The Director, Regulatory Compliance, is responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance obligations and strategy as it relates to plant operations for all of NorthStar Clean Energy. This includes gas and biomass generating facilities, renewable energy sites (solar, wind and battery storage) and carbon sequestration projects. This person provides management, oversight, direction, interpretation and implementation of regulatory procedures and processes for regulations that relate to compliant plant operations, and cost effective reliability. This person also manages risk assessments and environmental protection initiatives ensuring the operations at each location are carried out in adherence with applicable internal policies and local, state, and federal laws. This person will collaborate closely with internal project teams, such as development, engineering, and construction management, as well as external teams including environmental consultants, engineering firms, and legal counsel. Additionally, this person will engage with external stakeholders, including state and federal resource agencies to ensure that all environmental regulations and guidelines are met.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide oversight and management of the implementation of the NERC regulatory compliance program and the Environmental compliance program. This includes directing the evaluation of NERC Standard's requirements appropriate for each plant relating to topics such as generator operation, plant protection systems, substation and transmission interconnections as well as participating in the permitting process for plant operations related to air emissions, water discharges, and waste disposals.
- Lead and/or support team members in discussions with regulators on the local, state, national and federal level. Create strong relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and business partners to gain full understanding of compliance requirements and business standards to address risks in a collaborative way. This includes oversight of the coordination with regulatory agencies for assessments, audits, self-certifications, requests for information, self-reports, non-compliance mitigations, and interacting expectations.
- Manage and develop the Regulatory Compliance Team in a way that ensures that all employees have the support needed to excel in their position, develop in their career, and contribute to a high performing workplace. This includes defining team training requirements that maintain the necessary skills for all team members with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Organize reporting obligations and provide direction for regulatory agencies such as: Federal Communications Commission, state Public Service Commissions, FERC, Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Electric Code, and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). Direct business planning and development of programs such as emergency response/business continuity planning.
- Manage internal assessments of processes, procedures and documentation for regulatory adherence, communicate results and lead/assist in the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
- Oversee compliance assurance tracking system, internal controls, corrective/preventive actions, and records management/retention process to ensure site compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate policy. Identify potential compliance gaps and develop remediation and mitigation plans.
- Participate and coordinate with CMS Energy, compliance department, internal audit, legal and associated Consumers Energy Accountable Authorities for reporting, policy and internal controls.
- Perform other duties as assigned or may be necessary.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Deep understanding of the renewable energy industry, power plan operations, and the regulatory landscape for each. Knowledge of carbon capture is also preferred
- Expert knowledge of compliance regulations including Federal Communications Commission, state Public Service Commissions, NERC, FERC, Department of Energy/Energy Information Administration, Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Electric Code, and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
- Knowledgeable in Environmental permitting process and compliance principles.
- Strong understanding of internal controls, operational processes, and risk management principles
- Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple compliance projects concurrently
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills
- The ability to communicate complex compliance issues clearly both verbally and in writing and to all levels of the organization
- Demonstrated ability to lead a high-performing team with very little oversight
- Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization and to build collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
Position Requirements:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field required
- Master's Degree in Engineering or related field preferred
- Educational specialization preferred in Electrical Engineers and Power Operations preferred
- Certified Energy Compliance Manager (CECM) preferred
- 10+ years of experience with utility scale gas/turbine generators, boiler/steam turbine generators, transformers, and substation interconnection equipment with a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience) required.
- 10+ years of applicable regulatory experience required.
- Must have experience leading a team in the energy regulatory space.
Consumers Energy
1 Energy Plz
Jackson
Michigan United States
www.consumersenergy.com
