Hi.I have been working as a fixed income quantitative analyst (primarily mortgages) for the past two + years and am considering a position as an Energy Risk analyst (for a Utility, not a power marketer). I believe that the work would be exciting, but I would be have to come in at entry level with a probable pay cut– even though I am no longer fresh out of grad school. Additionally, I am somewhat concerned about moving from fixed income to energy given Enron’s fall from grace. Any insight on what it is like to work in the energy industry or informed speculation as to what may happen to the industry would be greatly appreciated.Regards.

Depends which utility you choose - average (baseload + peak) prices are still abysmally low as all the producers have come on line and demand has dipped, merchant power producers are heading for the wall and if you discount most of the rumours swirling round some of the energy traders as Enron-induced hype, you're still left with the fact that many are bleeding cashflow and the credit markets reflect that - frankly it would be a bit of lottery choosing the right utility - even the biggest are facing cutbacks.

Ntesta,send me a private message and I will give you my best guess of shops that are likely to survive, and if you feel comfortable, an opinion about the shop that offered you a position. Also, ask TonyC, who is a wealth of information.