Consultant Load Forecasting - Strategy, Long Term Planning & Bus Performance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

8h • Onsite

About The Position

The Consultant, Load Forecasting serves as a trusted enterprise advisor, providing leadership, technical expertise, and strategic insight into the evolving landscape of energy demand. The Consultant will shape long-term load forecasting frameworks, guide executive decision-making, support regulatory strategy, and lead high-impact analytical initiatives that influence the company’s future direction. This position is ideal for a seasoned forecasting professional who brings deep analytical experience, strong external-facing communication skills, and the ability to steward complex, enterprise‑wide forecasting processes. The Consultant will also play a pivotal role in modernizing forecasting capabilities and developing talent across the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Data Science, or a related quantitative field; a master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• Typically, 7 - 10 years of professional experience in load forecasting, energy analytics, utility planning, or related quantitative fields within the energy sector.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to or leading complex analytical projects; experience collaborating across functional teams in a regulated utility environment is a strong plus.
• Proficiency with statistical modeling and forecasting techniques (e.g., regression modeling, time‑series methods, econometric analysis, scenario modeling).
• Experience using analytical tools and programming languages such as Python, R, SAS, or similar platforms.
• Strong skills in data visualization and analysis using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
• Ability to build, maintain, and troubleshoot forecasting models and incorporate sensitivity analyses.
• Familiarity with large datasets and data integration concepts; experience with automation or advanced analytics is preferred.
• Solid understanding of electric utility operations, customer classes, and the fundamentals of energy demand.
• Familiarity with regulatory processes, rate cases, and load forecasting requirements for regulated utilities.
• Awareness of key industry trends including electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and weather‑driven load dynamics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to translate technical findings into clear insights for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare presentations and participate in regulatory or stakeholder discussions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Ability to work independently with sound judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to accuracy and quality.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree
• Experience collaborating across functional teams in a regulated utility environment
• Experience with automation or advanced analytics

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical authority for enterprise customer, energy, and peak load forecasts, ensuring alignment across Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Rates, and Planning.
• Own and advance FirstEnergy’s long-term forecasting architecture, including scenario frameworks, governing assumptions, and methodological standards.
• Drive transparency, rigor, and cross-functional coordination in all forecasting outputs.
• Provide expert-level support for rate cases, regulatory filings, and stakeholder proceedings.
• Prepare and defend forecasting analyses, ensuring clarity, defensibility, and alignment with regulatory expectations.
• Advise senior leaders on forecast risk, uncertainty, and strategic implications.
• Lead enterprise scenario modeling related to electrification, DER and EV adoption, economic cycles, extreme weather patterns, and evolving customer classes.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, concise insights and narratives for senior leadership.
• Identify structural trends and emerging drivers that influence long-term energy demand.
• Lead initiatives to upgrade forecasting tools, datasets, automation processes, automation processes, statistical methodologies, and machine learning integration.
• Promote innovation by identifying emerging industry best practices and recommending enhancements to improve forecast accuracy and usability.
• Partner with teams across Finance, Operations, Rates, Regulatory Affairs, and Strategy to ensure cohesive forecasting approaches and shared assumptions.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level analysts, elevating modeling rigor, communication skills, and domain expertise across the team.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level