Interconnection Services Project Manager
The Interconnection Services Project Manager position is responsible for leading and developing a team of engineers/analysts primarily focused on providing technical support for administration of Southern Companies’ Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT). This position manages the entire generator interconnection process from receiving requests to interconnect new resources all the way through successful commercial operation of the resource. More specifically, this process covers evaluation of new applications from generation developers (internal and external), facilitating the completion of transmission planning studies, managing negotiation and execution of interconnection agreements, and validating operational readiness for synchronization with the bulk transmission system. Additionally, this position shares in the duties of processing requests from external parties where Southern Company is identified as a potential affected system (SOCO as Affected System). This results from FERC Order 2023’s recent creation of a standardized affected system process in all Transmission Service Provider tariffs. This role will also provide project leadership on a variety of work activities in the group and influence industry direction through participation in regulatory matters and other industry committees.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to interface with, and gain experience from: Bulk Power Operations, Transmission Planning, Energy Management Systems, Operating Company (OpCo) Transmission Operations & Project Management groups, SCS and OpCo Resource Planning groups, Commercial Operations, SCS Financial & Contract Services, Internal and External Legal Counsel, affiliate OATT customers (SWE and Southern Power), and third-party OATT customers.
Experience the benefits of a flexible, hybrid work environment with at least 2 remote workdays each week.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- BS in Engineering, Business, or equivalent degree programs is required.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS, etc.) or certifications (PE, PMP, etc.) is a plus.
Experience:
- Transmission system planning, design, or operations experience and/or knowledge is desired.
- Transmission and/or wholesale power contracts experience and/or knowledge is helpful.
- Prior supervisory/performance management experience is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Knowledge of federal/state regulations of electric utilities, wholesale marketing, and engineering economics is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to be successful in this position.
- Ability to understand and interpret regulatory orders, agreements, and contractual language is required.
- Must be customer focused and able to build effective relationships with peers and customers, as well as resolve customer issues.
- Strategic thinking, negotiation, solutions-based thinking skills are required.
- Ability to develop and leverage cross-departmental and functional support for company policy positions.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manage activities associated with the OATT generator interconnection process and compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulations (e.g. Order 2003, Order 2023).
- Supervise daily activities and actively provide quality performance management for the interconnection services team.
- Evaluate issues and provide direction for various generator interconnection and affected system requests, ranging in complexity.
- Facilitate activities to prepare, negotiate, and execute transmission agreements (Interconnection, Generator Imbalance, Affected System Upgrade)
- Develop new and assess existing business practices, procedures, and position papers to address the evolving federal interconnection regulatory landscape.