The opportunity
Transmission Planning is responsible for initiating and supporting the implementation of transmission investments, at the provincial, regional and local level, and of distribution connected non-wire alternatives that enhance system performance, increase market efficiency and/or reduce cost for customers. Its power system plans form the basis for capital investment decisions, regulatory approvals and the development of commercial agreements to provide new transmission facilities and supply resources.
The Transmission Planning team produces assessments as required by NPCC and NERC that demonstrate its power system plans meet reliability standards, and they also provide transmission interface limits for resource adequacy assessments and to facilitate resource procurement activities. The team continually develops and evolves their planning processes to ensure that their processes continue to align with future procurement activities, stakeholder expectations and other processes within the IESO.
The current need for the Transmission Planning Engineer is within the Transmission Plan Integration team whose focus is on the following types of activities:
- Compliance assessments/reporting and standards development
- Assessments to support resource procurement activities
- Supporting bulk and regional planning
- Planning process development
As needs and projects evolve, the successful applicant may take on a role within another team in our Transmission Planning division, which primarily executes bulk and regional planning.
The use of the title "Transmission Planning Engineer" shall be only used by incumbents who are PEO license holders that are competent in the field of electrical engineering. The use of the Title "Transmission Planning Specialist" shall be used by incumbents who are not PEO license holders or PEO license holders who are not competent in the field of electrical engineering.
Please note: this posting and that of Power System Planning Analyst represents one opportunity. The level of role (Engineer, Specialist or Analyst) for this opening will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications and capabilities. Non-licensed applicants with early-career level experience are invited to view and apply to our Power System Planning Analyst role through the link below:
Power System Planning Analyst (20246)
What you'll do
The Transmission Planning Engineer will receive assignment from the Sr. Transmission Planning Engineer, Engineering Manager, and/or Manager in general terms on specific problems related to assigned areas of work, obtain necessary data for problem solution, develop solutions to problems and produce the necessary justification (documentation, study results, etc.) to substantiate recommendations. Duties include:
- Develop and/or contribute to the development of plans and planning products related to the electricity transmission system. These plans and planning products include: bulk transmission plans, regional plans (e.g., IRRPs), and/or special purpose plans related to ensuring reliable performance of the electricity transmission system.
- Project manage the development of plans and planning products, including: documenting plan objectives, outcomes, deliverables, milestones, and setting the schedule/time lines.
- Build and maintain a familiarity with the tools and models commonly used to conduct transmission system assessments and analysis, including load flow simulation tools, economic evaluation tools, risk evaluation tools, electricity resource modeling tools, etc., including an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these tools.
- Participate in economic evaluation of different options for meeting reliability needs as a transmission planning subject matter expert.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of planning processes, procedures, tools and assumptions, including process documentation, quality assurance and quality control.
- Participate in stakeholder engagements, community engagements and/or consultations on planning matters, including occasionally acting as a subject matter expert on transmission planning matters and on specific plans and planning products.
- Act as the subject matter expert for transmission planning matters in support of IESO activities, including energy efficiency, electricity markets, resource development, and sector innovation.
- Liaise with government staff, Ontario Energy Board staff, and other sector agencies on planning matters, policy development and analysis, and joint initiatives, as required.
- Research and monitor development of municipal, regional, provincial, and/or federal laws and policies, including land use plans, growth plans, energy plans or targets, or other related policies or plans that have potential to influence electricity transmission needs, solutions, or opportunities within the scope of transmission plans.
- Prepare, and/or contribute to the preparation of, reports, briefs, written submissions, and/or information related to transmission plans and planning matters for IESO management and leadership, regulatory processes, stakeholder engagement and inquiries, and other proceedings.
- Maintain up to date knowledge of the state-of-the-art on transmission technologies, best practices related to transmission planning and integrated resource planning, and assist in bringing relevant external trends and practices to IESO's planning.
- Participate in, or occasionally lead, the IESO's participation in external industry forums, (e.g. joint studies, planning, and regulatory proceedings).
- Perform NERC/NPCC/Market Rules compliance activities, specifically:
- Prepare and deliver evidence demonstrating compliance with NERC and NPCC requirements, including internal control documentation, work procedures, reliability standard audit worksheets, market manuals and training material.
- Participate in reliability audits and presenting the evidence, as required.
- Act as a subject matter expert for the IESO to support Market Participant compliance, such as: reviewing Market Rule exemption applications, reviewing NERC/NPCC Compliance Plans and Mitigation Plans, as necessary.
- Act as a subject matter expert to other departments and/or business units on matters related to transmission planning.
- Mentor and assist training of new and/or junior staff.
- Exercise limited/periodic supervision over assigned staff on special projects.
- Perform other duties as required
Independent Electricity System Operator
1600-120 Adelaide Street West
Toronto
Ontario Canada
www.ieso.ca
