Job Description

Job Title: Transmission Planning Engineer/Specialist
INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Requisition ID: 19512
Location: Toronto, hybrid
Status: Regular
Business Unit: Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy

Why join us?

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The opportunity (2 positions)

Transmission Planning is part of the Power System Planning Division and is responsible for initiating and supporting the implementation of transmission investments, at the provincial, regional and local level, and of distribution connected non-wire alternatives that enhance system performance, increase market efficiency and/or reduce cost for customers. Its power system plans form the basis for capital investment decisions, regulatory approvals and the development of commercial agreements to provide new transmission facilities and supply resources.

They produce assessments as required by NPCC and NERC that demonstrate its power system plans meet reliability standards and they also provide transmission interface limits for resource adequacy assessments and to facilitate resource procurement activities.

They continually develop and evolve their planning processes to ensure that their processes continue to align with future procurement activities, stakeholder expectations and other processes within the IESO.

The Transmission Planning Specialist will carry out transmission planning activities as described in this document and will generally be working in one of the following types of activities:

Bulk transmission planning
Regional planning
Compliance assessments/reporting and standards development
Planning process development
Assessments to support resource procurement activities
The use of the Title “Transmission Planning Engineer” shall be only used by incumbents who are PEO license holders that are competent in the field of electrical engineering. The use of the Title “Transmission Planning Specialist” shall be used by incumbents who are not PEO license holders or PEO license holders who are not competent in the field of electrical engineering.

What you’ll do

The Transmission Planning Specialist will receive assignment from the Sr. Transmission Planning Engineer/Specialist, Engineering Manager, and/or Manager in general terms on specific problems related to assigned areas of work. Obtain necessary data for problem solution. Develop solutions to problems and produce the necessary justification (documentation, study results, etc.) to substantiate recommendations.

Duties include:

Develop and/or contribute to the development of plans and planning products related to the electricity transmission system. These plans and planning products include bulk transmission plans, regional plans (e.g., IRRPs), and/or special purpose plans related to ensuring reliable performance of the electricity transmission system
Project manage the development of plans and planning products, including documenting plan objectives, outcomes, deliverables, milestones, and setting the schedule/time lines
Build and maintain a familiarity with the tools and models commonly used to conduct transmission system assessments and analysis, including load flow simulation tools, economic evaluation tools, risk evaluation tools, electricity resource modeling tools, etc., including an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these tools
Participate in economic evaluation of different options for meeting reliability needs as a transmission planning subject matter expert
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of planning processes, procedures, tools and assumptions, including process documentation, quality assurance and quality control
Participate in stakeholder engagements, community engagements and/or consultations on planning matters, including occasionally acting as a subject matter expert on transmission planning matters and on specific plans and planning products
Act as the subject matter expert for transmission planning matters in support of IESO activities, including energy efficiency, electricity markets, resource development, and sector innovation
Liaise with government staff, Ontario Energy Board staff, and other sector agencies on planning matters, policy development and analysis, and joint initiatives, as required
Research and monitor development of municipal, regional, provincial, and/or federal laws and policies, including land use plans, growth plans, energy plans or targets, or other related policies or plans that have potential to influence electricity transmission needs, solutions, or opportunities within the scope of transmission plans
Prepare, and/or contribute to the preparation of, reports, briefs, written submissions, and/or information related to transmission plans and planning matters for IESO management and leadership, regulatory processes, stakeholder engagement and inquiries, and other proceedings
Maintain up to date knowledge of the state-of-the-art on transmission technologies, best-practices related to transmission planning and integrated resource planning, and assist in bringing relevant external trends and practices to IESO’s planning
Participate in, or occasionally lead, the IESO’s participation in external industry forums, (e.g. joint studies, planning, and regulatory proceedings)
Perform NERC/NPCC/Market Rules compliance activities, specifically:
Prepare and deliver evidence demonstrating compliance with NERC and NPCC requirements, including internal control documentation, work procedures, reliability standard audit worksheets, market manuals and training material
Participate in reliability audits and presenting the evidence, as required
Act as a subject matter expert for the IESO to support Market Participant compliance, such as: reviewing Market Rule exemption applications, reviewing NERC/NPCC Compliance Plans and Mitigation Plans, as necessary
Act as a subject matter expert to other departments and/or business units on matters related to transmission planning
Mentor and assist training of new and/or junior staff
Exercise limited/periodic supervision over assigned staff on special projects
Perform other duties as required
In addition, the Transmission Planning Specialist may only perform the following duties if direct professional responsibility (evidenced through engineering sign and seal practices) is taken by a PEO license holder:

Complete the engineering studies required for bulk transmission plans, regional plans, NERC planning assessments, NPCC Area Transmission Reviews, planning and reliability outlooks, and for Ad hoc requests. This includes steady-state and transient assessments of the power system
Assess the load meeting capability of existing local networks in order to establish regional needs for Integrated Regional Resource Plans
Assess the load meeting capability of system reinforcement options in order to establish their technical performance for Integrated Regional Resource Plans
Assess transfer capability of the Ontario and Interconnected bulk system in the near-term and long-term planning horizons to ensure system adequacy and security, and in support of resource acquisitions
Assess the transfer capability of bulk system reinforcement options in order to establish their technical performance for bulk system plans
Perform technical feasibility studies for proponents to assess the reliability impact of proposed power system facilities and connections to the IESO-controlled grid.
Perform assessments to determine the reliability of planned protection systems and programs, including: Remedial Action Schemes, the Under-Frequency Load Shedding Program, and protective relaying during overload conditions or power swings
Perform other specialized studies in the planning time horizon
Participate in joint planning studies with our neighbors and in other inter-Area activities, specifically:
Participate in appropriate NERC/NPCC committees, task forces and working groups
Conduct joint studies of the interconnected system to ensure adequacy and security of the ICG due to planned modifications to neighboring systems
On occasion, represent the IESO on interconnection committees and sub-committees as a technical subject matter expert
Participate in the standards development process as a subject matter expert from the IESO, specifically for the following activities:
Standard drafting activities pertaining to Planning Coordinator and Transmission Planner obligations
Implementation of new standards pertaining to Planning Coordinator and Transmission Planner obligations, by providing input to standard voting activities and developing an IESO position for standards
Implementation of new standards by recommending new or modified business processes
Prepare documentation and deliver presentations pertaining to engineering analysis

What you need to succeed

Requires knowledge normally acquired through the completion of a university degree in engineering/applied sciences, science, economics, finance, planning or by having the equivalent education
Requires experience in power system planning and operations
A period of over 6 years, and up to and including 8 years, is considered necessary to gain this experience
Familiarity with Ontario’s electricity system, standards, and regulatory framework
Experience with analytical studies and the application of computer techniques to solve power system problems (e.g. PSS/E or DSA Tools) is an asset
Knowledge of technical writing and delivery of presentations on technical topics
Work is frequently beyond the scope of past practice or precedent; requires the development and testing of new methods of approach, and alternative solutions, work techniques and standards
An ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders to achieve agreement or solve problems, and to develop and maintain relationships with local distribution companies, utilities inside and outside of Canada, Governments, government agencies, municipalities, and Indigenous Communities
What’s in it for you

A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry

Deadline: February 9, 2024

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

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Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Find out why we were selected as Greater Toronto’s Top 2024 Employers, and what we offer.

Required languages: English

Education level: University Degree

Required skills: Ontario Electricity Sector experience

Closest intersection: Adelaide and University Avenue