PUC extends deadline for director applicants

The Public Utilities Commission has extended the deadline to receive applications for the position of PUC executive director.

Applications now are due Monday, Nov. 24.

“We felt it was in the best interest of PUC to extend it to next Monday,” said Kyle Calabrese, vice chair of the Commission. The number of applicants initially received was not immediately known.

It is not required that the PUC have an executive director, but it would help the Commission’s operation, Calabrese said.

“There’s no statutory requirement that the position be filled, but obviously as we start getting down to business, it’s going to make it much more efficient for the Commission to operate with a full time employee,” he said.

PUC must review and set utility rates before the Dec. 31, 2008, deadline set by law. If the PUC fails to meet this deadline, CUC will be forced to reduce power rates down to 17 cents per kWh-a prospect that will make it impossible for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to pay for fuel supply and maintenance of its engines and to pay its independent power producers.

Calabrese said the qualifications and requirements of the job have not changed.

The PUC executive director oversees the overall operation of the Commission’s office, and should have general knowledge of PUC’s enabling act and able to track legislative decisions affecting PUC, according to the job announcement. The position requires collecting and organizing material required for PUC to conduct meetings. The director prepares reports, including budget and expense reports.

“The executive director also independently researches, organizers and provides background information on sensitive correspondence issues requiring the personal attention of the Commission,” according to the job announcement.

Candidates for the position should be able to communicate effectively and work independently and under pressure.

“In addition,” the announcement states, “applicant must display discretion, tact, poise and be diplomatic in dealing with a wide variety of people as well as a wide range of inquiries.”

The candidate is required to have a high school diploma and previous work experience in an administrative capacity for at least five years; proficient in desktop applications; able to produce high quality work; have excellent English composition, spelling and grammar; and excellent communication skills.

Meanwhile, consultants hired by PUC are analyzing data provided by CUC. The consultants will prepare a study and give their rate recommendation to the PUC Commission, which will then approve, reject or modify the recommendation.