Job Description
Generator Interconnection Engineer/Contract Analyst
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Transmission Policy and Services (TP&S) department of Southern Company Services (SCS) Transmission is responsible for administering Southern Companies' Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) and for coordinating responses to proposed regulations and orders impacting Southern Companies' transmission business. As a result, the Transmission Services group manages requests for transmission service under Southern Companies' OATT and is frequently involved with transmission-related regulatory and policy issues.
The Transmission Services group is composed of the Delivery Services and Generator Interconnection Services subgroups. This position is within the Generator Interconnection subgroup, as described in the Job Responsibilities below. This position will provide the opportunity to work with and gain exposure to a variety of areas including Transmission Planning, System Planning, Transmission departments within the each of the Operating Companies, accounting and finance groups, legal groups, external and internal wholesale customers, Bulk Power Operations, Energy Management Systems, and regulatory agencies such as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
This position will be filled as a contract analyst or engineer, depending on the experience level of the successful candidate at a commensurate grade level. This position will be located at the Alabama Power Company Corporate Headquarters in Birmingham, AL, but options for remote work will be considered. Occasional overnight travel throughout Southern Company may be required. Limited relocation assistance may be available upon approval.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will report to the Generator Interconnection Project Manager. The specific position provides contract and project management support for administration of generator interconnection requests per the requirements of Attachment J of Southern Companies' OATT (Large and Small Generator Interconnection Procedures). Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
* Serving as point of contact to current and potential generator interconnection customers;
* Coordinating with Operating Companies, accounting/financial groups, legal, and Transmission Planning to accurately respond to customer questions, which include those of a technical nature;
* Processing and analyzing requests for generator interconnection in compliance with the OATT and related FERC orders such as Orders 845, 888/889, 890, 1000, 2003, and 2023/2023-A;
* Providing input to initial scope and reviewing transmission planning engineering studies to ensure compliance with the OATT and other FERC orders;
* Tendering various interconnection study agreements to customers;
* Maintaining real-time data on the TP&S SharePoint site, including current statuses of interconnection requests and related information;
* Drafting and tendering interconnection agreements to customers, as well as seeing them to execution;
* Managing the generator interconnection implementation process for projects from Notice to Proceed to Commercial Operation;
* Administering the 'Southern Companies as an Affected System' process, including:
o tendering of study agreements for execution by neighboring Transmission Providers or 3rd party interconnection customers;
o negotiating, preparing, and tendering transmission upgrade agreements for execution in coordination with the affected Operating Company and appropriate legal representation; and
o coordinating with legal teams to file executed agreements with FERC;
* Coordinating with the individual Operating Companies and Transmission Planning on the applicable state-jurisdictional Qualifying Facility procedures;
* Aiding in the preparation of policy recommendations to positively influence/lead/shape industry initiatives; and
* Conducting research on regulatory and industry initiatives affecting the transmission business.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, or other related fields is required
* Advanced degree or certification is a plus
Experience:
* Transmission Planning, System Planning, Design, and/or Operations experience is desired (may include cooperative education or intern experience)
* Generation Development or Fleet Operations experience is a plus
* Project Management experience is a plus
* Regulatory or contracts experience is a plus
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
* Knowledge of bulk electric transmission contracts, federal and state regulations of electric utilities, power systems operations, transmission planning, system planning, wholesale marketing, and/or engineering economics is desired
* Proficient use of Microsoft 365 suite applications (e.g., SharePoint, PowerBI, PowerAutomate, etc.) is a plus
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to be successful in this position
* Strong organizational skills with ability to balance multiple assignments and responsibilities with limited oversight is required
* Ability to adapt to changing demands and re-prioritize as necessary with limited oversight is required
* Demonstrated customer-focused mindset and ability to build effective relationships with peers and customers, as well as resolve customer issues is required
* Ability to understand and interpret regulatory orders, agreements, and contractual language is necessary
* Ability to understand and communicate technical details to a diverse audience is important for this position
* Ability to understand technical documentation (electrical diagrams, equipment specifications, etc.) is desired
Behavioral Attributes:
* Consistently demonstrates "Our Values"
o Safety
o Unquestionable Trust
o Superior Performance
o Total Commitment
* Values teamwork and works effectively in a team environment across multiple business functions, including a hybrid work environment
* Demonstrates strong attention to detail and motivation for quality, accuracy and timeliness
* Displays a high degree of self-direction with strong initiative
* Uses discretion concerning confidential and sensitive issues/information
* Approaches conflict resolution with a calm demeanor and willingness to listen
About Us
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
About the Team
Southern Company Services
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