Data Analysis & Strategic Thinking

A Consultant must be able to look at a spreadsheet of energy usage data and see a story. This area tests your ability to use quantitative tools to drive qualitative decisions. While you don't need to be a data scientist, proficiency in Excel and a logical approach to data are essential.

Be ready to go over:

• Trend Analysis – Identifying patterns in energy consumption or program participation over time.
• Reporting – Creating clear, concise updates for leadership or regulatory bodies.
• Strategic Planning – Using historical data to forecast future program needs or budget requirements.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through a time you used data to convince a manager to change a project's direction."
• "How do you ensure accuracy when managing large datasets for regulatory filings?"

As a Consultant at Eversource Energy, your daily routine will involve a mix of project management, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. You are responsible for ensuring that energy efficiency and demand management programs are running smoothly and meeting their state-mandated goals. This involves constant monitoring of program participation rates and spending levels to ensure the company remains on track with its three-year energy efficiency plans.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. You will work closely with Engineering teams to verify technical energy savings, Marketing teams to drive customer awareness, and Legal/Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with state laws. You are the "glue" that holds these different functions together for your specific program area.

On a typical day, you might:

• Review program performance dashboards to identify geographic areas with low participation.
• Host a meeting with external vendors to discuss new energy-saving technologies, such as heat pumps or smart thermostats.
• Draft a briefing memo for the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) or other state regulators regarding program achievements.
• Analyze customer feedback to identify barriers to entry for low-income energy efficiency programs.

To be competitive for a Consultant position, especially at the Associate level, candidates should demonstrate a blend of academic preparation and practical skill.

• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (v-lookups, pivot tables), is mandatory. Familiarity with project management software and an understanding of building science or HVAC systems is a significant advantage.
• Experience Level – For an Associate role, 0–3 years of experience in utilities, environmental consulting, or project management is typical. For more senior Consultant roles, 5+ years with a focus on energy policy or engineering is expected.
• Soft Skills – Excellent written and verbal communication is non-negotiable. You must be able to write professional reports and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Education – A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field is standard.

Must-have skills:

• Analytical mindset and the ability to work with complex data sets.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple overlapping deadlines.
• A foundational understanding of the energy industry and climate goals in the Northeast.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM platforms.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Project Management Professional (PMP).

Q: How difficult are the interviews for the Consultant role? A: Most candidates rate the difficulty as "Easy" to "Average." The focus is more on your personality, your interest in the industry, and your basic project management skills rather than complex technical testing.

Q: What is the typical timeline from the first call to an offer? A: The process is relatively quick for a large utility. You can generally expect a resolution within 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the availability of the department managers.

Q: Is there a hybrid work policy for Consultants? A: Yes, many Consultant roles at Eversource Energy currently offer a Hybrid Schedule, typically requiring 2–3 days in the office (such as the Westwood, MA or Hartford, CT locations) and the rest remote.

Q: What differentiates a successful candidate in this process? A: Successful candidates demonstrate "curiosity" and "ownership." Showing that you have researched Eversource’s recent regulatory filings or their sustainability reports will set you apart from those giving generic answers.

• Research the Three-Year Plans: In states like Massachusetts and Connecticut, utilities must file three-year energy efficiency plans. Skimming the executive summary of these plans will give you incredible insight into the team's current priorities.
• Use the STAR Method: For behavioral questions, structure your answers using Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This is especially helpful in utility interviews where clarity and structure are highly valued.
• Prepare Your Own Questions: Have 3–5 thoughtful questions ready for your interviewers. Ask about the team's biggest challenge this year or how they measure success for this specific role.
• Focus on Safety: Even in a corporate/consultant role, Eversource Energy has a massive safety culture. Mentioning your commitment to a safe work environment or your experience with safety protocols can be a subtle but powerful plus.

The Consultant role at Eversource Energy is an exceptional opportunity for a professional looking to combine strategic thinking with meaningful environmental impact. As the company continues to lead the region's energy transition, the demand for organized, analytical, and mission-driven consultants has never been higher. By focusing your preparation on a blend of industry knowledge and behavioral storytelling, you can position yourself as a candidate who is ready to contribute on day one.

Remember that the interviewers at Eversource Energy are looking for future colleagues. They value authenticity and a clear passion for the work. Approach your preparation with the same diligence you would bring to the job itself, and you will find the process to be a rewarding first step in your utility career. For more detailed insights into specific interview questions and real-time candidate feedback, be sure to explore additional resources on Dataford.

The salary range for an Associate Energy Efficiency Consultant typically falls between $79,590 and$88,430, though this can vary based on the specific location and the candidate's prior experience. This base salary is often supplemented by a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) match and health insurance, reflecting Eversource Energy’s commitment to competitive total compensation. When reviewing these figures, consider the long-term stability and growth opportunities inherent in the utility sector.