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) in Economics or Engineering required. Advanced degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Ten (10) or more years related experience, including five (5) years at senior advisor or manager level or equivalent.

Type of Experience:

Extensive experience in market policy development in the energy sector. Experience interpreting complex market data. In-depth knowledge of electricity market design and performance, including experience with the growth and associated evolution of ISO markets. Experience in regulatory and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions.  Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member.  Strong analytical and quantitative skills required.  Excellent interpersonal, communication, writing and presentation skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts to non-technical audiences. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently. Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders. Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership and staff.

The pay range for the Principal, Energy Market Policy is $175,800 - $293,000 annually.

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