Utility Policy Manager

General Description

The Utility Policy Manager is empowered to engage in the following activities on behalf of the network, under the supervision of the OTI Director, and in consultation with the CAPO Board and CAPO Committees. The mission of this position is to help serve low-income Oregonians through research and analysis of policy and legislation at the intersection of poverty and energy with the following mission:

Acknowledging that access to energy is indispensable for humans thriving in modern society; reduce the energy burden of low-income households, and advocate for clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy services for households in poverty so that they can heat and cool their homes without risk of disconnection.


Essential Duties

Research and Analysis
Gather information on policy and procedures that impact the work of the Local Service Providers (LSP) network
Survey and provide feedback opportunities on policy and procedure revisions
Identify, advance, and communicate opportunities for new funding and preserve existing funding for low-income energy programming
Analyze program performance and outcomes of LSP energy assistance and weatherization activities with the goal of serving Oregonians in poverty more effectively
Collect information on programs through conversations and data requests
Based on research and analysis, provide proposals for program improvement
Analyze information for the development of new policies and delivery methods to most effectively promote energy related services delivery to eligible households
Evaluate effectiveness and impacts on individual participants and project/organizational performance

Reporting
Compile data and analyze past and current year program goals and deliverables
Communicate relevant goals and proposals between Utility Policy Committee, OECA Committee, CAPO Legislative Committee, and CAPO Board of Directors
Participate in public commentary with external stakeholders, representation at the Public Utility Commission, and other groups where poverty and energy policy intersect
Coordinate with the OTI Program Coordinator ensuring a common message is communicated across CAPO committees and to external stakeholders

Outreach
Participate in planning and represent CAPO at OECA, trade shows, seminars, conferences, and speaking opportunities at the request of the Director
Work closely with the Director to ensure consistent external messaging is being delivered to various stakeholders
Facilitate meetings with potential funders
Provide technical assistance to agencies, facilitate connections among agencies
Coordinate with other stakeholders to pursue legislative opportunities
Educate policymakers and stakeholders on low-income energy policy issues, including legislative advocacy when appropriate

Program Maintenance
Facilitate and perform duties as the primary staff for the Utility Policy Committee
Participate in annual Internal Review of Safety Procedures, Curriculum Review, Organizational Goals, and documentation revision needs assessments.
Maintain relationships with external stakeholders
Participate in program meetings with current funders, including OHCS
Stay up to date on research and policy ideas in low-income energy policy
Participate in all OPUC regulatory proceedings relevant to CAA energy programs
Advocate for beneficial rule/policy changes at the state level, and with utilities
Safeguard low-income interests in regulatory and policy proceedings.
Represent the interests of low-income Oregonians regarding utility policy matters in policy-making forums