Commercial & Industrial Account Representative

NiSource•South Bend, IN

About The Position

The position is responsible for managing an assigned territory of commercial and industrial ("Business Link") customers. These customers consist of NIPSCO's largest customers not assigned to a Major Accounts Manager for both electric and natural gas services. To effectively service this group of customers, the candidate must possess strong interpersonal, account management, sales, and utility industry skills. The account representative engages with customers and works with other stakeholders for billing/usage inquiries, economic development opportunities, expansion projects, and retention of existing businesses. The ability to develop and influence cross-functional relationships while delivering top-tier customer satisfaction and brand perception are paramount. The ideal candidate is initiative-taking and capable of managing numerous projects, issues, and inquires, both internal and external, in a timely and professional manner – while continually enhancing customer relationships, educating, and influencing decision-makers across all functions.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Management or comparable experience
Ability to exercise independent judgment
Capability to recognize, flag, and effectively communicate problems and issues
Proficient critical thinking skills and business acumen
Proficient verbal and written communication skills
Understanding of NIPSCO rates & tariffs and business operations
Knowledge of NIPSCO’s CIS and other customer programs
Excellent sales, negotiation, and contract development abilities
Proficient computing skills utilizing the Microsoft family of software
Understanding of natural gas and electric distribution/transmission operations
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

4-6 years demonstrated experience in utility industry
Knowledge of natural gas and electric metering
Knowledge of commercial & industrial energy products, services, and end-use applications including conservation, energy efficiency, and demand side management
Knowledge of other energy products (oil, coal, propane, wind, solar, etc.) and their characteristics, applications, and economics
Knowledge of gas transportation and balancing services

Responsibilities

Be an energy advisor to the appropriate NIPSCO Business Link customers resolving inquiries regarding rates/tariffs, Choice, and GTS programs. Includes frequent interaction with customer base in territory.
Provide rate analysis to Commercial & Industrial customers as needed.
Represent NIPSCO at community events (i.e., Customer Action Panels, chamber events, customer energy summits/events).
Collaborate with other NiSource / NIPSCO departments to ensure the safe, timely delivery of energy to our customers (i.e., GM&T, electric meter shop, Line dept, Construction, Laporte billing and Industrial Billing).
Monitor Business Link customer usage and billing patterns; provide insight when required.
Resolve all meter issues gas and electric for Business Link customers.
Respond to outage issues, storms, and Commercial & Industrial customer calls.
Promote and explain NIPSCO programs based on customers’ needs.
Assist and support NIPSCO Business Link customers with net metering and feed in tariff programs.
Promote and explain NIPSCO programs based on customers’ needs.
Assist with scheduled clearances/outages.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with NIPSCO customer key decision-makers.
Work with Engineering on new business, upgrades, and maintenance. This includes gas/electric, distribution/transmission, and substation.
Develop an understanding of customer’s business, their products, processes, and markets they serve.
Rotational Stand-by and 24/7/365 emergency response availability.
Support Major Account Managers.
Work with legal to review retail contract language and addendums.
Provide rate case and contractual requirement support as needed.
Assist in acquiring easements as needed.
Assist with IURC customer complaints for Commercial & Industrial customers as needed.
Support regulatory and other stakeholder initiatives by providing customer feedback to assist in the development of viable tariff / product / service offerings.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams regarding economic development, growth projects and other initiatives as needed.