Rate Analyst

Position Summary

The Rate Analyst supports New Braunfels Utilities’ (NBU) rates and revenue operations by assisting in the analysis, maintenance, and administration of utility rates and fees. This position is responsible for supporting rate modeling, cost of service and fee studies, data analysis, and reporting to help ensure rates are accurate, equitable, and aligned with financial plans and ordinances. The Rate Analyst works collaboratively with internal departments to support informed rate-setting decisions and effective communication of rate and fee changes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

UTILITY RATE - ANALYSIS and SUPPORT

- Assist in reviewing and calculating the rates and fees of the utility.

- Support cost of service studies by compiling data, performing calculations, and assisting with analysis related to cost recovery and revenue sufficiency.

- Maintain and update rate models under the guidance of senior staff in real-time.

- Maintain rate/bill comparisons for electric, water, and wastewater rates to benchmark against surrounding utilities.

- Assist with maintaining and updating utility rate ordinances and related documentation.

- Study areas in rates and fees where issues may arise and formulate a plan that can help resolve these issues.

- Coordinate with the Enterprise Communication Department to ensure that all external rate information is updated correctly before being released to the public.

- Review and assist in the ratemaking budget process to ensure that proposed rate adjustments help the utility meet its revenue requirements in the financial operating plan.

ENTERPRISE FEES

- Assist with utility fee studies and analyses to calculate and benchmark applicable enterprise fees.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATIONS

- Develop models to assist the Customer Service Department in conveying any rate and/or fee changes to customers.

- Assist in preparing training materials and presentations related to new or revised rates and fees.

- Support the preparation of presentations and reports explaining rate structures and fee components.

IMPACT FEES

- Coordinate with the Water Engineering Department to conduct impact fee studies for water and wastewater and evaluate adequate cost recovery and revenue sufficiency.

DATA ANALYSIS

- Model scenarios to project the impact of critical business decisions.

- Research and analyze complex customer data to identify trends and create recommendations to assist the management team in decision-making.

- Review monthly stats and unbundled reports to ensure rate accuracy; notify Accounting/Billing departments of any discrepancies; ensure that the rates NBU charges conform to the rates established in ordinance and provide appropriate rate recovery; and bring to the attention of Management any rate-setting anomalies.

- Coordinate with the Data Strategy Department periodically to identify data needs.

WHOLESALE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

- Assist in updating wholesale rates annually or as needed.

- Assist in wholesale contract negotiations and contract administration for special projects, including re-use water, etc.

- Coordinate with wholesale customer advisory groups regarding financial, budgetary, and contractual matters.

SPECIAL PROJECT TEAMS

- Participate in any internal project teams whose work may affect impacts to rates/fees.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES

- Participate in the annual financial audit, providing any data that may be needed to the Accounting department.

- Assist with identifying opportunities for process improvements.

- Perform other related duties as necessary, including serving as back-up support when needed.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

- Maintain regular attendance; leave schedule should be managed so as to not interfere with ability to accomplish tasks, including special projects and assignments with deadlines.

- Maintain strict confidentiality of company, employee and customer information in written and oral communications and safeguard sensitive documents.

- Adhere to NBU policies and procedures, as well as safety guidelines and practices, at all times.

- Exemplify NBU Core Values of Safety, Team, Integrity, Culture, and Stewardship.

- Maintain a clean and safe work area, office, field site and vehicle as applicable.

- Participate in and support initiatives to reach annual NBU Strategic Goals.

Other Minimum Qualifications

- Ability to prioritize tasks and respond positively and effectively to changes in priorities.

- Demonstrated ability to work with a strong sense of urgency and meet deadlines without close supervision.

- Ability to organize and evaluate complex amounts of information and documentation.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

- Relevant experience with MS Office Suite, specifically Microsoft Excel, in order to produce reports, spreadsheets and presentations that are accurate, concise and navigable.

- Minimum of 5 years of direct experience can be substituted for the degree requirement.