The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) is seeking a full-time Energy Storage Program Coordinator to assist the Renewable Energy team in implementing and administering OER's energy storage programs and policies. The Renewable Energy Team is critical to OER's mission to lead the state toward a clean, affordable, reliable, and equitable energy future. OER develops policies and programs that respond to the state's evolving energy needs while advancing environmental sustainability, energy security, and a vibrant clean energy economy.
The Energy Storage Program Coordinator will be responsible for advancing the following critical objectives and tasks:
Lead OER's program and policy work related to implementation of the new Energy Storage Law[1].Responsible for overseeing the state's public-facing metrics related to the state's energy storage goal.
Work with the Renewable Team to implement OER's Internal Strategy to Prepare for Energy Storage Industry Growth.
Review OER's energy storage website/FAQs and update the website with new materials, programs, policies and regulatory proceedings.
Develop public-facing materials related to energy storage, including a one-pager and FAQ document.
Develop battery storage and distributed energy resource talking points for internal use and different audiences including planners, inspectors, installers/developers, first responders, etc.
Research template battery storage ordinances used in other states and work with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on the development of a model battery storage ordinance template.
Lead a public process for the development of a model battery storage ordinance template for municipalities with stakeholders including municipal officials, energy storage installers/developers and the general public.
Lead OER's participation in the energy storage working groups and report back on industry best practices and other state programs.
Lead's OER engagement and participation in the National Long Duration Energy Storage Working Group and selected tiger teams.
Work with stakeholders to host battery storage safety training for electrical and building inspectors.
Work with the Communications Team to continue building out a commercial battery storage photo library.
Work with the Renewable Team to write and deploy a RFP for a consultant to assist with the redesign of the Commercial Scale battery storage program (pending funding) and manage the associated contract.
Develop a strategy with the Lead by Example team for identification of a commercial scale battery storage pilot location(s).
Provide stakeholder-specific resources and outreach strategy, including building out informational resources for the general public, engagement with state agencies about energy storage, develop informational resources for planners, provide zoning and siting guidelines as needed, using this PNNL resource as a guide (attached as well), and lead training for both installers, municipal officials and first responders on battery storage installation best practices and safety. Work with the utilities on strategies to develop interconnection best practices for small-scale and large-scale batteries (standalone and with PV) and participate on RIE's Interconnection Technical Standards Committee.
Lead and coordinate OER's participation in the System Reliability Procurement technical working group and the associated implementation of the Connected Solutions program.
Assist OER's Regulatory Program Manager with Integrated Grid planning efforts.
Qualifications:
A Bachelor's Degree
1-2 years of experience working in a professional environment
1-2 years of work in an energy-related field
Familiarity with renewable energy and energy storage technologies
Experience with data collection and management
Experience with program and contract management, including but not limited to tracking budgets, deliverables, and drafting solicitations
Ability to coordinate projects and programs from start to finish, working independently while seeking support from leadership and collaborating with key partners and stakeholders
Preference will be given to candidates with experience with energy storage technologies. OER has a hybrid work environment. A successful candidate will be expected to attend work-related meetings in Providence at least two days per week. Evening availability between the hours of 5pm and 8pm will be occasionally required for public meetings and events. The Energy Storage Program Coordinator will report to the Director of Energy Programs and Policy.