Regulatory and Policy Intern

Organization

PowerOptions is the largest energy buying consortium in New England, with 500 non-profits and public entities across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Members use about 1 billion kWh of electricity and 7 million dekatherms of natural gas annually. A nonprofit working on behalf of other nonprofits for 25 years, PowerOptions’ mission is founded on one simple premise: to help members achieve their long-term energy goals, including cost savings, reliability, and sustainability. In addition to our core business of electricity and natural gas supply, we also offer a solar program for projects of virtually any size or configuration featuring an innovative PPA, with more than 85 MWs of solar developed or currently underway. As our members needs have changed, we have continued to adapt to serve and are building expanded customer offerings, including a continued focus on sustainability-related products, such as electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficiency, storage, and roadmapping for building decarbonization and fleet electrification.

Overview

The Regulatory & Policy Intern will be working to track and report on environmental and energy regulations and policies at the regional and state levels. The Intern may be called on to present to staff or write on a variety of issues.  The Intern will report directly to the Vice President of Marketing and Communication and collaborate with others on the PowerOptions team.

PowerOptions has a staff of fifteen with a passion for helping our nonprofit Members save money on their energy costs so they can focus on their own important missions--serving their communities. We are seeking a candidate who is similarly passionate about the energy space and can work 25-40 hours a week (with a preference for 40 hours a week) for 3 months in fall of 2023, with possibility of extension. 

Internship Responsibilities:

Specific internship responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Tracking and monitoring legislation and policies which may impact the energy sector or PowerOptions’ members and business.
• Creating a weekly summary report for staff, and drafting a monthly report for PowerOptions’ members.
• Engaging in advocacy related to energy cost and reliability, energy efficiency, building decarbonization, and renewable energy.
• Maintaining an existing Legislative and Policy Tracker, a database on energy- and clean energy-related developments and trends, and ongoing monitoring of other industry activity.
• Researching and drafting legislative and policy talking points and summaries.
• Supporting PowerOptions leadership in preparation of public testimony, remarks, and presentations.
• Assisting with communications - newsletters, website material, social media, emails, blogs, and webinars.

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be familiar with state clean energy policies, climate goals, and the regional electricity market. They will possess or be pursuing an undergraduate degree in economics, political science, environmental or energy policy, environmental justice, business, engineering, or a related field, and/or be working toward a graduate degree. 

Candidates should be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including strong editorial abilities.
• Skilled in presentation composition, communication technology.
• Analytical and technical capabilities, with close attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, with initial guidance.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to tackle and prioritize assignments.
• Willingness to work on administrative tasks as needed to support a small team.
• Proficiency in Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Social Media Platforms.
• Experience in the area of environmental science or environmental studies.
• Background or interest in mission driven non-profits is advantageous.

Hybrid work environment, generally in Boston office once per week.

This is a paid internship. Applicants should email their resume and cover letter to interns@poweroptions.org.