Intern - Policy, Analysis, and Research

As a leader in advancing New York’s energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has remained a credible, objective and trusted partner in our state’s energy planning as well as deploying new and innovative technologies to expand New York’s economy. NYSERDA has worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, lower energy costs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA engages with stakeholders including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that: 

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy. 
• Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York. 
• Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition. 

Internship Overview

This is a paid internship for current students at an accredited college. The pay rate is from $18 to $20 per hour based on current class year. This internship will begin in the summer, June 1, 2026 and continue to fall 2026 with the possibility of future extensions.

Interns must be located in New York State or an immediately adjacent state while working. It is expected that interns will follow our telework policy, with a combination of in-office and remote work. Interns work up to 18.5 hours per week during the semester, and up to 37.5 hours per week between semesters, when not attending classes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Industry Knowledge Development: Proactively build a foundational knowledge base of the New York energy landscape, specifically focusing on the mission of NYSERDA and the roles of NYISO. Learn to navigate the interplay between state-driven energy policy and the market-driven mechanics of the bulk power system to understand how they collectively advance New York’s energy goals. 
• Stakeholder Meeting Coverage: Attend and monitor NYISO stakeholder committee meetings (e.g., Installed Capacity Working Group, Transmission Planning Advisory Subcommittee, Business Issues Committee, etc.)
• Briefing & Reporting: Synthesize complex technical discussions and market design proposals into concise briefing memos for NYSERDA leadership.
• Project Support: Conduct research and analysis on key NYISO projects, such as capacity market changes. 
• Ability to demonstrate respect, equity and inclusive behavior and practices of a diverse workforce and community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current enrollment in a Graduate degree program in Economics, Public Policy, Engineering (Electrical/Energy), or a related field. Will also consider senior-level Undergraduate enrollees.
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills with the ability to summarize technical content for a policy audience.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with the 2025 New York State Energy Plan with a focus on the Electricity chapter.
• Familiarity with the NYISO stakeholder process and its committees.
• Familiarity with concepts key to NYISO stakeholder participation including Installed Capacity, Demand Response, Distributed Energy Resources, and the Energy Marketplace.
• Strong interest in grid modernization, energy markets, and transmission planning.

Please submit two files, one for your cover letter and another for a resume.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

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