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 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 would be eligible to participate in a fully remote, on-site, or hybrid arrangement. Relocation assistance is available.
Job Description
Under the general direction of the Director, provides technical and strategic expertise on development of market structure and design, makes internal process recommendations for addressing market design flaws, and shapes market design that meets the challenges of the grid today and for the future. Performs complex analyses of industry trends and serves as an economic advisor to department and ISO leadership. Prepares and makes presentations to department and ISO leadership. May advise and present to the CAISO Board of Governors, Market Surveillance Committee, EIM Governing Body, Body of State Regulators, Regional Issues Forum, CAISO Enterprise Board, and other ISO governance forums as requested and/or required.
What you will be doing:
- Provides technical and strategic expertise on continual development of market structure and design thereby shaping wholesale electricity market design that meets challenges associated with the grid today and for the future. Contributes to regulatory filings.
- Performs complex analyses of industry trends and contributes to a state of the regional energy markets report. Serves as an economic advisor to department and ISO leadership. May advise the Board of Governors, EIM Governing Body, and other ISO governing bodies as required on economic and market issues affecting the performance, market design, and viability of the ISO markets and potential impacts on regional reliability.
- Evaluates the design and operations of other restructured electricity markets and the applicability to the CAISO markets. Recommends internal process changes and enhancements for addressing potential market design flaws.
- Prepares and makes presentations to department and ISO Leadership. May present to the EIM Governing Body, CAISO Enterprise Board and stakeholders as required. Builds, maintains and leverages relationships with peers of customers.
Qualifications
Level of Education and Discipline:
- A bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Economics or related technical field. Ph.D. preferred.
Amount of Experience:
- Equivalent years of education and training, plus five (5) or more years related experience.
Certifications:
- None
Type of Experience:
- Energy industry experience, particularly with restructured electricity markets strongly preferred.
Additional Skills and Abilities:
- 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
The pay range for the Sr. Market Economist is $101,700 - $169,500 annually.
We will also consider a Lead Market Economist. This level requires a bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Economics or related field and six or more years directly related experience. The pay range for the Lead Market Economist is $130,725 - $217,875 annually.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Top Skills
What We Do
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 "keeping the lights on" 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.
