Rev. 04/2025
CITY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
CLASS SPECIFICATION
TITLE: PRINCIPAL POWER ANALYST (JOB CODE 154)
DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO FLSA STATUS
Electric Utility Various Exempt
CLASS SUMMARY
The Principal Power Analyst is a professional management position in the unclassified service responsible for managing the Resource Management and Customer Engagement operations relating to the purchase and sale of wholesale electric power, retail electric rate setting, cost recovery, and the necessary documentation and auditing of regular, complex transactions.
Performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is distinguished from other City-wide Analyst classifications in that it serves a supporting role in the Electric Utility Department (department) in power purchase and supply related activities. The Principal Power Analyst is distinguished from lower-level paraprofessional classifications in the department in that the latter provide technical and clerical staff assistance .
The Principal Power Analyst is distinguished from the higher -level Electric Division Manager in that the latter is responsible for managing a department division.
As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at -will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service -oriented leadership a nd interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and Values.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in finance, including accounting and auditing, two (2) of which must have been at the supervisory or managerial level.
ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION
Up to two (2) years of additional experience as defined above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
None
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in municipal utilities, with a focus on utility budget and electric rate analysis • A Master’s degree in Finance , Accounting, or Business Administration or closely related field
PRINCIPAL POWER ANAYLST (154)
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Required to pass initial and periodic comprehensive background checks, which may include fingerprinting, to meet Federal, State, and /or industry security requirements • Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment, with or without reasonable accommodations
• May be required to work unusual hours, including evenings and weekends, and to be available on an on-call basis in emergency situations
TYPICAL DUTIES
This description may not include all the duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be performed.
Under general direction, the incumbent will:
• Manage, control, settle, and account for all wholesale electricity transactions ensuring data integrity;
• Plan, coordinate and perform complex accounting, statistical, financial analysis and financial reporting tasks;
• Exercise quality control over contents of various financial reports, budgets and other financial documents;
• Audit and assure the contract and policy compliance with the City's Market Risk Management Policy and Procedures;
• Design and manage accounts receivable and payable functions for all wholesale electricity transactions;
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual retail sales reports by rate groups, rate codes, and customer size. Recognize significant variances, growth, and/or irregularities; understand causes/drivers, and summarize concisely to management;
• Prepare rate-related written analyses, reports and presentations for senior level management;
• Analyze and verify the contract compliance of City's energy-based transactions including power purchases and sales, and other fuel;
• Assist in the design and development of information technology applications; • Assist in electric cost-of-service studies, retail rate restructure, and development of new rates or fee schedules;
• Supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff;
• Support trading activities and balances the portfolio of buy/sell transactions; • Assist with updating rules and regulations, and monitor market developments that may affect cost, rate structure or rate levels;
• Prepare various complex monthly, quarterly and annual accounting reports; • Review and resolve disputes between counterparties;
• Be responsible for power settlement and ensure the accuracy of all invoices and payments for contracts between the electric utility and retail customers, including Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and for customers participating in Large Customer Renewable Energy (LCRE) Program or similar arrangements;
PRINCIPAL POWER ANAYLST (154)
• Research and resolve meter data discrepancies, and work with the meter shop and City Finance to resolve meter data, unique billing, and service issues related to the electric utility’s largest customers;
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the operating budget of settlement and risk;
• Operate and use a variety of modern office equipment, and computer software programs including current windows applications, Word, Excel (advanced user), PowerPoint and to learn and operate new programs as required;
• Prepare reports, memos, and supporting documentation; • Assist in the development and implementation of the Department's goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards;
• Work closely with the trading and risk managers; and
• Perform other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes, and ordinances affecting the electric utility industry;
• Problem resolution of documentation and validation of wholesale electricity trades; • Generally accepted governmental accounting principles, policies, procedures and practices;
• External accounting and financial reporting requirements, and financial analysis; • Concepts and techniques of financial control systems and methodology; • Effective leadership, supervision, training and project management principles and practices;
• Research methods and statistical analysis;
• Problem solving and conflict resolution practices and techniques; • Complex spreadsheets and database applications;
• Office safety practices, procedures and standards; and • Methods and procedures required to validate the sale of wholesale electricity transactions.
Ability to:
• Effectively develop and set objectives, identify and prioritize plans and strategies and efficiently allocate resources to meet goals and timelines in relation to wholesale electricity transactions;
• Research, analyze and investigate work related issues; • Maintain highly confidential information;
• Create, manage and maintain complex filing and record systems; • Develop and maintain information technology applications; • Evaluate situations, identify problems, make logical decisions and follow through on resolution;
• Provide leadership and management in the division through coaching, enabling and facilitating employees working in a team environment;
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate division activities and effectively manage the work PRINCIPAL POWER ANAYLST (154)
of others;
• Conducts research and analysis of complex technical issues; evaluates options and makes recommendations for action; prepares staff reports and recommendations; • Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate complex financial and fiscal data and make sound recommendations and decisions;
• Prepare and interpret a variety of reports utilizing a variety of software packages very specific to the wholesale electric industry;
• Track a high volume of detail with accuracy;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing by using correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including supervisors, subordinates, wholesale electrical power suppliers and customers;
• Work in a team-based environment and achieve common goals; • Effectively handle multiple priorities, organize workload and meet strict deadlines; and • Walk or stand for extended periods of time and bend, stoop, reach, carry, climb, and lift as necessary to perform assigned duties.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general direction provided by the Electric Division Manager or other manager as assigned.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Manages administrative staff as assigned
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager’s Directive 100.
CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Established 1/2003; Revised 6/2016; Revised 04/2025