Associate - Energy Markets and Regulatory Policy

 GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging full-time opportunity with advancement and growth potential for an Energy Markets & Regulatory Policy Associate to work in our Planning & Advisory group.  The associate position will work in direct support of GDS’ expanding Western Markets consulting team, offering the opportunity to shape the future of the energy transition.

The successful candidate will provide a blend of policy analysis, regulatory administration, and analytical support ensuring our clients navigate the complexities of evolving market designs, regional transmission organizations (RTOs), and state/federal mandates.

GDS is a nationwide multi-service engineering and consulting firm specializing in the energy utilities industry.  We have a significant and growing practice in the power supply planning area representing electric utility and renewable/battery developer clients in the procurement, planning, and effective management of power supply resources in structured and unstructured markets across the U.S.

Responsibilities:

Policy Analysis & Market Intelligence

• Monitor Market Evolution: Track and analyze developments within Western energy markets (e.g., CAISO, WEIM, EDAM, Markets+, WRAP, and CPUC Resource Adequacy).
• Impact Assessment: Evaluate how proposed regulatory changes or market rules affect client portfolios, renewable integration, and transmission planning.
• Research: Conduct deep-dive research into state regulatory trends and CPUC decisions to provide actionable insights for clients.

Regulatory Administration & Support

• Filing Management: Assist in the preparation, organization, and submission of regulatory filings, interventions, and comments.
• Compliance Tracking: Maintain calendars for regulatory deadlines and ensure the team and clients can meet all administrative requirements.
• Documentation: Synthesize complex meeting materials from stakeholder processes (e.g., CAISO working groups and CPUC policy workshops) into concise internal briefings aligned with varying client perspectives and positions.

Analytical Support

• Data Synthesis: Support the Planning & Advisory group by gathering and cleaning market data for modeling and reporting.
• Reporting: Create high-quality presentations and memos that translate technical regulatory language into clear business strategies for clients.

Keyword: Renewable and Resource Modeler, Data Pipeline Management, market monitoring, dashboard development, regulatory analysis
Required Experience:

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Environmental Policy, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 0–2 years of experience in the energy industry (consulting, utility, or regulatory agency).
• Interest in energy systems, markets, and renewable integration.
• Energy market fundamentals a plus – A foundational understanding of how wholesale electricity is bought and sold (Day-Ahead vs. Real-Time markets).
• Western Interconnection familiarity a plus – Familiarity with the geography of the West, the unique role/impact of hydroelectric power and solar curtailment in the region, and the on-going development of energy markets.

Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to summarize complex policy issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience with data visualization tools is a plus.
• High degree of organizational aptitude—the ability to manage multiple projects, tasks, and clients simultaneously.

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $62,200 - $80,000 (annualized USD). The typical salary range for this position is just one component of the firm’s total compensation package.

GDS Associates, Inc. offers excellent benefits package to include:

• Flex Benefits (Flexible Hours, Telecommuting)
• Competitive Pay
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision, Company Paid Life, Long Term & Short-Term Disability)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, Holidays)
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement