Director, Integrated Energy Planning

at  Eversource

This position interfaces with internal gas and electric planning teams to inform electric and gas capital plans in the planning horizon, and support technical regulatory and legislative policy. Because of the unique nature of this position formulated at the inception of this technical space, this position is also accountable for shaping strategy within Eversource tri-state footprint as well as influencing national strategy while adopting best practices in the industry within Eversource. This position will be accountable for a) integrating Electric and Gas System Plans to assess overall infrastructure portfolio optimization synergies and associated safety and reliability implications on both Gas and Electric systems, b) developing and maintaining the underlying advanced forecasts and models required to conduct the requisite Non-Pipe Alternative (NPA) analysis as well as broader company Distribution and Transmission planning studies and c) conducting all applicable Non-Wires Alternative (NWA) analyses required for regulatory compliance as well as informing potential alternatives to traditional Capital upgrades.
This position will also represent the company regarding matters in integrated energy planning at the state public utility commission hearings and various state and regional entities. This will require significant cross cutting technical skills with upgrading electric and gas distribution systems and deploying innovative technology solutions to address safety and reliability risks. The director will also testify before state siting agencies and in other forums as is needed.
The position will also be accountable for building, developing and mentoring teams across the three vertical areas: Gas-Electric Planning, Advanced Forecasting and Modeling, and Non-Wires Alternative Planning. This position works closely with the Gas System Planning and engineering teams, Directors and Managers in Distribution System Planning, DER Planning and Transmission System Planning and interacts with many departments and processes inside and outside the Engineering organization, including Distribution Engineering, GIS, IT, Energy Efficiency, Grid Modernization, Revenue Forecasting, Regulatory and Policy, Siting and Permitting and others to derive input and support on key deliverables.
This position being the foundation of Eversource’s advanced system planning strategy, requires driving fundamental changes in the way we study and analyze distribution systems and how we apply newer IT technology to ensure service quality and continuity.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

Technical Knowledge/Skill:

• Must possess excellent knowledge of the gas distribution, electric distribution system planning, modeling and Non-Wires planning
• Requires thorough knowledge and experience in gas system planning, electric distribution planning, system analysis computer applications and modeling, operations support, budgeting, project analysis, working cross-functionally and communicating. Demonstrated leadership in strategic planning.
• Strong understanding of the distribution power system, Distribution models – including modeling of DERs, study practices and planning processes in different regions within US
• Must have excellent understanding of various DER technologies and their adoption drivers. Detailed knowledge of system impacts of various DER technologies. Demonstrated experience with building load forecasts for EVs, Solar, Storage, and other DERs
• 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.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory criteria, industry codes, and standards applicable to the Eversource distribution system.
• Knowledge of accounting and engineering economics applicable to the specific area of the position.
• 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 have 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.

Education:

• MS degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of twelve (12) years in system planning, engineering or operations management experience including supervisory experience.
• Management experience required.
• Regulatory experience required.

Licenses & Certifications: N/A

• Directs the coordinated electric distribution and gas system planning studies – including screening studies, scenario based Non-Pipe Alternative analyses in compliance with applicable Eversource and industry standards and regulations and environmental programs, policies, rules and regulations. Implements best practices to achieve efficient and effective integrated planning activities.
• Directs the development of Advanced Forecasts and Advanced time series Models across tri-state footprint. Leads or conducts forecast studies to determine loads and generation used in distribution planning studies. Leads implementation of robust processes necessary for ongoing development and maintenance of multi-year distribution load-flow planning models, profiles, and DER dispatch patterns
• Provides regulatory testimony and expert testimony for all jurisdictions as needed. Leads EFSB filings and other permitting activities as it relates to Integrated Planning, Advanced Forecasts and NWA analyses
• Directs development and regulatory justification of Non-Wires solutions including solar and battery storage microgrids as alternatives to traditional upgrades to improve Reliability and Resilience
• Directs response to regulatory dockets and communicate to appropriate parties, represent ES at rate case hearings. Represents the department and the company on various committees. Serves on various internal committees and task forces to provide information and recommendations to Eversource senior management.
• Formulates Eversource technical positions and recommends company policies and standards on various issues within realm of expertise.
• Directs the department by establishing and monitoring area goals, policies, plans, programs, performance objectives and budget.
• Provides leadership in coordinating multiple cross-functional groups, and positive guidance for engineers. Oversees the management and development of area staff. Assesses the need for and oversees implementation of programs to ensure employees possess technical, interpersonal and organizational skills required to support operating plans. Supervises, selects, coaches and develops area staff.
• Recommends project priorities for the capital construction program financial review.
• Recommends the development and/or changes of criteria and standards for integrated energy planning.
• Partners with other departments (Distribution Engineering, Asset Management, Standards, Transmission/Substation engineering, etc.) to prepare economic analysis for complex projects; recommends the allocation of costs for facilities used jointly with other utilities.