Operations Planning Engineer I and II

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Position Description

Operations Planning Engineers provide engineering analysis and technical support to the System Control and Reliability (SC&R) and Energy Management System (EMS) groups. These groups monitor, operate and maintain the tools used in the operation of the Tucson Electric Power (TEP) and UNS EnergyBulk Electric System and sub-transmission systems. Operations Planning Engineers are responsible for the studies required in the NERC Operations Horizon. They use Real Time and offline models that represent the TEP and UNS systems to conduct contingency analyses, perform transient stability and V-Q studies for the Operations Horizon. They evaluate the results of these studies and if needed, provided mitigation for issues seen. They are responsible for performing studies in the EMS as well as the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Reliability Data Specification (RDS) online models. They are responsible for review of the EMS and RDS and make corrections, as necessary. They provide support as needed to comply with flowgate analysis. They are responsible for being on a rotational call as needed. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with Reliability Coordinator guidelines and methodologies, applicable NERC Planning Standards and WECC System Performance Criteria.

Position-Related Responsibilities

• Ability to be on a rotational call, 365/24/7.
• Perform operations planning studies in compliance with NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, SPP guidelines and methodologies and TEP/UNS requirements to ensure reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System and meet applicable regulatory requirements.
• Provides SC&R support by preparing development of Remedial Action Scheme in the form of Operating Tables as required.
• Perform Operational Planning Analysis (OPA) daily or as required.
• Prepare and communicate Operating Plan resulting from OPA as required.
• Perform outage studies as requested.
• Develops and evaluates requirements, specifications, and optimum alternatives for Network Applications to support real-time and operating horizon studies.
• Works with EMS team to develop EMS study tools used in the operations horizon
• Review and coordinate updates of EMS contingencies as required.
• Review and coordinate the operating case, contingencies, flowgates, schedules and outage information used in the support of flowgate analysis.
• Coordinates with Transmission Planning, Engineering, System Control & Reliability, Engineering Project Management, Land & Environmental and other groups to facilitate a clear understanding of transmission system issues, thereby developing technically and economically feasible solutions.
• Develops and maintains an effective level of expertise and understanding of applicable NERC Planning Standards, WECC System Performance Criteria, and TEP criteria. Ensures that standards, criteria and requirements are understood and consistently applied.
• Develops and maintains an effective level of expertise in the use of power flow, transient and voltage stability, and other related applications and databases as required to perform operations planning duties.
• Develops and updates process and procedures as needed to provide operating support to the Transmission Desk.
• Provides required data in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participates in operating activities with WECC, regional and sub-regional planning groups, and other utilities in accordance with applicable FERC regulations.
• Trains and assists new personnel within the section.
• This position may provide services to affiliates of the Company subject to the UNS Energy Code of Conduct and the related Policies and Procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

(Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.)

• Requires a BS in Electrical Engineering or related educational equivalent. Combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Requires the ability to present study results and recommendations before company and other personnel as well as the ability to write professional technical reports.
• Ability to travel as required to support the Operations Planning Department.
• Ability to learn new software applications such as Energy Management System (EMS).
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to analyze situations and make educated quick decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to work under high stress situations.

Operations Planning Engineer I:

• Ability to learn and proficiently perform and prepare OPA using PSLF. Able to communicate results to Transmission and Generation desks as needed.

Operations Planning Engineer II:

• Performs task of Engineer I.
• Able to create Remedial Action Scheme (RAS) in the form of Operating Tables to support the TEP Tie Open Load Shed (TOLS) RAS.
• Familiar with required NERC, WECC and Reliability Coordinator (RC) standards, guidelines and methodologies.