RROC Operator

Duke Energy Corporation•Charlotte, NC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Regulated Renewables Operations Center (RROC) is a 24/7/365 control room and the Senior Regulated Renewables Operations Center (RROC) Operator manages and monitors Duke Energy’s hydro, solar, and battery storage assets to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role involves real-time decision-making to balance energy demands and water resource management while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Associate degree and 2 years of work experience. In lieu of degree 4 years of operational/generation station experience
Ability to obtain unescorted NERC access.
Either a two-year technical degree and 2 years work experience; OR 4 years generation facility experience without a degree
Proven competency in RROC computer applications
Completed all Level2 JPMs AND successfully pass the RROC Board Evaluation within the first 12 months.
Must be able to read, comprehend, inspect, calculate, count, retain and make sound decisions.

Nice To Haves

Proficient with computer systems and using many software applications.
Analytical skills, ability to quickly learn varied operational parameters at multiple plants.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate with impact-possessing excellent negotiating skills.
Excellent team building and problem-solving skills.
Excellent public speaking and presentation delivery.
Ability to quickly assess the situation, analyze the data and react to rapidly changing conditions.
Demonstrated knowledge of power system operations and Renewable Energy Technologies (Hydroelectric, Solar, Storage, etc.)
Previous experience as a control room operator
Previous experience as a Hydro, Solar, or BESS Technician

Responsibilities

Operations and asset control: The operator is responsible for dispatching and controlling hydro, solar, and battery storage generation assets, continuously monitoring operational screens, and collaborating with site technicians to address alarms and maintenance needs. They adjust unit controls and excitation based on system conditions and ensure accurate operational logs and generation schedules for dispatch purposes.
Water and reservoir management: The role includes managing water reservoirs and control systems as part of an integrated system, including floodgate operations during high inflow periods. Operators dispatch hydro units or manipulate spillways to regulate water flow, maintain compliance with FERC licenses, and participate in dam failure drills and emergency notifications.
Safety, compliance, and communication: Operators ensure site safety and security, make operational decisions to protect facilities and the public, negotiate outage and reserve requests, and communicate unit limitations. They use risk-informed decision-making and maintain accuracy of publicly available information while curtailing surplus solar generation or adjusting battery storage operations as needed.
Partner with the ECCs to mitigate grid events and meet customer energy demand
Dispatch and operate hydro generation, solar generation, and battery storage assets to meet energy demand
Constantly monitor operational screens on all RROC fleet assets
Work with site technicians to mitigate site alarms and workarounds
Manage site safety and security elements of assets in alignment with established procedures and regulations
Adjust unit controls and excitation based on unit response, system limitation, and generator voltage limits/schedule
Make operational decisions that ensure the safety of Duke Energy facilities and the public
Ensure accurate COA entries noting available generation for ECC dispatch and FSO modeling
Maintain accurate Plant View operations logs
Waterway Management: Manage reservoirs as part of an integrated system, including periods of high inflows, which encompasses floodgate operations.
Dispatch Hydro generating units or manipulate spillways to move water through the system
Maintain FERC training and qualifications including participation in dam failure drills
Evaluate dam failure and dam non-failure conditions, then implement corresponding plans up to notification of EMAs for public warnings and evacuations
Under high water conditions, make notifications and coordinate with stakeholders
Negotiate outage and reserve requests
Communicate emerging unit limitations across relevant organizations
Utilize risk informed decision making based on the criticality of the asset and grid conditions
Maintain accuracy of publicly available information as required
Curtail surplus Solar generation at the request of the ECC as a method of assuring grid reliability
Adjust storage asset (battery) operational modes and/or scheduling charge/discharge cycles as required by procedure or ECC request.
Utilize proficiency to serve as a non-shift resource for equipment, operations, and compliance questions
Provide on-the-job training