Transmission Planning Supervisor

Position Summary

This position is accountable for providing leadership, technical direction, and policy administration for the Transmission Planning Department.   Expectations will be to develop planning excellence, meet business needs/requirements, exceed customer expectations, and continuously develop employee competencies.   
The Transmission Planning Supervisor is responsible for the high voltage (>100 KV) electric system models and plan development in accordance with national (NERC & FERC), regional (SPP & MRO), and local (Nebraska subregional) transmission planning criteria, standards and policy.   This position will also support NPPD’s System Control Center as necessary to provide real-time operational support during normal and emergency system conditions.  
As part of the regional planning requirements, this position provides consultation to Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) as part of the Transmission Owner/Transmission Planner requirements and to support the stakeholder processes.  Successful comprehensive long-term regional transmission plans and models ensure compliance with reliability standards, cost-effective reliability and economic transmission investment, while promoting the reliable operation of the networked transmission system for the benefit of NPPD and its customers. 

This Transmission Planning Supervisor must also engage in detailed technical studies, reports and plans and advise NPPD management on the best strategic directions affecting the current and future NPPD transmission system.  The target expected result is successful transmission plans that ensure cost-effective reliable operation of the transmission system while complying with applicable planning standards and requirements.

This position will report to and work directly with the System Planning and Transmission Business Manager.   This position will provide technical consultation throughout the District and to external entities.  This includes but is not limited to Power Resource Planning, Sub-T and Distribution Planning, Engineering, Asset Health, T&D Operations, Project Management, Doniphan System Control, Regulatory, Contracts, Environmental, Energy Supply, and Legal.   External entities this position collaborates with includes but is not limited to Southwest Power Pool staff, stakeholder groups and member organizations, Midwest Reliability Organization, the Nebraska Subregional Planning Group, Nebraska Power Review Board, and neighboring utilities such as OPPD, LES, City of Hastings, City of Grand Island, MEAN, WAPA, Basin Electric, Tri-State, and MEC.

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited college/university is required.  Experience in detailed transmission system analysis and modelling, familiarity with SPP planning procedures/policies as well as related MRO and NERC standards is required.

Prior related experience:
Seven years’ experience in Transmission Planning, Transmission Engineering or Asset Health or related engineering field is required.  

Transmission planning experience is preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Professional Engineer License (PE) is required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Oversee the active transmission planning function to develop the District’s long-range plan and provide real time operation support for the transmission system within industry, regional, and national operation guide limits.  Provide technical oversight and development of study scopes, review study results, and review/develop technical documentation prior to release of final study report.

Coordinate interconnection facilities additions and upgrades at the transmission level in coordination with SPP, neighboring transmission owners, and internal NPPD departments to maintain and improve the reliability of the transmission system.  Engage with neighboring utilities, governmental agencies, and the public in support of facility additions.

Direct development and implementation of various transmission models including load flow and stability models for power system simulation.  Ensure that specific multi-year, safety, reliability, operational, financial, and regulatory criteria are included and that the modelling successfully simulates the NPPD transmission system on both an operational and strategic level.

Direct development of data submittals and reports as required in support of SPP processes, MRO compliance verification, regional planning processes, and NERC standards.  Work in tandem with NPPD’s Reliability Compliance area to serve as Subject Matter Expert, Responsible Person, or Responsible Manager for applicable NERC standards specific to the Transmission Planning Department.

Advocate for policies and procedures at SPP, MRO, and NERC that benefit NPPD and its customers by serving on or advising committees or working groups associated with or impacting transmission planning.  Advance understanding and knowledge of applicable procedures and policies as needed throughout the District.
Enhance analysis techniques and processes as additional data sources become available and software tools/technology advance.  Track transmission planning related industry issues and provide feedback and strategic direction as needed.

Recruit, develop, and coach employees in system modelling, power system analysis techniques, customer service, and work management areas.  Create, monitor, and maintain appropriate performance goals and measurement for the team to determine if goals are being met efficiently.

Engage in ongoing personal and professional development, maintain a high degree of personal accountability, and practice honesty, integrity, listening and communication skills.  Be competent in public speaking and delivering technical presentations to a wide and diverse audience.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies