Manager, Load Interconnection Support

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

8d • Onsite

About The Position

FirstEnergy is a forward-thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger. FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy includes one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions, and a regulated generating fleet with a total capacity of more than 3,500 megawatts.

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in Akron, Ohio.

Responsible for the oversight of all wholesale load interconnection requests and transmission-connected retail agreements for behind the meter generation and transmission load customers across the FirstEnergy footprint. In addition, this position and the team it would lead are responsible for supporting the FERC and State cost allocation for Large Load customers. This position would also be tasked with implementing and establishing internal controls to govern FirstEnergy's Large Load business practice.

This manager position leads a team that works with both internal and external customers. Internal cross-functional teams include Transmission Operations, Transmission Planning and Protection, Transmission & Distribution Business Service, Portfolio Management, Metering, Rates, Customer Support, and Legal. External customers include PJM, other Transmission Owners, wholesale load customers including municipal and cooperative utilities.

The team is also responsible for tracking all wholesale load interconnection / delivery points across the company to ensure the necessary interconnection, construction and study agreements are filed with FERC or PJM in a timely manner and in accordance with federal and state regulatory requirements.

The Load Manager is responsible for managing the evaluation, planning, coordination, and execution of interconnection requests for large load customers with demand requirements greater than 20 megawatts (MW). This role serves as the primary point of contact for data centers, industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, and other high-capacity customers seeking service from the utility.

The Load Manager coordinates activities across transmission planning, distribution planning, engineering, customer support and customer accounts to ensure reliable, compliant, and timely interconnection of large load projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in electric utility operations, transmission planning, distribution planning, customer interconnections, engineering, or grid operations.
• Knowledge of transmission and distribution system design and planning practices.
• Experience working with utility tariffs and agreements.
• Understanding of: Power system operations and planning, Transmission and distribution engineering, Load forecasting methodologies, System impact studies, Reliability standards and compliance requirements, Utility rate structures and service agreements.
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Customer Relationship Management
• Technical Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Negotiation and Contract Administration
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Problem Solving and Decision Making

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary company representative for Wholesale customers (e.g., municipal or cooperative utilities) requesting electric service greater than 20 MWs.
• Manage the end-to-end interconnection process for Wholesale customers from inquiry through energization.
• Evaluate customer load requirements, service configurations, reliability needs, and project schedules.
• Coordinate the development and execution of interconnection and construction service agreements.
• Monitor project milestones and ensure adherence to utility procedures and timelines.
• Manage FirstEnergy’s Delegation of Authority process for the approval of Wholesale customer Load Studies.
• Collaborate with Customer management, and transmission and distribution planning teams to develop and review Conceptual and Detailed Load Studies.
• Coordinate with PJM regarding Wholesale customer large load interconnection requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tariffs, regulatory requirements, reliability standards, and utility policies.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and industry working groups related to large load integration and planning.
• Facilitate coordination among engineering, construction, operations, customer project teams, and external consultants.
• Track project costs, schedules, risks, and infrastructure dependencies.
• Assist in the negotiation and administration of customer-funded facility agreements and cost responsibility arrangements.
• Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.
• Provide customers with guidance regarding utility requirements, study processes, technical standards, and project timelines.
• Resolve issues and facilitate timely decision-making throughout project development.
• Ensure customer interconnections support system reliability and operational integrity.
• Identify risks associated with load growth, infrastructure limitations, and project execution.
• Coordinate contingency planning and operational readiness activities prior to customer energization.
• Support compliance with reliability standards and established utility operating practices.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401 (k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a 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: Manager