Principal Associate, Rate Design and Cost Allocation

Do you enjoy solving complex problems in electric utility rate design, cost allocation, and regulatory economics, including emerging challenges related to data centers, virtual power plants, electrification, and distributed energy resources? Synapse Energy Economics is seeking a strategic thought leader and technical expert to develop innovative regulatory approaches that advance the public interest. Synapse Energy Economics is a consulting firm that has provided rigorous analysis on behalf of public-interest clients in the energy sector for more than 25 years. Our work includes expert analysis, reports, and expert witness testimony in proceedings before public utility commissions across the United States and Canada. Our clients primarily include environmental nonprofit organizations, state and federal agencies, and consumer and environmental advocacy groups. Synapse is seeking a Principal Associate with deep expertise in electric utility rate design, cost-of-service studies, and regulatory models. The successful candidate will lead high-impact analytical work at the forefront of emerging challenges in utility regulation, including electrification, distributed energy resources, large-load tariffs, and performance-based regulation. Our clients rely on Synapse to develop and evaluate innovative regulatory approaches that balance affordability, economic efficiency, equity, and decarbonization objectives. This work includes evaluating utility cost-of-service studies and cost allocation methodologies; developing customer protections related to large loads and data centers; designing time-varying and electrification-focused rates; and proposing compensation frameworks for distributed energy resources and virtual power plants. Synapse is also deeply engaged in the evolution of utility regulatory models, including multi-year rate plans, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue decoupling, and other performance-based approaches intended to strengthen utility accountability and align utility incentives with public policy goals. Job Responsibilities As a Principal Associate, you will serve as a technical leader, strategic advisor, and project lead, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to develop rigorous, forward-looking regulatory analyses. You will lead the development of expert testimony, analytical reports, and regulatory strategy recommendations that shape utility policy and regulatory outcomes. Projects may include developing recommendations to protect customers from cost shifting from data centers, proposing innovative rate designs for electric vehicles and distributed energy resources, assessing utility proposals for multi-year rate plans, conducting benefit-cost analyses of non-wires alternatives and grid modernization investments, and reviewing utility cost-of-service studies and cost allocation proposals to assess their implications for different customer classes. In this role, you will: Lead rigorous technical evaluations of electric utility proposals related to rate design, cost allocation, and regulatory frameworks, identifying analytical gaps and developing alternative approaches that advance the public interest. Review and assess utility cost-of-service studies, class cost allocation methodologies, and rate design proposals to determine whether they appropriately reflect cost causation, produce equitable outcomes for customers, and support state energy policy objectives. Assess the risks and tradeoffs associated with different regulatory models, including traditional cost-of-service ratemaking, cost trackers, multi-year rate plans, and performance incentive mechanisms. Lead and manage consulting projects, ensuring high-quality analytical work and deliverables while coordinating project teams and schedules. Serve as a strategic advisor or expert witness in high-profile regulatory proceedings. Lead the preparation of proposals and contribute to business development efforts. Ensure the integrity, rigor, and accuracy of analytical work produced by project teams. Required Qualifications A strong desire to work on behalf of public interest clients in improving energy policy and utility regulation. Expertise in utility regulatory frameworks, cost allocation methodologies, and rate design principles. Degree or significant experience in Finance, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of industry experience, Master’s degree with 6+ years of industry experience, or PhD with 4+ years of industry experience. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly. Ability to work effectively in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities. Preferred Qualifications Any of the following qualifications will be considered an asset: Advanced degree in economics or a related field. State, federal, or provincial electric utility regulatory experience. Project management experience in a consulting position or in a similar role. Expert witness testimony experience (either sponsoring or substantial contributions to the testimony of others). Working at Synapse Synapse offers numerous benefits to its employees: Generous and flexible PTO (35 days) Flexible work hours and holidays, and the ability to choose a schedule that works for you Medical, dental, and vision insurance Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): a tax-deferred retirement plan that offers employees a chance to be partial owners of Synapse. Eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, subject to company performance. Work-life balance benefit: at the end of the year, salaried employees are compensated for every hour worked over their standard full-time work schedule 401(k) plan, including an employer safe harbor contribution of 3% of your annual salary regardless of individual contributions Life insurance Short- and long-term disability Employee Assistance Program Collaboration: everybody contributes, asks questions, proposes solutions, and works on interesting research and analysis Extensive professional development opportunities Cambridge, MA office space with sit-stand desks, lots of meeting space, indoor bike parking, and plenty of nitro cold-brew and kombucha on tap. Principal Associate base salary range is $115,000-$185,000 annually, based on a full-time schedule. Our base salary range does not include profit-sharing bonuses. Actual salaries will vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. Synapse offers competitive market salaries, based on our primary market of nonprofits and government agencies. Our salaries reflect our work for these public interest clients. We are looking for a candidate to start in the summer or fall of 2026. Ideally you will be located in the Boston area and work in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office on a hybrid basis. However, Synapse will also consider applications from candidates who seek to be fully remote. We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position. Authorization to work in the United States is required to be considered. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word or PDF format. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with rate design, cost-of-service studies, and/or public utility regulatory frameworks. Synapse is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community.