Application Guide

How to Apply for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Regulatory Lead - Remote in US & PR

at Solar United Neighbors

🏢 About Solar United Neighbors

Solar United Neighbors is a national nonprofit that uniquely combines grassroots community organizing with regulatory advocacy to build a clean, equitable energy system. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that fights for energy rights and democratizes solar access, with a focus on underserved communities.

About This Role

As the VPP Regulatory Lead, you will shape the policy landscape for virtual power plants by leading advocacy in public utility commission proceedings across the US. This role is impactful because it directly influences how distributed solar and storage can be aggregated to support grid reliability while ensuring equitable compensation for participants.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing a utility's new tariff filing, then drafting comments for an upcoming commission hearing. You'll likely join a call with coalition partners to align on messaging, and later analyze a data center's load profile to propose a 'bring your own capacity' program design. The afternoon could involve writing testimony or preparing for a virtual meeting with a commissioner's staff.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Solar United Neighbors Is Looking For

  • A seasoned regulatory advocate with 4+ years of experience in public utility commission proceedings, specifically in distributed energy resources or VPP policies.
  • Proven track record drafting persuasive regulatory filings, comments, and testimony that have influenced commission decisions.
  • Strong analytical skills to dissect complex rate design and market rules, and ability to translate them into clear, compelling arguments for diverse stakeholders.
  • Self-starter who thrives in a remote, collaborative environment and can manage multiple state campaigns simultaneously.

📝 Tips for Applying to Solar United Neighbors

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific regulatory proceedings you've led, including case numbers and outcomes.

2

In your cover letter, mention any experience with data center 'bring your own capacity' programs or similar demand-side participation models.

3

Demonstrate your understanding of SUN's mission by referencing their community solar or equitable access initiatives.

4

Include writing samples that show your ability to simplify complex regulatory concepts for non-expert audiences.

5

Research SUN's recent filings or comments in states like Florida, Texas, or Maryland and reference them in your application.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your direct experience in utility commission proceedings and your success in advancing distributed energy policies.', "Show passion for equitable energy access and how your work aligns with SUN's mission of fighting for energy rights.", 'Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, from grassroots groups to utility stakeholders.', 'Mention any familiarity with data center energy needs and how VPPs can provide cost-effective solutions.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review SUN's recent publications on VPP policy, especially their 'Virtual Power Plant Principles' or comments to FERC.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the regulatory landscape in a few key states (e.g., California, New York, Texas) regarding distributed energy aggregation.
  • → Understand the basics of data center load growth and how VPPs can be a solution for grid capacity.
  • → Look into SUN's partner organizations (e.g., Vote Solar, GRID Alternatives) to understand the advocacy ecosystem.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a regulatory filing you led that changed a utility or commission policy. What was your strategy and outcome?
2 How would you approach a state where utilities are hostile to distributed solar and storage?
3 Given the rapid growth of data centers, how should VPP policies adapt to include 'bring your own capacity' models?
4 How do you balance equity goals (e.g., low-income participation) with technical VPP program design?
5 Tell us about a time you had to persuade a skeptical commissioner or stakeholder. What arguments resonated?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic statements about 'renewable energy passion' without showing specific knowledge of VPP regulatory issues.
  • Don't overlook the equity component; SUN prioritizes equitable access, so ignoring it signals misalignment.
  • Don't submit a cover letter that focuses only on solar without mentioning storage, data centers, or regulatory proceedings.

📅 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 Solar United Neighbors!

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