Lead Energy Economist - Resource Adequacy (Remote Eligible)

spp • Little Rock, AR

14h • Remote

About The Position

The position of Lead Energy Economist will develop data requirements, perform verifications and validations, as well as perform forecasting analysis to understand and predict load forecast risks. This need is being driven by substantial load growth from electrification with electric vehicles, data centers, artificial intelligence, and other new sources of demand and from extreme weather events are stressing our grid more than ever as consumers continue to set records for electricity use. Load forecast uncertainty is growing, as is the differences in year-over-year forecasts and the differences between load forecasts in different SPP process (i.e. resource adequacy and transmission planning). The Lead Energy Economist will collaborate across internal SPP departments and with stakeholders to develop, evaluate, and refine load forecasting principles and rules within the SPP region. They will perform analysis to assess the effectiveness of current processes and identify opportunities for enhancements to improve efficiency, reliability, and transparency. After years of depending on our Load Responsible Entities to develop load forecasts, this age of new demand types has made it clear that SPP Staff needs to have insight into the load forecasts that are being developed and provided to SPP for use in our study processes. This would include understanding the risk of load forecast variations, error, and understanding the accuracy of the forecasts that have been provided. SPP study processes that depend on accurate load forecasts include the Loss of Load Expectation Study, Effective Load Carrying Capability Studies, Transmission Service Studies, and the Integrated Transmission Planning process. These processes all lead to the direct investment of billions of dollars from SPP’s members in either the construction of generating resources or transmission assets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, statistics, applied analytics, or related field
• Ten (10) +Years of Experience in utility load forecasting in regulated environments.
• Experience with long-term and short-term load forecasting, statistical modeling, regulatory filings, and Integrated Resource Planning
• Understanding of energy market theory with particular emphasis in electricity markets
• Proficient at organizing and conducting technical and analytical studies
• Proficient at problem solving, attention to detail, strategic thinking, innovation
• Ability to support diverse team members and manage parts of complex analysis projects
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Flexibility and aptitude to function with constantly changing conditions and priorities

Nice To Haves

• Masters Degree/Ph.D. in economics
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: econometrics, statistical analysis, industrial organization, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, or energy trading
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis of large data sets
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI

Responsibilities

• Data Collection and Analysis: Gather and compile data on potential customer loads, weather patterns, economic indicators, and other relevant factors.
• Analyze historical load data to identify trends, seasonality, and other patterns.
• Use statistical models to forecast future electricity consumption.
• Conduct research to understand customer behavior and its impact on load patterns.
• Analyze the effects of energy efficiency programs and other initiatives on load.
• Ensure that member submitted forecast align with the acceptance criteria
• Forecasting and Modeling: Develop and maintain forecasting models to predict future electricity demand.
• Use various forecasting techniques, including time series analysis, regression analysis, and machine learning.
• Refine and update forecasting models as new data becomes available.
• Determine risks and ranges of load variation from forecast
• Develop new approaches to load forecasting and analysis.
• Reporting and Communication: Prepare reports on load forecasts, including summaries, graphs, and tables.
• Present load forecasts to stakeholders, including management, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties.
• Communicate forecast uncertainties and potential risks.
• Provide technical expertise to SPP committees and working groups.
• Support Working Groups as necessary.
• Support FERC filings through providing data, and assist in drafting testimony and filing letters.
• Research and analyze the design of other RTO/ISO markets.
• Document analysis and studies in written reports.

Benefits

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees