The Transmission Strategy department is responsible for performing transmission system analysis to steer AES Clean Energy greenfield prospecting efforts and support the interconnection process of mid-stage development projects for our large utility-scale project portfolio. The Transmission Strategy department actively tracks and analyzes transmission systems not just as they exist today, but how they will exist in the future. The department is instrumental in the strategic siting efforts of the entire development platform.
AES Clean Energy is seeking a Transmission Planner who is passionate about renewable energy to set up and run a variety of innovative, automated power flow studies using power flow and coding software. Additionally, as the internal power flow study expert, the position will work with internal Strategic Development and Interconnection regional leads, and external entities including ISO/RTO and other Transmission Owners to review, analyze and replicate generator interconnection study results.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
The position will both lead and support as needed by internal stakeholders leading to the successful execution of both new and acquired projects across the United States. Some travel will be required (~10%).
Perform power flow analysis such as First Contingency Incremental Transfer Capability (FCITC), injection analysis, replicating key market and region (CAISO and WECC) deliverability studies. Ability to set up and conduct automated power flow analysis using Python, Java Script, or other scripting languages to expedite the analysis process. Perform injection studies to identify the optimal interconnection locations for the placement of generator resources across the targeted study/focus region. Perform wide-area power system modeling, contingency analysis, including power flow, short circuit, and dynamics analysis. Create generator equivalent power flow models to support the interconnection request process, and to modify and maintain power flow base cases. Obtain, update, and maintain regional power flow base cases with changes in resource mix and transmission topology based on ISO/RTO regional plans. Model renewable energy resources and capabilities for essential reliability services such as frequency response, inertial control, and voltage control/support. Perform network upgrade cost estimate allocation for the proposed projects, based on an applicable tariff. Verify and challenge System Impact Study results. Perform multiple scenario sensitivity analysis based on future queue projections and retirements. Familiar with tracking and assessing availability of Available Transfer Capacity(ATC) and Total Transfer Capability(TTC) in non-ISO market and submitting Transmission Service Requests(TSR). Strong knowledge of market efficiency analysis and identifying least congestion transmission points in the grid for delivery of power for PPA. Gain proficiency in Transmission Providers’ tariff, business practices, interconnection standards, interconnection study practices, cost allocation methodologies, transmission planning standards, and transmission system performance evaluation criteria. Possess an understanding of regional transmission plans and operational practices.
Minimum Qualifications:
-
BS in Electrical Engineering or related field.
-
5 years of working experience in renewable or traditional energy development, or transmission planning with an emphasis on generator interconnection studies.
-
Proficiency in power flow software (Powerworld or TARA preferred).
-
Ability to program and write scripts in Visual Basic, Python, or MATLAB to automate generator interconnection studies on an interconnection wide basis.
-
Extensive knowledge of CAISO’s Transmission Planning Process and Generator Interconnection Procedures study methodologies.
Desired Skills and Expertise:
-
Knowledge in generation and transmission protection system for contingencies analysis.
-
Ability to create and modify generator equivalent models for use in power flow software.
-
Proficiency in ETAP’s software for power system modeling and analysis is a plus.
-
Proficiency in ASPEN software for developing short circuit model’s and conducting analysis is a plus.
-
Familiarity with transmission systems and expansion plans, and generator interconnection study methodologies in WECC.
-
Ability to perform Security Constraint Economic Dispatch(SCED) using commercially available software (Aurora, PROMOD).
-
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects in order to meet interconnection queue filing schedules.
Possible role locations:
-
US, Long Beach (Clean Energy), CA
-
US, Louisville, CO
-
US, Salt Lake City, UT
-
US, San Francisco, CA
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.
