Planner

Independent Electricity System Operator; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 111,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined benefit pension

Best-in-class benefits

Learning & development opportunities

Inclusive culture

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Independent Electricity System Operator in Ontario seeks a dynamic Planner to shape short-term electricity demand forecasting and support reliable power system operations. You will apply data science to build predictive models and participate in 0–10 day ahead forecasting with subject-matter expertise.

The role involves developing and maintaining forecasting tools, collaborating across teams and stakeholders, and mentoring junior staff while ensuring high-quality analysis and planning outputs.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Economics, Planning, Data Science, or other relevant discipline.
• Exposure to power systems, electrical theory, energy systems and conversion is preferred.
• Strong understanding of statistical methods, data and regression analysis techniques; programming experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify system needs and evaluate solutions; analyze demand, supply and constraints; recommend best options with rationale.
• Lead technical, economic and risk assessments using advanced models to inform planning decisions.
• Develop and maintain analytical models, forecasting tools, and planning methodologies.
• Research industry trends to enhance planning approaches and forecast accuracy.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure quality control of work and outputs.

Skills

Statistical methods

Data analysis

Regression analysis

Power systems knowledge

Education

University degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Economics, Planning, Data Science, or related field

Tools

Python

VBA

Matlab

R

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Step 1:$111,072 to Step 10: $158,704

The successful candidate will be placed at the appropriate step within the salary grade/band, based on relevant years of experience and other applicable considerations.

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!

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 theOperations 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.

What makes this role exciting

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.

What you’ll do

In this role, you’ll make a meaningful impact by contributing to the IESO team and supporting the electricity needs of the province through developing integrated electricity system plans that ensure reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy supply for Ontario. Activities could include:

• 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.

In a typical day, you will 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.

The responsibilities include:

• 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.

The Planner will be 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

This is a promotion-in-place (PIP) affected role. Candidates with lesser qualifications will be considered for aPower System Planning Analyst role.

Role Requirements

Our team consists of experts from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and skills.
To succeed in this role, you’ll need:

• A university degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Economics, Planning, Data Science, or other relevant discipline is required.
• 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.
• A strong understanding of foundational statistical methods, data as well as regression analysis techniques.
• Experience programming and developing code in Python, VBA, Matlab, R, etc. is preferred.
• 6- 8 years of experience in a power system planning or operation or analytical studies related to integrated planning is typically required.
• Experience in the Ontario electricity sector is preferred.

How We Support You

From a comprehensive total rewards program to dynamic learning and development opportunities—including job rotations to broaden your expertise,we empower you to define and shape your own success. When you join the IESO, here’s what you can expect:

• 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.

Deadline

October 13, 2026. F or future reference, please save a copy of the job posting as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

The IESO currently has a 3-day in-office work week for applicable roles. Over the course of 2026, the IESO will advance plans to acquire additional office space to accommodate more in-office time. While the timeline for moving to a full 5-day in-office model has not yet been established, we are committed to keeping employees and candidates informed as plans progress and give them as much advance notice as possible to prepare for any changes.

We believe in opportunities for everyone.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing, and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment— one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. We’re proud to say we’ve been recognized as a supportive, inclusive employer.