System Controller

Job Summary

The System Controller has the authority and responsibility of utilizing the Energy Management System (EMS) and applying industry-accepted methods and procedures that ensure the CenterPoint electrical system is operated safely, reliably, and efficiently in normal and emergency conditions. The System Controller is responsible for understanding and applying the ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) Protocols and Operating Guides in daily operations. The System Controller is responsible for understanding and complying with the NERC (North American Electric Reliability Council) Reliability Standards in daily operations.

Essential Functions

• Respond to transmission/substation system status changes; including alarms, remote terminal units, transmission and distribution operations or lockouts, transmission and distribution overloads, and substation devices.
• Execute, when required, all System Controller functions, providing guidance on daily switching with emphasis on potential trouble areas.
• Implement emergency activities between CenterPoint Energy and ERCOT including South Texas Project (STP), Bulk Transmission Tielines, implementation of ERCOT emergency steps, and forced outages.
• Maintain chronological logs of all pertinent system activities.
• Maintain surveillance of the REDE system in order to detect hardware failures and data errors.
• Ensure that substation entry and exit security is maintained.
• Conduct studies of and review power flow/security analysis data.
• Monitor and control South Texas Project (STP) switchyard activities.
• Maintain surveillance of weather activities.
• Coordinate response to life threatening calls with LifeFlight, ambulances, and other emergency responders.
• Implement and control restoration activities if/when CenterPoint experiences a total or partial system blackout.
• Initiate activities when any CenterPoint operational or electrical facility receives a security threat.  This includes notification of the appropriate CenterPoint response personnel and law enforcement agencies.  This also includes documentation of the threat and its origin.
• Execute voltage reduction or load shedding when appropriate.

Essential Functions cont'd

• Implement and control the restoration of electrical service to the ECDC following an outage.
• Analyze major transmission or generation system disturbances, determine what remedial action is required, set priorities, then carry out the implementation of corrective action.
• Determine what actions to take following a major telecommunication outage and take corrective steps minimizing the effect on system security.
• Exercise 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.

Education Description

Bachelor's degree preferred. Relevant job-related experience for non-degree candidates. Electrical or technical field of study preferred. 

Experience

Must have NERC Certification as a Transmission Operator or higher and have successfully completed the ERCOT System Operator Certification.

Physical Requirements

• Communicate orally in a clear manner.
• Hear oral communication either in person or on equipment such as telephone, mobile phone or radio.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or reach repeatedly, on a daily basis.
• Distinguish between colors.
• Demonstrate the dexterity to operate a personal computer, either desktop or laptop, and common office equipment such as telephone, photocopier, fax machine, calculator, laptop, mobile phone, etc.
• Able to reach, grasp and move items.
• Able to sit, stand, view a personal computer monitor/laptop screen, or use a mobile phone for extended periods of time.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle, including ability to enter and exit the vehicle unassisted.
• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a minimal amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects

Working Conditions

• Work in a fast paced environment with high daily pressure to meet deadlines.
• Provide on-call support 24 hours on occasion.
• Perform work indoors in an office environment and outdoors as needed.
• Respond to emergency calls and/or call-outs and return to work while off duty.
• Work a varied schedule to complete projects and meet deadlines in response to changing demands.
• Travel to field locations, attend or conduct training,  visit or attend industry or professional association conferences and/or other meetings (with customers, vendors, contractors, communities, etc.) and stay overnight as required.
• May be required to remain in the service area during emergency events and assume responsibilities assigned by the company to in restoration efforts