Manager, Integrated Energy Planning (Hybrid)

1. Role and Scope of Position:
The Manager Integrated Energy Planning reports to the Director Integrated Energy Planning and is responsible for building a multi-faceted team to assess integrated energy planning (IEP) needs in the Companys footprint across all three states. The Manager IEP will be responsible for developing non-pipeline alternatives (NPA), electrification pilots, and targeted electrification efforts as directed by regulators, as well as managing the Companys non-wires alternative (NWA) programs, developments, and screening efforts.

Integrated Energy Planning resides at the nexus of gas and electric infrastructure planning and DER technologies. The Manager IEP therefore must actively coordinate with, but not limited to, distribution system planning (DSP) managers in all states, as well as gas planning managers, distribution resiliency and reliability, advanced forecasting and modeling, and transmission planning, and distribution engineering (gas and electric) to develop comprehensive electrification plans across gas and electric systems.

In addition, the position interacts with many departments and processes inside and outside the Engineering organization, including Energy Efficiency, Regulatory Finance, Regulatory Strategy, Community Relations, Grid Modernization, IT, Siting and Permitting, Real Estate, GIS, Revenue Forecasting, Regulatory and Policy and other stakeholders in developing a coordinated, long-term approach to Integrated Energy Planning and expanding the system while preserving safe, reliable, resilient operation under all applicable scenarios. The candidate also takes a leadership role in development of the Companys comprehensive strategy for energy infrastructure and driving the necessary regulatory changes for adoption in regulatory rate case proceedings and other dockets, both supporting the gas and electric business units.

This position is key to Eversources integrated planning strategy, to build a dedicated, responsive organization to support the scope of activities needed to meet state and customer expectations for electrification, clean energy, and resiliency in the 21st century. The Manager IEP will drive fundamental changes in the way we study and assess future distribution needs, the way we develop models, perform analyses, and deploy solutions, and how we apply equipment and technology to ensure safe, reliable service for all our customers. This position will be responsible for ensuring the Companys compliance with regulatory requirements both on the non-pipeline alternatives and non-wires alternatives.

The role requires active leadership in ongoing regulatory proceedings to drive changes necessary for successful implementation the Companys long-term strategy and to proactively develop infrastructure to enable seamless transition to a decarbonization future.

Essential Functions:

• Takes ownership and responsibility of Integrated Energy Planning activities, including planning for non-pipeline alternatives, electrification pilots, targeted electrification efforts, and the Companys non-wires alternative planning and programs.
• Develops and documents processes and standards for system modeling, planning and analysis working closely with System Planning Managers across the gas and electric companies as well as other stakeholders for Electrification Modeling, Non-Pipeline Alternatives, Electrification Pilots, Targeted Electrification, and Non-Wires Alternatives.
• Provides input into the load forecast process, including step loads and station growth projections.
• Leads development of tools and requirements needed to conduct the non-pipeline and non-wires alternatives.
• Manages and mentors a team of highly skilled engineers to produce state-of-the-art analyses that enable prudent, proactive, responsive, data-driven distribution planning measures, including requirements for various dockets.
• Leads development of data, processes, and standards to enable better technical, regulatory, and financial resiliency planning decisions.
• Works closely with distribution system planning and distribution engineering across both gas and electric affiliate Companies and other utilities operating in the same service territory.
• Engages directly with vendors, partners, and government entities to develop new methods, obtain novel equipment and technology, initiate and support studies, to enable the transition to a more resilient system.
• Leads projects from inception through initial funding and all the way to full approval. Supports gas planning leadership in their capital authorization process to ensure compliance with applicable gas orders by the department.
• Leads efforts to identify opportunities for non-wires alternatives across the entire service territory.
• Works with the Manager of Advanced Modeling and Forecasting to drive the development and maintenance of multi-year distribution load-flow planning models (especially Synergi), profiles, and DER dispatch patterns for System Planning departments.
• Works with Grid Mod, IT, and vendors to identify tools and processes to improve distribution system planning and analysis and procure training as needed for planning engineers.
• Provides regulatory testimony, expert testimony, and rate case support as needed and supports filings and siting/permitting activities as required.
• Develops Request for Proposals (RFPs)s and procures services and technology as needed for system planning needs.

General Requirements:

• Manages other engineers, contractors or consultants or groups of engineers and their projects. Develops and manages plans and schedules consistent with the overall business plans and/or project specific plans.
• Presents, directs and/or prepares corporate testimony and written responses for rate cases and other local, state, or federal regulatory proceedings.
• Integrates cross functional groups or teams to initiate and implement projects. Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to address needs with appropriate solutions.
• Formulates Eversource technical positions and recommends company policies and standards on various issues within realm of expertise.
• Interfaces with federal, state, and local organizations external to Eversource on behalf of or as a representative of Eversource.
• Serves on various Eversource internal committees and task forces to provide information and recommendations to Eversource senior management.
• Represents Eversource with respect to assigned area of responsibilities on various industry and professional society committees and working groups.
• Prepares for Eversource senior management such written material as letters and reports in support of technical or policy positions on various aspects of integrated energy planning.
• Authorizes contract work.
• Represents Director Integrated Energy Planning as appropriate.
• Provides technical guidance and training for less experienced personnel.

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skill:

• Possesses excellent knowledge of the electric power and gas distribution systems and system planning as well as modeling concepts and requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with developing plans, procedures, and standards as it relates to distribution system planning.
• Proven experience and success leading distribution capital projects through the project authorization process.
• Fundamental understanding of electric and gas simulation software and power distribution system analysis, including steady-state and dynamic analysis, and 8760-hour simulation.
• Knowledge of distribution planning and design criteria, industry codes, and equipment standards applicable to the Eversource distribution system.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulatory tariffs and provisions applicable to system planning.
• Must have excellent understanding of electric and gas distribution reliability and resiliency improvement technologies and solutions.
• Must be familiar with various DER technologies and their adoption drivers and how such technologies can be deployed as non-wires alternatives.
• Must be familiar with distribution system operations and storm restoration procedures and their impact on reliability and resiliency.
• Background in system-orientated delivery of solutions to customers.
• Knowledge of accounting and engineering economics applicable to develop cost of projects and programs.
• Capable of working in a multi-cultural environment and driving team performance.
• Possess highly developed communication skills, i.e., ability to write clearly and concisely, make presentations before senior management and external bodies, ability to discuss ideas and be persuasive, and be able to work effectively with all levels within Eversource, governmental agencies and other outside organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with internal and external customers.
• Ability to provide work under the direction for others, assume authority and be assertive; contributes to the success of the team.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret information and be aware of strategic implications in order to propose decisions with respect to the specific area of the position in solving highly complex problems.
• Ability to grasp concepts, analyze technical information, determine facts, be sensitive to underlying issues, and make thoughtful recommendations/decisions.
• Self-imposes standards of excellence and has the ability to achieve desired results by assuming responsibility and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative to solve and/or anticipate problems and recognize the overall consequences to the business unit.
• Highly confident, self-starting individual with strong personal initiative.

Education:

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• MS degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in Distribution Planning in a utility environment or a related business area.
• Management experience required.
• Regulatory experience required.

Licenses & Certifications: N/A

Working Conditions:

• Must be available to work emergency storm assignment as required.
• Must be available to travel between MA/CT/NH as necessary.
• Must be willing to relocate to the service territory.

Worker Type:

Regular

Number of Openings:

1

EEO Statement

Eversource Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

VEVRRA Federal Contractor

Emergency Response:

Responding to emergency situations to meet customers needs is part of every employees role. If employed, you will be given an Emergency Restoration assignment. This means you may be called to assist during an emergency outside of your normal responsibilities, work hours and location.