DER Planning Engineer

FortisAlberta; Airdrie; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

FortisAlberta is seeking a DER Planning Engineer to guide DER interconnection with FortisAlberta's distribution system, under the Senior Lead Engineer DER Planning. The role involves coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to advance interconnection projects and ensure timely delivery.

You will lead projects related to Distribution Voltage Management and Distribution Roadmap, support Operations Planning and Substation Planning, and contribute to system modelling and analysis.

Qualifications

• Post Secondary Degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power distribution.
• Registration as Professional Engineer with APEGA preferred; EIT considered with relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan and analyze electrical distribution systems per engineering principles.
• Lead DER interconnection processes with stakeholders.
• Develop models for DER and load additions and contingency planning.
• Support DVM and Distribution Roadmap initiatives.
• Prepare scope of work, specifications, and cost estimates for upgrades.

Skills

Customer service focus

Verbal and written communication

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Self-motivated

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Professional Engineer (APEGA) preferred

EIT considered

Tools

SAP

CYME

GIS

MS Office

CRM

Job description

The Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Planning Engineer, under the supervision of the Senior Lead Engineer DER Planning, is responsible for managing projects, offering technical guidance and advising on processes to help DER customers connect to FortisAlberta's power distribution system. This involves working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders facilitating DER interconnection processes.

In addition, the DER Planning Engineer takes a lead role and provides support to various initiatives such as Distribution Voltage Management (DVM) projects and Distribution Roadmap initiatives. The position also extends support to Operations Planning and Substation Planning, therefore, will work on distribution generation and load projects.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

• Plan electrical distribution utility systems by utilizing theories and principles of electrical engineering.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate DER interconnection process and support DER interconnections to FortisAlberta’s system in a timely manner.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to resolve DER customers inquiries and provide guidance to DER customers as needed.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to continuously refine DER interconnection process, DER record and data tracking, reporting, DER interconnection agreements and operating agreements.
• Develop electrical distribution system models for DER and load additions, operational contingencies, restoration guidelines, etc.
• Perform distribution system load flow, voltage levels and capacity constraints analysis to develop solution alternatives to address distribution system deficiencies.
• Develop distribution deficiency reports to facilitate transmission facilities upgrades.
• Support operational outage scheduling, demand transmission service waivers, inter-utility operating agreements, and development of operational procedures such as under-frequency load shedding.
• Lead special projects such as CVR and DVM, as assigned.
• Develop scope of work, technical specifications, and cost estimates for distribution capacity, system improvement, DER connections, and substation associated upgrade projects.
• Support DER project development and execution activities by providing economic analysis and interpreting engineering drawings, survey data, material specifications and codes.
• Utilize various computer engineering programs and office productivity software to facilitate designs and delivery of solutions.
• Provide technical support on complex design issues and professional authentication as required.
• Ensure that practices and processes meet regulatory policies and code obligations.
• Assist in reviewing and analyzing the effectiveness and efficiency of existing practices and processes and developing strategies to improve performance and customer service.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external customers.
• Develop and support technical training programs.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated customer service focus with the proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with team members and internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills including the ability to clearly present information to various audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build solid partnerships through intuitive business insight: this includes the ability to make recommendations and influence outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve issues by analyzing and evaluating possible solutions.
• Excellent organization and time management skills to manage multiple priorities and competing demands, while maintaining a detail-oriented mindset.
• Passionate about continuous learning in different business areas and have a strong willingness to contribute.
• Results driven, demonstrated ability to carry projects from start to finish with high quality.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimal direction and supervision.
• Effective computer skills with a working knowledge of SAP, CYME, GIS systems, MS Office, CRM, as well as other related programs
• Strong aptitude in the use of technical and graphical software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Post Secondary Degree in Engineering (Electrical) is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in power distribution system .
• Registered as a Professional Engineer with APEGA is preferred, EIT in combination with relevant experience maybe considered.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

• A valid Class 5 Alberta Driver’s license is required
• Travel throughout the province may be required