Manager, Rates

Position overview

Delta Utilities is seeking an experienced and dynamic Rates Manager to play a critical role in ensuring the organization’s compliance with regulatory rate and ratemaking requirements and support strategic initiatives related to regulatory ratemaking matters for natural gas utilities. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This individual will be responsible for managing and leading the regulatory rates analyst group covering multiple natural gas utility companies and scope of analyzing regulatory tariffs, rate schedules and riders, advising the ratemaking strategy of the organization, and preparing regulatory filings. The Rates Manager will work closely with internal teams and external resources to align the organization’s billing and recovery mechanisms with applicable regulations and regulatory strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop rate team and efforts related to regulatory rate analysis and ratemaking strategy, including forecasting and analysis related to utility rates and tariffs and the filings thereof
• Prepare and manage regulatory rate analysis and strategy for regulatory filings, including rate cases, tariff revisions, and compliance reports
• Manage, prepare and support the analytical requirements for general rate case proceedings (i.e. cost of service activities, rate impact analysis, and preparation of filing requirements)
• Act as an expert witness before regulatory bodies and in litigated proceedings. Provide expert testimony and / or coordinate the preparation of testimony by other witnesses on behalf of the company on regulatory issues.
• Analyze data related to regulatory compliance, rates, and tariffs to support decision-making, regulatory filings and reconciliation with financial reporting / accounting systems
• Calculate and document periodic updates to rates, schedules and riders
• Analyze the potential impact of and advise senior management of rate related regulatory changes on the company’s operations and financial performance
• Represent the company in regulatory proceedings, hearings, and meetings with regulatory agencies
• Conduct detailed analysis of proposed rate related regulatory policies and legislation, assessing and communicating their potential impact on the company
• Work with billing department to establish billing procedures that comply with tariffed rates, schedules, riders and terms of service
• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local rate related regulations that impact the natural gas utility industry
• Ensure the company’s compliance with all rate related regulatory requirements by managing, preparing and submitting necessary reports, filings, and documentation through continuous application of in-depth working knowledge of regulatory, ratemaking, accounting, financial, and legal concepts and standards unique to the natural gas utility industry,
• Develop and implement processes to maintain ongoing compliance with rate related regulatory changes
• Work with industry associations, regulators, and other stakeholders to influence regulatory policies in line with the company’s interests
• Develop and present policy recommendations to senior management and regulatory bodies
• Maintain accurate records of all regulatory activities, filings, and communications; report on regulatory matters to senior management as needed
• Work closely with internal departments on regulatory matters
• Provide regulatory guidance and support to other departments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations
• Engage with regulatory agencies, industry groups, and other external stakeholders to build and maintain positive relationships
• Serve as a point of contact for rate related regulatory inquiries and provide timely and accurate responses
• Participate in industry forums and conferences to stay informed of regulatory trends and best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, accounting or a related field.
• Desired: Master’s degree, CPA or equivalent experience is preferred
• Minimum of five years of experience in regulatory accounting, rate analysis, accounting and finance related fields, preferably within the utility sector
• At least three years of supervisory experience in leading, developing and coaching teams
• Relevant certifications, such as CPA, preferred
• Strong knowledge of regulated utility tariffs, rate-making procedures and processes, and demonstrated capabilities in the required analytics/financial competencies
• Strong understanding of regulatory processes, utility rate-making, revenue, cost of service and compliance requirements
• Demonstration of high-level competencies in accountability, collaboration, continuous learning and high performance in ambiguous situations
• Excellent analytical, communication (written and oral), and presentation skills
• Experience interacting with senior management on regulatory, accounting, financial or strategic planning issues
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and regulatory software
• Experience in representing a company, as well as testifying on behalf of the company in regulatory proceedings is preferred
• Ability to manage occasional travel to regulatory hearings, meetings, and industry events
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage stress effectively

About Delta Utilities

Delta Utilities is a leading natural gas utility with a focus on safe, dependable service to customers. Headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, the utility will serve nearly 600,000 customers and become one of the leading natural gas providers in Louisiana and Mississippi and among the top 40 providers in the United States.

In 2023, Entergy announced that it had entered into an agreement with Delta Utilities to sell its Louisiana gas distribution business. The natural gas utility currently serves more than 200,000 customers across East Baton Rouge and Orleans parishes. In February 2024, Delta Utilities entered into an agreement with CenterPoint Energy to acquire its Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas businesses, which currently serve approximately 381,000 customers. Once the transactions are complete, Entergy's Louisiana natural gas operations and CenterPoint Energy's Louisiana and Mississippi natural gas systems will be operated by Delta Utilities. Learn more: https://deltautilities.com/

Delta Utilities and associated entities are equal-opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.