Transmission System Operator

Job Summary

The Transmission System Operator is responsible for operating CenterPoint Energy (CNP) – Indiana’s electric transmission system in compliance with all applicable corporate policies and procedures and regulatory requirements (FERC, NERC, RFC, DOE).  The  Transmission System Operator has the authority to take or direct real time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System, up to and including, shedding of firm load without obtaining approval from a higher authority within CNP.  The  Transmission System Operator  complies with Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) operating protocols and procedures and is responsible for real-time reliability coordination.

Essential Functions

• Responds to, and directs the response to, transmission/substation system status changes, including alarms, remote terminal units, transmission operations or lockouts, transmission facility overloads, and substation devices.
• Coordinates with the MISO Reliability Coordinator concerning transmission outages, overloads, transmission congestion issues, remedial actions, and transmission security. Determines corrective actions and implement action plans.
• Direct and coordinate field switching and clearance activity (by radio, telephone, or supervisory control) to ensure safety of personnel and equipment.
• Analyze Energy Management System (EMS) data to verify accuracy and to stay abreast of power system changes.
• Monitor and control voltage as prescribed by the System Voltage Profile. Make appropriate voltage changes using static and dynamic voltage sources.
• Communicate efficiently and professionally with inside and outside entities. Provide excellent customer support to all entities.
• Be available for duty when system events require additional resources at the Control Center
• Initiate appropriate emergency responses and notifications as required by system conditions and events.
• Initiate contingency plans for the loss of the Control Center.
• Always observe safety rules and procedures.
• Coordinates all emergency activities between CenterPoint Energy and MISO, including implementation of Capacity Emergency and Transmission Emergency procedures.
• Maintains chronological logs of all pertinent system activities.

Essential Functions cont'd

• Conducts power flow studies for expected or contingency conditions and develop an operating plan to mitigate identified issues in coordination with MISO and other affected entities.
• Coordinates and supervises restoration activities if/when CenterPoint Energy experiences a total or partial system blackout.
• Coordinates activities and notifications when any CenterPoint Energy operational or electrical facility receives a security threat.
• Analyzes major transmission or generation system disturbances, determines what remedial action is required, sets priorities, coordinates with MISO, and then carries out the implementation of corrective action.
• Coordinates actions following a telecommunication outage and takes corrective steps to minimize the effect.
• Takes direct action in response to unplanned facility outages and coordinates its return to service while maintaining security of the transmission system and safety of those responding.
• Executes voltage reduction or load shedding when appropriate.
• Exercises authority to take or direct timely and appropriate action, up to and including shedding firm system load, to prevent or alleviate Operating Limits Violations without obtaining approval from higher-level personnel.
• Maintains surveillance of weather activities and direct operation of the transmission system in a conversative state as needed.
• Validate and coordinate hourly tie-line metering values in coordination with neighboring entities and the Interchange Analyst while ensuring hourly system load values are reasonable.

Education Description

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in technical field of study, or relevant job-related experience for non-degree candidates.

Experience

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience preferred. If not already NERC Certified at the RC level, the applicant must have the ability to obtain and maintain a NERC Certification.
• Able to obtain and maintain a valid NERC Certification at a Reliability Coordinator level.
• Able to apply knowledge of power flows, voltage control, generation control, system operations, and EMS tools in daily system operations.
• Able to make complex operational decisions drawing on experience and a minimum of varied input about system conditions.
• Able to remain calm in emergencies and give instructions to others.
• Able to perform the mathematics required to support decision-making.
• Able to rely on, and act on, one’s own assessment of system conditions.
• Able to collaborate with others in normal and emergency operations towards achieving the best possible outcomes for CenterPoint Energy as a whole.
• Able to influence others toward action on a particular point of view.
• Able to demonstrate the company’s core values of integrity, accountability, initiative, and respect.

Working Conditions

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with high daily pressure to meet deadlines
• Able to provide on-call support 24 hours on occasion.
• Able to perform work indoors in an office environment and outdoors as needed.
• Able to respond to emergency calls and/or callouts and return to work while off duty.
• Able to work a varied schedule to complete projects and meet deadlines in response to changing demands.
• Able to travel to attend or conduct training, visit facilities and/or attend regulatory hearings, industry, or professional association conferences and/or other meetings (with customers, vendors, contractors, communities, etc.) and stay overnight as required.
• Able to support Emergency Operating Plan. Will be required to remain in the service area during emergency events and assume responsibilities assigned by the company to support restoration efforts