The Utility Interconnection Engineer will be responsible for managing the interconnection and grid integration processes. The position will play a primary role in new market analysis, and utilize subject matter expertise on planning, accessibility, tariffs, and the interconnection process.
Job Responsibilities:
Manage the interconnection process and key milestones throughout the project lifecycle
Perform and evaluate interconnection studies for due diligence evaluation
Act as the primary liaison with project developers and provide technical insight and business solutions support to reduce interconnection costs and obstacles
Negotiate contract agreements with transmission owners
Perform and coordinate studies on Power Flow, Substation Open Bay, and Site Location / Gen Tie Route
Forecast required deposit and payment amounts for interconnection que positions and related studies
Manage consultants as needed to support the interconnection process, including application deliverables, in addition to review of utility schedules and cost estimates.
Conduct due-diligence review of potential project and portfolio acquisitions and related commercial transactions related to the interconnection and transmission risk and provide recommendations to the acquisition team.
Serve as an expert on transmission-related market design and regulatory issues (e.g., queue reform, transmission cost allocation, etc.), monitor key developments in these areas through engagement in industry forums and literature, and provide recommendations in these areas.
Collaborate with the engineering team in reviewing interconnection-related design elements and optimizing the project's engineering design in support of grid integration requirements.
Review utility transmission planning reports and present findings to the Company team.
Evaluate and provide recommendations on the impact of new and proposed transmission/interconnection related legislation and regulations that could impact company and/or the utility scale solar industry.
Develop, propose, and maintain a strategy for the Company to conduct studies and reviews efficiently and effectively through a combination of software tools, in-house personnel skills, and external consultants.
Job Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
2-3 years of experience in transmission planning or system studies
Professional Engineering license preferred
Knowledge and familiarity with system modeling and transmission planning interconnection studies
Experience with AC design of utility scale solar and energy storage facilities
Experience with interconnection related construction cost estimation
Experience in generation interconnection process and transmission tariffs in one or more of the following markets: PJM, MISO, NYISO, TVA, WECC and SPP.
Familiarity with PSSE (preferred) or PSLF and TARA