Sr. Interconnection Specialist

Position Summary

The Interconnection and Transmission Specialist is responsible for managing the interconnection of new energy storage and/or renewable energy projects to the electric grid, including selecting desirable locations to interconnect, prepare and submit interconnection requests, ; and oversee the entire interconnection process including negotiation of interconnection agreements until their successful completion.

Essential Functions

- With the goal of optimizing interconnection cost, schedule, revenue potential and deliverability, responsibilities are primarily centered on all stages of interconnection and transmission related activities including:

- Analyze the transmission and distribution grids in target regions, review and understanding of power flow studies, expected grid modifications and other market data to identify desirable points of interconnection (POIs);

- Preparation, and administration of interconnection requests, screening studies, pre-applications, etc. for selected sites and POIs;

- Deep understanding of open access transmission tariffs, wholesale distribution access tariffs and other related tariffs, business practice manuals etc. transmission & distribution providers, RTOs and ISOs, including cost allocation, funding options, timelines, dispute resolution mechanisms, etc.

- Review all types interconnection and transmission studies to understand impacts on project cost, schedule and operational characteristics

- Review, negotiate, and obtain interconnection agreements with transmission and/or distribution providers in different US markets

- Work closely with other departments within the Company (Engineering, Projects, etc.) as well as select and guide third-party consultants (power flow engineers, outside counsels, etc.) as needed;

- Coordinate budgeting and scheduling for interconnection related activities;

- Provide project status updates, communicate with management, clients and vendors, maintain file databases, etc.;

- Understand and support other project development functions (real estate, environmental permitting, etc)

Other Responsibilities

- Other duties and projects as assigned by management

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

- Must have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or other related field, Electrical Engineering a plus;

- 5 years’ experience in utility-scale interconnection or a relevant field;

- Experience in utility scale energy storage applications and solar systems a plus:

- Familiarity with concepts of load flow, short circuit duty, open access transmission tariffs;

- The ability to lead key short-term and long-term projects;

- The ability to travel up to 10% nationally and internationally;

- The ability to travel long distances by car and air;

- The ability and proven track record to maintain confidentiality and deal with company proprietary information

- Must be able to communicate with other employees and read and write at a level that will enable to perform the work in a safe and efficient manner

- Must be able to use and acquire knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point, SharePoint and use of the Internet

- Must possess at any time a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to ORMAT’s auto insurance carrier

Physical Requirements

- The ability to work at a computer, and computer monitor, and use repetitive motion for long periods of time

- The ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

- This position requires sitting 80% of the time and standing and walking 20% of the time