Director, Transmission System Planning

The Director of Transmission System Planning is responsible for directing EVERSOURCE's long term transmission system planning. 

Role and Scope of Position:

The Director of Transmission System Planning is responsible for directing EVERSOURCE's long term transmission system planning.  This position will direct planning for the reliability of service to EVERSOURCE's transmission customers in accordance with good utility practice and the reliability requirements established and enforced by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Northeast Power Coordinating Corporation, and ISO-NE.  The director is responsible for coordinating significantly with numerous internal departments.  Individual must hire, coach, mentor, and oversee the work of a large staff of professionals.   Individual must also hire and develop new partnerships with third-party resources and oversee their work.  Individual requires a strong understanding of the power system, Grid-Enhancing Technologies, system models, study practices and planning processes in different regions within US.  Knowledge of the wholesale markets and the rules and regulations of the governing national, regional and state regulatory agencies is also required.  Candidate should be well versed in past and current FERC orders that have shaped both the Transmission as well as wholesale market sectors. The director will be charged with development of Eversource Transmission Plan – and leading the execution of that plan from conception through its lifecycle including serving as an expert witness before state siting agencies and in other forums as is needed.  The director will represent EVERSOURCE on various external technical committees at the national and regional levels.

Essential Functions: 

• Directs the overall process to establish the need basis (e.g., reliability, economic, environmental) and timing of each Transmission project. 
• Coordinates the development of a long-term resource plan to address EVERSOURCE’s and the region’s bulk power system needs.  Works closely with ISO-NE to ensure plan satisfactorily addresses any ISO concerns
• Oversees the timely and accurate completion of technical studies (e.g., load flows, stability studies, and transient network analysis) to support reliability and siting. 
• Directs the development of various regulatory filings, including those seeking Section I.3.9 technical approvals and 12C cost allocation reviews
• Ensures a well-coordinated EVERSOURCE review of the design of all facilities which connect to our transmission system, including ratings, protection, metering, control, etc.
• Provides critical testimony for siting and cost allocation proceedings and serves as a key contact person for public open houses held during the siting process.
• Ensures system planning efforts have a strong focus on operational needs and are well coordinated with Operations and Engineering.
• Leads Eversource’s study approach and methodology to continuously evaluate deploying all types of innovative Grid Enhancing Technologies and Advanced Transmission Technologies.  Ensures adequate awareness of Eversource’s experience with Grid Enhancing Technologies throughout industry and, in particular, with regional stakeholders.
• Oversees the development and management of labor, expense, and capital budgets for Transmission System Planning.
• Represents EVERSOURCE on NEPOOL, NPCC, NERC, and industry committees.
• Directs a staff of managerial and professional EVERSOURCE employees and oversees an equivalent number of external resources used to conduct planning studies.

Technical Knowledge/Skill/Education/Licenses/Certifications:

Technical Knowledge/Skills:  

      

·    Thorough knowledge of the operations and planning of the transmission system, including models used to assess thermal, voltage, and dynamic performance of the transmission system.

·    Knowledge of NERC, NPCC, and ISO-NE operating and planning procedures

·    High level skills in leadership of managerial and professional employees

·    Strong written and oral communication skills. 

·    Ability to communicate and work effectively with personnel at various levels within ISO-NE, other transmission owners, NEPOOL members, and generation owners.

Education:   

                           

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required, Electrical preferred.  Advanced degree such as MBA preferred. 

Experiences:           

             

At least fifteen (15) years of experience in the technical, operations, or engineering aspects of the electric utility industry with a strong background in power systems, including several years of managerial/supervisory ex