System Controller

CenterPoint Energy

3d • Onsite

About The Position

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce. At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. The System Controller has the authority and responsibility of utilizing the Energy Management System (EMS) and applying industry-accepted methods and procedures that ensure the CenterPoint electrical system is operated safely, reliably, and efficiently in normal and emergency conditions. The System Controller is responsible for understanding and applying the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) Protocols and Operating Guides in daily operations. The System Controller is responsible for understanding and complying with the NERC (North American Electric Reliability Council) Reliability Standards in daily operations.

Requirements

• Must have NERC Certification as a Transmission Operator or higher
• Successfully completed the ERCOT System Operator Certification
• Relevant job-related experience for non-degree candidates

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree
• Electrical or technical field of study

Responsibilities

• Respond to transmission/substation system status changes; including alarms, remote terminal units, transmission and distribution operations or lockouts, transmission and distribution overloads, and substation devices.
• Execute, when required, all System Controller functions, providing guidance on daily switching with emphasis on potential trouble areas.
• Implement emergency activities between CenterPoint Energy and ERCOT including South Texas Project (STP), Bulk Transmission Tielines, implementation of ERCOT emergency steps, and forced outages.
• Maintain chronological logs of all pertinent system activities.
• Maintain surveillance of the REDE system in order to detect hardware failures and data errors.
• Ensure that substation entry and exit security is maintained.
• Conduct studies of and review power flow/security analysis data.
• Monitor and control South Texas Project (STP) switchyard activities.
• Maintain surveillance of weather activities.
• Coordinate response to life threatening calls with LifeFlight, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
• Implement and control restoration activities if/when CenterPoint experiences a total or partial system blackout.
• Initiate activities when any CenterPoint operational or electrical facility receives a security threat. This includes notification of the appropriate CenterPoint response personnel and law enforcement agencies. This also includes documentation of the threat and its origin.
• Execute voltage reduction or load shedding when appropriate.
• Implement and control the restoration of electrical service to the ECDC following an outage.
• Analyze major transmission or generation system disturbances, determine what remedial action is required, set priorities, then carry out the implementation of corrective action.
• Determine what actions to take following a major telecommunication outage and take corrective steps minimizing the effect on system security.
• Exercise authority to take or direct timely and appropriate action, up to and including shedding firm system load, to prevent or alleviate Operating Limits Violations without obtaining approval from higher-level personnel.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

What This Job Offers

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