Application Guide

How to Apply for Sr / Principal Economic Risk Analyst

at Portland General Electric

🏢 About Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric is unique as Oregon's largest electric utility with a dual mission of powering lives while actively combating climate change through cleaner energy solutions. The company offers the opportunity to work on meaningful energy transition projects in a state known for progressive environmental policies, making it ideal for professionals who want to contribute to tangible sustainability outcomes while working remotely.

About This Role

This role involves developing economic risk models and performing life cycle cost analyses to support long-term investment decisions for grid reliability and strategic projects at PGE. You'll directly impact how the utility balances financial considerations with reliability, safety, and climate goals through data-driven recommendations on infrastructure investments.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve collaborating with engineering teams to refine life cycle cost models for aging infrastructure, analyzing economic scenarios for upcoming investment decisions, and preparing business case presentations that balance financial metrics with PGE's reliability and climate goals. You'll spend significant time translating complex economic data into actionable recommendations for grid investments.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Portland General Electric Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years (Senior) or 8+ years (Principal) of utility/energy sector experience specifically in economic forecasting, power operations, or regulatory affairs
  • Holds a bachelor's degree in economics, engineering, finance, or related quantitative field with demonstrated ability to build economic models for infrastructure investments
  • Can translate complex economic analyses into actionable business cases that address reliability, compliance, and operational efficiency trade-offs
  • Has experience collaborating with engineering and operations teams in the utility sector to develop life cycle cost models for aging infrastructure

📝 Tips for Applying to Portland General Electric

1

Quantify your utility/energy sector experience in years and specify whether it aligns with Senior (5+ years) or Principal (8+ years) level requirements

2

Highlight specific economic modeling tools or methodologies you've used for infrastructure investment decisions (e.g., NPV analysis, Monte Carlo simulations for risk)

3

Demonstrate understanding of utility-specific challenges like rate cases, regulatory compliance, or grid modernization economics in your resume

4

Reference PGE's specific climate goals and Oregon's clean energy policies to show you've researched their operational context

5

Include examples of business cases you've developed that balanced reliability, safety, and financial considerations in energy/utility settings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with economic life cycle modeling specifically for utility infrastructure (transmission, distribution, or generation assets)', "How you've previously analyzed trade-offs between investment costs and strategic reliability goals in energy sector decisions", 'Your ability to collaborate with engineering/operations teams to develop actionable economic recommendations', "Why PGE's mission of combating climate change while maintaining reliability resonates with your professional goals"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PGE's 2023 Integrated Resource Plan and their specific clean energy transition timeline
  • → Oregon's Climate Protection Program and how it affects utility investment decisions
  • → Recent PGE rate cases or regulatory filings with the Oregon Public Utility Commission
  • → PGE's grid modernization initiatives and reliability metrics reported in their annual reports

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through how you would develop an economic model for a major grid infrastructure replacement project
2 How do you incorporate climate change risks and clean energy transition costs into long-term investment analyses?
3 Describe a time you had to present complex economic analysis to non-financial stakeholders (engineers, operations teams)
4 What methodologies would you use to evaluate the portfolio impact of multiple reliability investments simultaneously?
5 How do you stay current on regulatory changes affecting utility economics in Oregon or the Pacific Northwest?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying without clearly quantifying your years of utility/energy sector experience
  • Using generic financial modeling examples instead of utility-specific economic analyses
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of how regulatory environments impact utility investment decisions

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Portland General Electric!

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