Career Opportunities in Public Utility Regulation

WHAT IS PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION?

Public utility regulation is the oversight and governance of essential services provided by public utilities, such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications. This regulation aims to ensure fair pricing, reliable service, and consumer protection. Regulation of public utilities include, but not limited to:
  • Determining the prices that utilities can charge consumers.
  • Establishing quality and reliability standards for services provided by utilities.
  • Implementing rules to protect consumer rights.
  • Reviewing and approving utility investments in infrastructure to ensure they benefit consumers and enhance service delivery.
  • Environmental impacts.
Public utilities are regulated on the state and federal level to balance the interests of consumers, utility companies, and the broader public.

WHY PURSUE A CAREER IN PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION?

Public utility regulation is a very stable and rewarding career with opportunities to make a positive impact on consumers, communities, and the environment. The essential services that utilities provide are always in demand and require a steady need for regulatory oversight. Career opportunities can be found in many different positions within utility companies, government agencies, consumer advocate offices, and consulting firms. There are opportunities of career advancement within these organizations, moving into management positions or specializing in areas like economic analysis and compliance. 

WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A CAREER IN PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATION?

FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS:

NMSU Path for a Career in Public Utility Regulation 

  1. Admission to NMSU and select Economics as one of your majors. 
  2. Enroll in the accelerated masters program to receive double credit for some graduate courses.
  3. Complete the Masters of Economics with a Concentration in Public Utility Policy & Regulation.  
  4. NMSU's nationally recognized programs in public utilities establish the credentials desired by hundreds of employers to give you a great start to a lifelong, well-paid career.
  5. Over 100 NMSU students have followed this path to success and represent us well working for government agencies and utility companies.

FOR UNDERGRAD AND GRADUATE STUDENTS:

NMSU offers graduate programs in Public Utility Regulation. You can read about these programs HERE.

There are many disciplines and relevant degrees that are applicable to work in public utility regulation. Common degrees for pursuing a career in this field include:

  • Economics
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Law
  • Business Administration
  • Engineering
  • Political Science

ARE THERE CURRENTLY INTERNSHIPS OR JOB OPENINGS AVAILABLE TO NMSU STUDENTS?

NMSU's Center for Public Utilities' Advisory Council is very active in placing NMSU students in internship positions and permanent employment. Please see a list of the CPU Advisory Council HERE and the companies that sponsor the CPU HERE. Scholarships are also available for students wishing to pursue a concentration or certification in public utility regulation.