Planner

Independent Electricity System Operator

13d • CA$111,072 - CA$158,704 • Hybrid

About The Position

The IESO is committed to ensuring Ontario’s electricity system meets the province’s needs today and into the future. We are charged with purpose, delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and communities across the province. We are energized to grow, embracing opportunities to shape the future of a dynamic and evolving energy sector while advancing our careers. We are powered by teamwork, supported by diverse and passionate colleagues who foster respect, celebrate successes, and thrive on shared achievements. At the IESO, it’s not just what we do—it’s who we are!

Our central role includes managing the provincial power grid in real-time, overseeing and evolving Ontario’s electricity market, engaging with government, municipalities and Indigenous communities, and planning for Ontario’s future electricity needs. Our employees play a key role in driving grid innovation, protecting the system from threats, advancing the province’s energy conservation programs, and forecasting and procuring the electricity resources we’ll need in the decades to come.

This is a unionized position that falls within the Operations Models & Forecast team which is a part of the larger Power System Planning Division in the Demand & Conservation Planning group. The Demand & Conservation Planning group develops electricity demand & energy forecasts for all time frames for the IESO, ranging from the short term – the 0 to 10 day-ahead forecasts, the medium term 18 months – 5yrs, and the long-term forecasts going out 20 years.

The Operations Models & Forecasts team is tasked to support the short-term aspect of electricity demand forecasts and works on maintaining the models & forecasts, data streams and work with our vendors who supply weather forecasts & variable generation forecasts.

The energy sector is rapidly evolving, offering exciting new opportunities for those who want to make a difference. We are seeking a dynamic and analytical Planner to join the Operational Models & Forecasts team, who will play a critical role in shaping short-term electricity demand forecasting and supporting reliable power system operations. In this role, you will leverage advanced data science techniques to uncover insights from complex datasets and develop high-quality predictive models that drive operational decision-making. The Planner is a key contributor to the 0–10 day ahead demand forecasting framework, supporting the Day Ahead Market as a subject matter expert in short-term electricity demand analysis. This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are passionate about applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining techniques to real-world energy challenges. You will collaborate across teams, contribute to integrated system planning, and help enhance forecasting tools and processes that ensure grid reliability. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of energy systems and data science, contributing to innovative solutions that support a reliable and efficient electricity market.

Requirements

• A university degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Economics, Planning, Data Science, or other relevant discipline is required.
• A strong understanding of foundational statistical methods, data as well as regression analysis techniques.
• 6- 8 years of experience in a power system planning or operation or analytical studies related to integrated planning is typically required.
• Candidates with lesser qualifications will be considered for a Power System Planning Analyst role.

Nice To Haves

• A curriculum or experience that includes exposure to power systems, electrical theory, power system analysis and equipment, energy systems and conversion, mathematics, statistics or economic analysis is preferred.
• Experience programming and developing code in Python, VBA, Matlab, R, etc. is preferred.
• Experience in the Ontario electricity sector is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identifying system needs and evaluating solutions: Analyze current and future electricity demand, supply, and system constraints; develop and assess options; and recommend preferred solutions with clear rationale.
• Conducting complex analyses and studies: Lead technical, economic, and risk assessments using advanced models and data to simulate power system performance and inform planning decisions.
• Developing tools, processes, and forecasts: Build and maintain analytical models, forecasting tools, and planning methodologies to support decision-making.
• Researching trends and best practices: Monitor industry developments, technologies, and standards to enhance planning approaches.
• Occasionally, provide mentoring, advice and guidance to more junior or less experienced staff.
• Provide quality control and review of work and products of junior staff.
• Develop and utilize programming scripts to do analysis and/or modelling
• Engaging stakeholders: Work with internal teams, government, industry partners, and communities to align on needs, solutions, and implementation strategies.
• Other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned.
• Support the Day Ahead Market and be one of the demand forecast expert’s within the team by providing analyses and insights in regard to electricity demand in the short term timeframe by reviewing model & forecast performance statistics and understanding demand drivers, such as weather conditions, time of year, and latest and recent trends in electricity consumption in Ontario.
• Conduct forecast review activities start in the mornings around 6:30am to ensure forecast advice is provided to Day Ahead Market Operators in a timely manner.
• Participate in Morning Support calls with the Market Forecasts & Integration (MF&I) and Control Room (CR) teams on weekdays, excluding holidays, to arrive at the day ahead demand forecast.
• Summarize demand observations, forecasts and deviations into daily reports
• Review the 10-day forecast for reasonableness and provide guidance to Markets & Forecast Integration and Control Room teams.
• Maintain and develop models to be utilized to inform 0-10 day ahead demand forecasts.
• Support the integration of short–term demand observations into the medium- and longer-term demand forecasts.
• Applying data mining techniques, doing statistical analysis, and building high quality prediction systems integrated with the IESO’s existing data products and demand forecasting applications

Benefits

• Best-in-class benefits and long-term support in the form of a defined benefit pension plan.
• Work in a dynamic and evolving sector that offers exciting opportunities and the chance to explore new career paths.
• Leadership that values meaningful discussions, welcomes feedback, and prioritizes career development.
• A strong, inclusive culture and a collaborative team environment with a shared passion for impactful work.
• Compensation packages that are regularly reviewed to remain competitive and to best accommodate the diverse needs of our employees.

What This Job Offers

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