Description
At DRCOG, we’re not just planning for the future. We’re building it. With a five-year $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the EPA, the Denver Regional Council of Governments has launched Power Ahead Colorado, a groundbreaking initiative that will transform the built environment of the 59 cities and counties that make up the Denver metro area. This effort will cut climate pollution from Denver’s built environment by 70% by 2050, boost public health, spark local innovation, and supercharge the economy. Our approach is community-centered, focusing on our region’s most vulnerable populations to ensure that everyone benefits from clean technology.
Power Ahead Colorado will:
Perform whole home retrofits in low-income communities
Provide energy advising services and electrification-oriented rebates and incentives to home and business owners
Support workforce and industry development
Execute a mass market marketing and community engagement campaign
Work with local governments to accelerate adoption of ambitious policies
For more details, see our website at poweraheadcolorado.org.
The Power Ahead Colorado Utility & Regulatory Affairs Lead will lead engagement with utilities, monitor and participate in Public Utilities Commission proceedings, track relevant legislation, and advise program leadership on regulatory developments impacting building efficiency and electrification. The position will also support alignment between utility programs and local government building policies and coordinate closely with the Building Policy Collaborative.
Power Ahead Colorado is more than just a program—it’s a movement. We need your experience and entrepreneurial spirit to make this vision a reality. Apply to join us in creating a better, brighter, more sustainable future!
Research shows people from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups tend to apply only when they check every box in the posting. If you are reading this and hesitating to click “apply” for that reason, we encourage you to apply.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments serves as a visionary leader along Colorado’s central front range. We tackle the BIG issues, like growth and development, transportation and meeting the needs of older adults. Our success is built on, and defined by, long-standing partnerships and serving as a forum for discussing these and other emerging issues in an effort to collectively find innovative solutions. DRCOG is a Regional Planning Commission per Colorado state statute, and is the federally designated Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Denver region. Our culture and values fuel and inform the work we do,. Employees are rewarded with competitive
compensation, generous benefits and an adaptable work environment. Sound like a good fit? We’d love to meet you!
ABOUT THE POSITION OF UTILITY AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS LEAD (POWER AHEAD COLORADO)
This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Division.
Serves as a key point of coordination between the Power Ahead Colorado program and electric and gas utilities; develops and maintains relationships to support program goals and promote alignment with local government building policy strategies.
Monitors utility activities, regulatory proceedings, and program developments to assess impacts on local governments; proactively communicates relevant updates and advises when engagement or intervention is warranted; and supports local jurisdictions in understanding implications and developing effective communication, coordination, and response strategies.
Collaborates closely with the Building Policy Collaborative to ensure alignment between utility programs and local policy adoption and implementation.
Represents DRCOG in proceedings and engagement with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and other regulatory or advisory bodies; coordinates internal review and develops organizational positions.
Coordinates with utilities on program design, implementation, and data-sharing opportunities to support building decarbonization initiatives.
Provides subject matter expertise on utility programs, tariffs, incentives, and regulatory frameworks; translates complex regulatory and technical information for internal and external audiences.
Develops and advances strategies to align utility investments and programs with regional building policy goals.
Builds and maintains relationships with state agencies, local governments, advocacy organizations, and industry stakeholders to support coordinated policy and program outcomes.
Supports cross-functional coordination within DRCOG, including policy, planning, implementation, and compliance teams.
Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
Utility regulatory structures and processes, including Public Utilities Commission proceedings
Electric and gas utility planning (e.g. IRPs, DSM plans, rate cases)
State and local building, energy, climate, planning, and public infrastructure policy landscapes
Building electrification technologies and market dynamics
Principles and practices of public policy analysis
Legislative processes and regulatory compliance frameworks
Stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental coordination
Research, analysis, and data interpretation methods
Navigating complex regulatory, policy, and political environments with strong political acumen.
Building and maintaining effective relationships with utilities, regulators, policymakers, and diverse stakeholders.
Interpreting utility filings, regulatory documents, legislation, and applicable laws and policies.
Synthesizing technical, policy, and program information into clear, actionable insights and recommendations.
Representing organizational positions effectively in formal and informal settings.
Strategic thinking and independent decision-making in dynamic and evolving contexts.
Mediating among stakeholders with differing priorities and facilitating consensus-building.
Coordinating across stakeholders, projects, and teams to advance program objectives.
Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Communicating complex concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Conducting research, data analysis, and performance tracking to inform decisions and report on progress.
Preparing high-quality reports, presentations, and briefings for leadership and external audiences.
Collaborating across disciplines and providing clear, actionable feedback to leadership.
Applying creativity and problem-solving to overcome implementation barriers.
Microsoft Office Suite Programs.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, energy systems, environmental studies, sustainability, planning, engineering, economics, or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years of related professional experience. A Master’s Degree in public policy, planning, engineering, sustainability, or related field is preferred. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
Licensing/Certifications
LEEDs Certification (desirable but not required)
Status
Full-time, Exempt
Compensation and Benefits
The hiring salary range for this position is $8,133.16 - $10,161.94/month or $4,066.58 - $5,080.97/semi-monthly depending on qualifications..
Application Procedure
To view the full job description, a complete listing of benefits, and to apply for this position, please visit our website at https://drcog.org/drcog-job-openings.
This position is open until 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, May 4, 2026.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, energy systems, environmental studies, sustainability, planning, engineering, economics, or related field and a minimum of 5-7 years of related professional experience. A Master’s Degree in public policy, planning, engineering, sustainability, or related field is preferred. OR An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.
