Director, Electric Grid Interconnection

Requisition ID # 163117 

 

Job Category: Project / Program Management 

Job Level: Director/Chief

Business Unit: Electric Engineering

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

 

 

 

 

Position Summary

 

The Director, EGI role manages the team dedicated to interconnecting all customer applications under PG&E’s Electric Rule 21, Wholesale Distribution Tariff, Transmission Owner Tariff as well as generator applications submitted through the California ISO. This position also leads the support groups responsible for the Financial Operations and Regulatory Adoption related to the interconnection applications. Leads negotiations to resolve interconnection customer disputes and achieves outcomes that balance customer satisfaction with company strategic goals.

 

Reporting Relationship

 

The Director, EGI, reports to the Sr Director, Electric Systems Planning & Reliability.

 

Job Responsibilities

 

• Leads the department and develops the strategy to ensure timely, cost effective and compliant connections of renewable power sources into PG&E’s electric system. Is accountable for the entire interconnection process from initial application from the customer (or generator) to the completion of the interconnection. Partners with subordinate leaders to develop operational processes to continuously improve performance measures, whether required by regulatory bodies or internally imposed.
• Provides overall direction to program management for the associated major work category for the construction projects needed as part of the interconnection process. Reviews and approves forecasts and budgets developed by managers.    Handles large scale, high impact customer complaints scheduling issues. Prepares and delivers summaries on actual completions vs. forecasts, with explanations of variances and proposes plans to address deficiencies.
• Partners with the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) on capacity/engineering studies required for connections to the transmission grid. Ensures collaboration with Electric Asset Management in the ISO request for the engineering study. Ensures study completion, including the estimated scope, schedule and cost.

• Leads the contract negotiations on the larger or high impact projects to reach a final signed agreement on the construction costs, cost recovery terms (or true up or refund) & schedule and construction timeframe. Interfaces with the client as needed, managing expectations, ensuring effective relations and dealing with any complex issues that arise.
• Directs the department regulatory compliance efforts. Ensures required client timeframes are understood and met. Ensures all required documentation is maintained and regular reporting is prepared and submitted to the appropriate regulatory agency (i.e. CPUC, FERC). Leads process creation and improvement efforts, including automation, as needed.
• Coaches managers and oversees all contract management activities. Ensures all accounting, billing, reconciliations, etc. are processed according to client contracts and regulatory requirements.
• Partners with various internal and external stakeholders, including Electric and other LOB executives and state government officials, to handle complex, escalated and/or sensitive issues or client concerns regarding project schedules, cost, regulatory requirements, etc. Influences and negotiates with affected parties to reach resolution and agreement on solutions.
• Develops meaningful department performance metrics.  Regularly prepares and presents results to Electric Sr. Directors and Officers. Develops, proposes and gains buy in on plans to improve results and address issues.
• Periodically presents to external organizations for educational or benchmarking purposes. Seeks in