Power System Planning Analyst

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us?

You've got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn't happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You'll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences - and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province's power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province's electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario's electricity needs - now and into the future.

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 Power System Planning Analyst 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.

This position is primarily responsible for assisting and at times conceiving, initiating, conducting and coordinating the necessary research, analysis and other work involved in the development, communication and implementation of activities in support of the IESO's power system planning function.

Please note: this posting and that of Transmission Planning Engineer represents one opportunity. The level of role (Engineer, Specialist or Analyst) for this opening will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications and capabilities. PEO-licensed and experienced applicants are invited to view and apply to our Transmission Planning Engineer role through the link below:

Transmission Planning Engineer/Specialist (20222)

What you'll do

• Under the direction of senior staff, participate in technical analysis to support the division's areas of accountability. This involves performing complex analytical, technical and economic studies, utilizing commercial and in-house developed models as well as related technical and economic input information and applying applicable NERC, NPCC, and IESO standards. Using the results from the analysis and/or simulation, propose an approach and course of action for the study to meet its goals and objectives.
• The Planning Analyst will lend support to the following activities:
  • Support the development of short, medium, and long-term demand forecasting.
  • Support the integration of conservation into long-term plans.
  • Assesses the availability and performance of electricity supply resources.
  • Evaluate resource adequacy through capacity and energy assessments that provide insight into future electricity requirements.
  • Perform engineering studies required for bulk transmission plans, regional plans, NERC planning assessments, NPCC Area Transmission Reviews, and planning and reliability outlooks.
  • Perform economic assessments of future electricity investments and their impact on electricity system costs.
  • Participate in the preparation of technical, economic and policy-based reports and submissions related to planning for stakeholder reviews, Board of Directors' information, regulatory proceedings, or other purposes.
• The Planning Analyst will also support senior staff in the development of power system plans considering cost, the results of technical analysis, community preferences and other criteria, as appropriate. Specifically, the Planning Analyst will assist in the following:
  • The development of power system plans by assisting with research, gathering and analysis of data, developing and evaluating alternatives, developing materials for stakeholder meetings and presentations, delivering presentations to external parties, and supporting stakeholder engagement and consultation as required.
  • The implementation of power system plans by assisting with monitoring its implementation, developing materials for regulatory proceedings, and participating in ongoing dialogue with solution providers on solution scope and timing.
• Maintain and develop knowledge of the market sector, relevant policies, and legislations.
  • Keep abreast of relevant external trends and practices, using the various research services available to bring relevant developments, thinking, and experiences to the attention of the group.
  • Keep abreast of industry developments, government policy, regulatory changes, and marketplace developments. Recommend participation approach and propose strategies to address matters that are relevant to the functional area.
• Perform other duties as required.

What you need to succeed

• A university degree in Engineering or other relevant discipline is required.
• A curriculum or experience that includes exposure to power systems, electrical theory, circuit analysis, power system analysis and equipment, energy systems and conversion or economic analysis is preferred.
• 4 - 6 years of experience in a planning, regulatory, research, or analytical environment is typically required to complete the responsibilities of the job.
• Experience in the electricity sector and knowledge of technical writing to prepare effective reports is preferred
• Experience with interacting with other in a business environment including making presentations to small or large groups is preferred
• Skilled use of computer and web-based applications and databases (i.e. Access, Excel, Power Point, Python) is an asset
• Skilled use of various specialized power system analysis and simulation tools (i.e. PSS/E, DSA, UPLAN, PLEXOS) is an asset
• General understanding of reliability criteria (i.e. NERC TPL-001, NPCC Directory #1, IESO ORTAC)
• Keen interest and general knowledge of the electricity sector in Ontario
• Passion for serving electricity customers and public interest in the role of planning

What's in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry
  

Deadline: February 17, 2025

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment - one that values every team member's unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario. When working in the office, you will be located at our Mississauga location.

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