Transmission Planning Engineer, Grid Infrastructure

North Carolina's Electric Cooperatives•Raleigh, NC

12h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Transmission Planning Engineer reports to the Manager of Grid Infrastructure. This position is responsible for providing overall short-term and long-term integrated transmission planning, analysis and forecasting of transmission rates, and collaborating with other NCEC teams to meet reliability, portfolio, and technology goals.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering and being a registered Professional Engineer in North Carolina is preferred.
Position will be leveled depending upon experience and qualifications (F.E., P.E., advanced degree).
Experience within the energy industry and with regulatory exposure is preferred.
Entry level candidates may be considered.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of electric system transmission planning and coordination.
Experience with power flow analysis and system modeling, preferably using TARA, PSS/E, ETAP, Power Flow, WindMil or CYME.
Thorough understanding of open access transmission tariffs, transmission provider business practices, and related regulatory activities.
Should understand basic utility rate-making principles and engineering economy principles.
Detailed working knowledge of personal computers is necessary, including software applications required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
Anticipate, plan, and coordinate major projects with multiple stakeholder groups.
Ability to quickly learn new concepts and to prioritize simultaneous tasks to meet deadlines.
Work effectively in a supportive team environment.
Communicate effectively at all organizational levels, through written reports, memos, and discussions.

Responsibilities

Integrated Transmission Planning and Reliability Coordinate with Transmission Providers to ensure that existing and future transmission facilities will provide reliable and economic service to Member EMCs’ delivery points.
Assist Member EMC staff with any issues that arise and help resolve obstacles to proposed projects.
Develop data and assumptions necessary to determine the cost and physical characteristics of new transmission facilities.
Monitor the regulatory requirements for establishing new transmission facilities.
Assist in collection of data, analysis, and testimony in support of regulatory proceedings.
Monitor developments and trends in transmission planning and other factors (including Inverter Based Resources such as Solar (PV) and Battery Energy Storage (BESS)) as related to NCEC's ability to deliver power to its Member EMCs.
Understand the impact of the changes of the utility industry (such as carbon reduction and renewables integration) on NCEC and Member EMCs.
Assist with collection of data, analysis, and testimony as needed supporting developments in such changes.
Regional Planning Processes Participate and monitor state and regional joint transmission planning study activities of SERC, CTPC, SERTP, and other planning groups.
Transmission Rate, Forecasts, and Budget Activities Coordinate with internal and external parties to analyze Transmission Providers annual formula rate and loss factor process.
Develop budget and long-range financial forecasts of transmission rates.
Regulatory Activities Maintain FERC filed agreements between NCEC and Transmission Providers (e.g., Network Integrated Transmission Service Agreement, Meter Service Agreement, Network / Mutual Operating Agreements).
Provide technical expertise policy perspectives and oversight for NCUC and FERC proceedings, fillings, protests, and interventions.
Monitor the regulatory requirements for establishing new transmission facilities.
Compliance Participate in NERC Compliance activities as related to the Transmission Resources job functions including PRC, FAC, and MOD standards.
Complete all required SME training and documentation responsibilities for any assigned standards.
Supporting Roles Collaborate within the Energy Delivery team, and among Power Supply in general to support member needs.
Provide technical support to other internal departments to review strategic review of transmission positions and facilitate or complete submission of transmission reservation requests.
Assist with the Transmission & Distribution function of the NCEC storm center.
General Assist with the annual work plan and budget preparations.
Create and maintain procedures for department activities.
Help train junior staff and interns.
Periodically report and present on activities.
Maintain professional development.
Perform other duties as directed by the Manager, Grid Infrastructure.