JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE 

Delta Utilities is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director, Regulatory Strategy or VP, Regulatory Strategy to play a critical role in building and leading the regulatory affairs group and providing strategic direction related to regulatory and growth matters for the natural gas utilities. This is a full-time position based in New Orleans, Louisiana.  

This individual will be responsible for managing the regulatory strategy and coordination group covering multiple natural gas utility companies. The Director/VP will lead the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to regulatory and growth; oversee the preparation, filing, litigation, litigation support, and implementation of regulatory filings before the Company’s regulators (New Orleans City Council, Louisiana Public Service Commission, and Mississippi Public Service Commission), including general rate cases, the development of new tariffs,  and comments in rulemakings; lead project management support for the regulatory affairs and coordination group, including maintenance of a data base of all regulatory-related communications, proceedings, and internal documentation; lead collaboration efforts between internal organizations such as operations, finance, legal, and senior management;  guide, direct, and coordinate interactions with external stakeholders, including its regulators, economic development groups, and community-based organizations,  in order to support Company core values and strategic goals; monitor ongoing peer company activities and develop opportunities for the Company based on the regulatory and legislative landscape; provide vision and strategy to senior management and the regulatory organization related to developing and pursuing Company goals and objectives, including identification of rate and tariff planning and revenue opportunities as well as risk identification and mitigation; provide support to Company efforts and advise Company functional teams in all areas; and actively participate in state and national industry groups as the Company’s representative.     

Please Note: This position can be hired as a Director or Vice President level, depending upon required qualifications and experience.  

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Work collaboratively with the rates & regulatory team and lead cross-functional major workstreams, providing guidance to others (both internal and external to the group) and delegate work as appropriate 
• Knowledgeable of and remains current on industry issues and emerging rules, and proactively addresses how these issues may affect regulatory processes 
• Advise, develop, and implement regulatory strategy as identified through monitoring of regulatory and legislative proceedings at the state and federal level.  Support and assist with the development of company position statements on issues raised in these proceedings, including best practices, implementation of innovative regulatory approaches to future rate making/cost recovery, innovative/new technologies, and environmental, social governance (ESG) efforts.  
• Able to learn, apply knowledge and analyze complex data, policies, procedures, laws and regulations affecting rate and regulatory reports, rate filings, tariffs and other rates and regulatory matters, assessing the potential impact and advising company senior management on the changes to the company’s operations and financial performance 
• Provide strategic leadership in the preparation, development, and support for natural gas regulatory and growth initiatives in New Orleans and the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, including preparation of complex regulatory filings 
• Leads, provides guidance, and reviews all Company testimony, expert testimony, data requests, and responses to data requests to identify potential issues, clarify terms, and suggest necessary changes before testimonies and responses are finalized. Further, identify emerging trends or issues; coordinates with external stakeholders on the regulatory process and collaborates internally to ensure resolution of litigated proceedings. 
• Effectively and succinctly communicate complex regulatory and cost recovery concepts to broad and diverse internal and external audiences (Delta Utilities management, Delta Utilities Board, Delta Utilities customers, regulators, intervenors, etc.) 
• Monitor and provide project management support and oversight for all Company rate cases and other ongoing regulatory filings, including maintenance of a data base of all regulatory communications and proceedings, as well as internal documentation 
• Leads and supports processes for the implementation of regulatory orders and the on-going monitoring of the orders to ensure company’s compliance with all rate related regulatory requirements, including the preparation and submission of 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 
• Work with industry associations, regulators, and other stakeholders to influence regulatory policies in line with the company’s interests and to build/maintain positive relationships 
• Develop and present policy recommendations to senior management and regulatory bodies 
• Provide regulatory guidance and support to other departments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

Minimum education required of the position 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, accounting or a relevant field. 
• Desired: Master’s degree, CPA, Juris Doctorate or equivalent experience is preferred  

Minimum experience required of the position 

• 7 plus years of previous work experience working in the utility industry with knowledge related to rate and regulatory matters; creating and maintaining relationships with regulatory bodies; legal, rates, operations, sales and / or accounting experience in the energy industry; rates and / or regulatory submissions and filings; and direct interaction with regulatory authorities required for Director and VP roles.
• 3 plus years of supervisory experience in leading, developing and coaching teams for Director role.
• 5 plus years of supervisory experience in leading, developing and coaching teams for VP role.
• License to practice law preferred for VP role.

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. 

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