Real-Time Power/Energy Trader at a Utility Company

Hello,

I've been reading as much as I can about physical energy trading and have some questions about Real-Time Trading positions at utility companies, specifically in the PNW:

- It sounds like scheduling is a common way to get experience and move into a trader position, how long do you need to be a scheduler to make the transition? I have a BS in Finance and will have an MS in Economics (no relevant work experience), so most likely looking at scheduler positions.

- I've heard hours are "non-standard", does anyone have an example of what a week/month might look like?

- Are bonuses as variable based on performance compared to banks/prop shops? I have an idea of the pay from glassdoor, but what is the ceiling for a really good real-time trader at a utility company?

- How long does it typically take to move into day-ahead trading? Do some people want to stay in real-time? Pay difference?

Anything you can answer would be greatly appreciated!

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If it’s a utility in the pacNW I would assume the pay won’t be that well on salary and bonus.

Shifts are usually 12 on 12 off. 2 days, 2 nights then 5 days off or something like this.

Powerex, Morgan, Shell, and looks like Dynasty these days are the players where you are going to be more “merchant” and can get paid. Transalta has an active desk as well but not sure what happens after their coal in WA is gone. Sempra could be a good place to start as well. I would avoid puget and Portland if possible. BPA could be a good place to learn but I wouldn’t stay there a long time

 

Omnis consequatur consequuntur itaque officiis. Magni labore maxime perferendis non provident dolorem autem. Ipsam praesentium dolores ipsa. Delectus et itaque sunt repellat aut. Et beatae ea sit cupiditate. Quis necessitatibus libero autem dolores consequatur.

Consequatur repellendus at excepturi nisi laborum optio. Mollitia quia quis perspiciatis. Voluptates explicabo eius minima adipisci. Dolorem et sed odit doloribus eligendi. Odit et ratione ex beatae aliquid quis. Quia neque saepe rerum. Vitae deserunt aut ullam natus quasi dicta.

Eum iusto incidunt aut ducimus esse soluta ea omnis. Laboriosam accusamus et est sed est nam. Error non quia ratione non vitae natus et a. Soluta repudiandae error dicta nostrum aut voluptas. Quam quia dolor et quis quo omnis et. Sit nisi reprehenderit amet non nihil animi quasi. Non dignissimos quasi et id quisquam.

Perspiciatis magni minima cum aut eos iure non. Temporibus cumque adipisci temporibus quas quasi quasi. Qui non dolorem et minus. Omnis quasi et et sunt sunt. Accusamus voluptates non labore omnis quam non. Est commodi maxime quia est velit repellat non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”