Associate Regulatory Economist/ Advisor

• Support enterprise-wide regulatory engagement
• Varied interesting work programme
• Contribute to regulatory economic thought leadership

Support the provision of thought leadership on matters of regulatory economic policy and practice

As owner and operator of the National Grid, our transmission network consists of 170 substations, 25,000 transmission towers, and more than 11,000 kilometres of lines across public and privately held land - transporting bulk electricity (up to 220,000 volts) from where it is generated to cities, towns, and some major industrial users.

As System Operator we operate the wholesale electricity market. As part of our role, we ensure supply (provided by generators) matches demand (by electricity users). We are also responsible for ensuring New Zealand's electricity system is reliable, competitive, and innovative and we play an integral role in the planning of New Zealand's electricity future.

The energy industry is changing rapidly to support decarbonisation, and Transpower plays a key role to enable this change whilst remaining a fit for future organisation.

About the team

The Regulatory Affairs team provides service which enables Transpower, both strategically and as a service, to understand, meet, and shape its regulatory obligations, as well as to strengthen and maintain relationships with key industry regulators, the Commerce Commission and Electricity Authority, as well as wider parts of the Government, and delivers effective advocacy and provides for central regulatory affairs oversight across the business.

About the opportunity

The work we do is varied and interesting. As Associate Regulatory Economist, you will play a key support role within the Regulatory Affairs Team engaging across Transpower.

Supporting the Head of Regulation and Senior Regulatory Economist, you will contribute to providing thought leadership on matters of regulatory economic policy and practice, including maintaining an appreciation of developments in other jurisdictions.

This varied role will see you further contributing to the development and refinement of Transpower's regulatory settings and strategy. At a whole of organisation level, you will support the understanding of regulatory settings and their application throughout the business.

You will participate and assist with a broad work programme, including:

• further developing and operating the regulatory revenue and incentives models and assisting in producing revenue forecasts for internal and external stakeholders.
• developing bespoke revenue analysis to support scenario testing and strategy development.
• preparation of submissions to our stakeholders, including the Electricity Authority.
• helping ensure Transpower meets its regulatory reporting obligations to a standard that supports and is consistent with Transpower's regulatory settings.
• enabling interpretation and understanding of regulatory obligations, risks, opportunities, and incentives.
• supporting the development of the Regulatory Control Period proposals.
• supporting the interpretation of the Electricity Industry Participation Code, and Electricity Authority's proposed amendments

You can read more about our regulatory setting https://www.transpower.co.nz/our-work/industry/regulation and our strategic context (Whakamana i Te Mauri Hiko - Empowering our Energy Future) and Transpower's strategic priorities (Transmission Tomorrow) https://www.transpower.co.nz/about-us/our-strategy

So, what will you bring?

With well-developed written and verbal communication skills, you will be adept at applying active listening skills, coupled with a natural intellectual curiosity and the ability to question astutely and seek clarity from stakeholders of all levels.

You enjoy learning in order to understand, interpret, and engage on economic and legal topics and regulatory determinations, and will have proven experience providing regulatory support, with the ability to consult and advise.

Supported by an underlying relevant tertiary qualification, to be shortlisted, your CV and cover letter will clearly convey:

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in an economic, finance, policy, modelling, or regulatory advisory function or role ideally in a regulated firm, government, or within an economic regulator or a consulting business.
• Advanced Excel skills, including modelling experience/expertise.

Whilst not essential the following will be viewed favourably:

• Understanding of key micro economic and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of regulatory thinking, industrial design, contract incentives, or similar experience.

Join us at Transpower

Aotearoa is powered by the people who work here. Every home, every marae, every electric vehicle, every hospital relies on the electricity we manage and deliver. This is your opportunity to join us on a mission that affects all New Zealanders, every day and long into the future.

With over 28 nationalities, our people provide diverse perspectives, knowledge, and deep and varied experience which they love to share. Our environment is modern and family friendly with the option to work from home two days per week. Wellbeing is supported with great employee health and wellness benefits - check them out here https://www.transpower.co.nz/careers/working-transpower

Next steps

Please review the position description available via our Careers site https://careers.transpower.co.nz/search and apply without delay! While this role will ideally be based in Wellington due to the collaboration required, other Transpower locations may be considered for exceptional candidates.

Please note full existing Aotearoa New Zealand work entitlement is required, and preference will be given to candidates already in country.

Role closes Monday February 17th, 2025; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and you may be contacted prior to the close date to explore your application further or to arrange an initial exploratory conversation.