Operations Analyst (Analyst or Senior Analyst level) – Columbus, Ohio or Hammond, Indiana (Hybrid: 2 days/week in office)
Job Summary
The Operations Analyst participates in a goal-driven, team-oriented, high-performance department and promotes its culture throughout the broader organization. The role provides technical and leadership support to internal business partners across Energy Supply & Optimization, Forecasting, Regulatory/Rates, Legal, Financial Planning, and Strategic Planning. Strategies and recommendations aim to provide safe, reliable gas and electric service at the lowest reasonable cost while identifying income opportunities for shareholders.
Responsibilities
- Develop short- and long-term supply plans using complex computer-based modeling software for local gas distribution and electric companies to optimize assets and meet system demand requirements.
- Make recommendations for daily balancing of demand and supply to ensure optimum dispatch of assets in collaboration with Energy Supply & Optimization teams.
- Provide weekend/holiday coverage to recommend solutions for supply and demand imbalances and communicate daily operation status.
- Reconcile hedge accounts daily or monthly, administering invoicing and reporting gains or losses for gas and electric.
- Provide accurate daily system forecasts and assess forecast model performance and accuracy under operating conditions.
- Conduct in-depth analyses to evaluate the portfolio of supply and capacity options for reliable and cost‑effective service.
- Develop and perform ad‑hoc analysis and forecasting for Generation, Gas Operations, Financial Planning, Rates/Regulatory, Environmental, and Energy Supply & Optimization departments.
- Provide projections of gas/energy unit and cost information for regulatory filings, including gas and fuel cost adjustments and Rate Case proceedings.
- Provide witness support for regulatory filings, including written testimony, exhibits, and responses to interrogatories.
- Oversee performance and adequacy of software systems, IT applications, and data warehouses containing critical supply management information and Energy Supply & Optimization operations; identify system enhancements to support business needs.
- Analyze data related to commodity price, weather, demand, purchases, pipeline rates, and other variables influencing supply and demand.
- Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting to support regulatory processes and compliance filings (emissions, FERC, MISO registrations, generating unit performance, load analysis).
- Support internal and external resources to fulfill the company’s near‑ and long‑term capacity/energy needs outlined in its Integrated Resource Plan, Strategic Supply Plans, and Your Energy, Your Future initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- BS/BA in a quantitative discipline or equivalent experience.
- Self‑directed with strong leadership, initiative, and the ability to perform duties effectively in a team‑oriented environment.
- Proven presentation, verbal and written communication, problem‑solving, and time‑management skills.
- In‑depth knowledge of Microsoft365, especially Excel pivot tables, macro creation, and statistical analysis.
- Ability to collaborate in a hybrid working environment.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration, Business Analytics, Accountancy, or equivalent graduate degree.
- 2–3 years of experience in the utility industry, specific to electric/natural gas markets, demand response, trading, and state/federal regulations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Experience with process improvement, SixSigma, and/or project management.
- Experience with SPSS, SAS, Python, or querying database information with Microsoft Access and SQL or similar products.
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Inclusion & Diversity
Value inclusion in day‑to‑day responsibilities by respecting others’ perspectives, engaging opinions, and creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued. Treat others with respect and consideration, and actively contribute to a positive work environment.
Safety
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in the employee safety program, reporting unsafe conditions, and supporting an interdependent safety culture that ensures the safety of co‑workers. Stay focused on tasks and promote productivity through good work habits.
Disclaimer
The preceding description is not a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any protected group status as defined by law.