Closing Date: 28th April, 2024
Description:
Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer ProtectionThe Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection is a new position on the Illinois Power Agency's (“Agency”) expanding Consumer Protection team. The Associate Legal Counsel – Consumer Protection will work on the Agency's robust and expanding consumer protection initiatives for the Agency's solar incentive programs, Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All.
The position combines big-picture public
policy discussions with the development of implementation strategies
and processes in the administration of renewable incentive programs. The
Associate Legal Counsel will work closely with the Deputy Legal Counsel
for Consumer Protection, the Consumer Protection Specialist, other
Agency staff, and the Agency's third-party Program Administrators on a
wide range of consumer protection topics. In particular, the Associate
Legal Counsel will help design, develop, and implement new consumer
protection-related programs and initiatives arising out of the final
2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. As laid out in the
2024 Long-Term Plan, the Agency intends to develop: (1) an escrow
process to ensure incentive payments that have been promised to
customers are passed through to the customers in a timely manner, (2) an
“adder” to the REC price when companies that take on projects after the
original solar company goes out of business or otherwise becomes
unavailable, and (3) a restitution program to compensate customers who
have been financially harmed through their participation in Illinois
Shines or Illinois Solar for All.
Responsibilities under this position will primarily focus on work related to consumer protection within State-administered incentive programs, but may expand to include other legal and consumer protection assignments as required by the Agency.
Responsibilities will include:
- Assist the legal team and Agency staff in the design and implementation of consumer protection-related updates and new initiatives, including the development of relevant processes, standards, and requirements.
- Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel for Consumer Protection in the development and litigation of consumer protection content in the biennial revisions to the Agency's Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, and/or other future planning processes.
- Support updates to various program requirements and documents, including developing and drafting proposals, administering stakeholder feedback processes, and drafting rationale documents.
- Draft and/or review disciplinary and pre-disciplinary notices and letters related to program violations and appeals and assist in related investigations.
- Assist in the development of compliance plans for participating solar developers that have violated program requirements.
- Review marketing materials, training materials, and compliance documents created by program participants to ensure program requirements are met.
- Develop, review, and update consumer education materials, including webpages, Disclosure Forms, and other resources.
- Identify and assist in developing strategies to address existing and emerging consumer protection issues.
- Assist the Chief Legal Counsel and Deputy Legal Counsel in researching and formulating guidance on legal issues regarding consumer protection initiatives.
- Participate in Agency-level policy discussions; work directly with Agency management; gather and provide information to the Director and Chief Legal Counsel for review; coordinate with staff and consultants in review and analysis of Agency programs to ensure consumer protection objectives are met.
- Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- A Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and membership in good standing with the Illinois bar. The Agency will also consider applications from individuals with pending membership in Illinois bar, or membership in another state bar and willingness to take the Illinois bar exam within 6 months.
- Experience in the energy, environmental, consumer protection, and/or public interest fields
- Motivated independent worker, comfortable taking the lead on assigned issues.
- Strong legal research, writing (especially persuasive writing), and editing skills.
- Attention to detail, ability to become familiar with technical and complex information on short time frames.
- Strong critical thinking and analytic skills.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively within a fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
At least two (2) years of experience with renewable energy programs or development, consumer protection, administrative law, or public interest fields.
