Regulatory and Government Affairs Lead (Illinois)
About Base
Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.
About the Role
As the first on-the-ground policy lead in Illinois, you will be the tactical architect of our regulatory and legislative strategy in the State, while at the same time prospecting opportunities in eastern RTOs more generally. You will serve as a high-impact advocate who can navigate the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and the state legislature, while promoting our objectives with Illinois utilities and RTOs. You will bridge the gap between our innovative energy technology and the traditional utility landscape, ensuring that our tech and retail electricity solutions are not only compliant but actively shaping the future of the grid.
This will be a hybrid role between Austin and Chicago. At Base, our culture is the heartbeat of our success. We are a tight-knit team that thrives on the energy, spontaneous collaboration, and shared purpose that comes from working side-by-side in Austin. For this role, however, we recognize the unique need to be in Illinois. We will therefore look for a candidate who is committed to having a strong presence both in Austin and in Chicago. If based in Chicago, we will ask you to spend your first four to six weeks in Austin and then approximately one week per month thereafter.
What You’ll Do
Lead regulatory advocacy and ICC representation, participating in ICC proceedings, including rate cases, grid-modernization filings, and rulemakings, and becoming the principal point of contact for ICC Staff, Commissioners, and the Citizens Utility Board.
Guide the company’s advocacy in the implementation of recent Illinois legislation, SB25, and work with local officials to streamline AHJ requirements.
Draft and file petitions, testimonies, and comments that protect our market access and promote tech-forward utility regulations, while monitoring and ensuring company compliance with the Illinois Public Utilities Act and ICC administrative codes.
Manage the operational and strategic relationship with utilities and RTOs in Illinois, proactively identifying opportunities and risks, and representing the company in stakeholder proceedings.
Work with the broader policy team to develop our positioning in FERC proceedings relevant to our work in Illinois.
Act as an advocate for the company at the Illinois State Capitol, and monitor, analyze, and advocate for legislation that impacts our business.
Deploy data-driven arguments to persuade regulators and utility partners to adopt flexible, technology-friendly standards.
Distill legislative shifts into actionable business intelligence for executive leadership and ensure that our products and processes comply with evolving standards.
Identify and partner with trade associations, NGOs, and industry peers to amplify our legislative voice.
What You’ll Bring
Significant experience in energy regulatory affairs, with a heavy emphasis on the Illinois market; experience in government affairs is a plus.
Proven success negotiating with the ICC and strong familiarity with utilities, RTOs, and the General Assembly in Illinois.
Ability to interpret utility tariffs, load profiles, and technical grid requirements, then translate them for non-technical policymakers.
Understanding of how FERC rulings impact Illinois-specific energy programs.
A strong presence and exceptional public-speaking skills.
Ability to run independently to further a surging business.
Comfort with challenging the status quo and preconceived notions of what is possible.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex concepts into clear, actionable advice.
An entrepreneurial mindset that thrives in ambiguity, moves fast, and prioritizes impact.
Passion for our work and a commitment to fueling American innovation, security, and prosperity through a more reliable grid for all.
Our Values
First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.
Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.