Load Forecasting & Research Analyst/Sr

The load forecasting and research analyst performs research and analysis for the purpose of load forecasting, load research, energy efficiency, cost of service, rate design, general rate cases and other regulatory purposes. This position supports the energy transition to net zero carbon goals by developing load forecast scenarios that consider electrification and other factors that may impact future timing of demand and energy. This position is responsible for maintaining a statistically valid load research sample. This position is responsible for providing volumetric forecasts for electric and gas customers for use in the company’s annual financial planning process.

Development of the peak demand forecast, electric and gas customer forecasts and the electric sales forecast. This includes the assembly and validation of historical information, the assessment and integration of the appropriate economic variables and the economic modeling of these inputs. This effort often requires numerous iterations and scenarios to ensure a statistically valid and reasonable forecast. Included in these duties is ongoing coordination of numerous inputs to the process.

Responsibilities include presenting and communicating the forecast results to senior management and other leaders of the organization.

Provide ongoing review of forecasts for validation purposes and development of modeling improvements. This entails monthly evaluations of the forecasted results compared to the actual results for the month. This evaluation and review is used to further refine and improve modeling techniques. This evaluation is often used for additional support for variance analysis reviews done for the company. This evaluation is often the prompt for ongoing enhancements to the forecasting process. These enhancements are evaluated, tested and researched throughout the year.

On an ongoing basis this position is required to remain fully trained and educated on the capabilities and upgrades of the modeling software.

Directs the development of load forecast scenarios that consider electrification and other factors in support of the energy transition to net zero carbon emissions goals and provides other technical analytical support for other gas and electric regulatory pricing functions.

Stay abreast of regional and nationwide economic trends and developments and provide economic information as requested.

This position is responsible to maintain an ongoing assessment of the current economic trends. This requires dedication to regular information available through company resources and services. In addition to the economic data, there is ongoing evaluation of weather data used for weather normalization purposes.

Compile forecast filings with the state commissions and responses to data requests. The regular filings require the attention to assemble and transmit the forecast information in the manner requested. Data requests about this forecast information or methods utilized are often required.

Provides load research support and testimony to energy efficiency for energy efficiency plan filing. Extracts, compiles and analyzes interval data for verification of data and responds to load research questions and requests from energy efficiency. Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning.

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.

Bachelor's degree or higher degree in engineering, economics, statistics, mathematics or related field or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

Five years of related experience, including five years of forecasting, econometric modeling and/or statistical analysis experience.

Advanced skills at financial forecasting and financial analysis to assist in ongoing variance analysis and evaluations of the forecasted results.

The senior analyst position requires seven or more years of related experience, with advanced financial forecasting and financial analysis skills to lead the department with minimal supervision in financial forecasting, financial analysis, ongoing variance analysis and evaluations of the forecasted results, and development and presentation of load forecast scenarios utilized in resource planning.

Advanced technical software skills. Demonstrated skills to create and utilize financial models, skills to create and utilize database applications and skills at spreadsheet applications and techniques.

Effective oral and written communication skills to explain the variances and changes in the forecast. Effective analytical and problem-solving skills to improve upon scenarios of the forecast. Good research skills, including Internet research required to identify and assemble appropriate economic data. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Excellent computing skills, including Excel, Access, PowerPoint and VisualBasic.

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

We celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.