Senior Energy Advisor

Position: Senior Energy AdvisorLocation: REMOTE (Eastern Hours)Duration: 4 Years contract with possible extension

Pay Rate: $80/hr - $90/hr (depending on experience)

Important:Start Date: June 03, 2024Travel: 5% (approx once bimonthly to Albany for stakeholder/DPS meetings); Travel expenses are not paid.Candidate must have computer, cell phone, and reliable high-speed internet available while remote.

Job Description:Initiative: 1.5 GW by 2025 Storage Target (2018 Storage Roadmap Programs), 3 GW by 2030 Storage CLCPA Target, 10 GW Distributed Solar Target (10 GW Distributed Solar Roadmap).Contribute to the State's strategic decision making relating to DER interconnection policy, distribution system planning, and investment by providing input regarding the strategic impact, costs, stakeholder needs, policy alignment, and potential market impacts of such decisions.Serve as Client’s DER Team Lead at stakeholder forums including the Coordinated Grid Planning Process Proposal (CGPP) Energy Policy Planning Advisory Council (EPPAC), the Interconnection Policy Working Group (IPWG) and Interconnection Technical Working Group (ITWG).Impart a deep and broad base of knowledge regarding electric distribution systems, DER interconnection policy and rate structures to internal and external stakeholders, including Client’s leadership and other New York State agencies.Establish and maintain positive collaborative working relationships across Client and its NY Green Bank, and with key regulators and stakeholders including the Department of Public Service and electric utilities.Maintain up-to-date knowledge and data on technical and non-technical policy issues on the distribution network related to the interconnection and operation of solar and energy storage projects on the grid.Advance methods and processes that improve timing, reduce cost, and increase efficiency of DER interconnection and deployment.Manage development, scoping, contracting, and oversight of various research projects that inform the State’s decision-making regarding distribution grid policy, DER interconnection, and distributed renewable energy deployment.To be successful in this role, a candidate must have strong technical knowledge of electric distribution systems, technical and non-technical policy matters relating to DER interconnection, and distributed solar and storage markets, while also possessing excellent interpersonal, project management, writing, and presentation skills.The candidate must be able to formulate technically robust and thoughtful policy solutions for addressing distribution grid-related barriers to distributed solar and storage deployment, as well strategically engage with stakeholders (NYS agencies, electric utilities, solar/storage industry) towards implementing those solutions.Specifically, the role will cover: Distribution grid planning and investments; Distribution hosting capacity and headroom; Distributed generation interconnection studies and regulatory policy; Rate design and tariff structures.Serve as DER liaison with the Smart Grid and Transmission teams at ClientTracking and contributing to the work done by the utilities in the Comprehensive Grid Planning Process (CGPP).

Job Requirement:Master's degree in electrical engineering or energy policyAt least seven years of relevant experience directly related to DER interconnection and/or distribution system planning.Deep and broad knowledge of distribution rate structures, DER interconnection rules and regulations, distribution system planning and investment policy, and current developments related to DER interconnection and deployment.Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work individually and as a team member, maintain project timelines and budgets, and deliver on commitments.Experience with stakeholder engagement, particularly with DER stakeholders (regulators, electric utilities, DER industry representatives)Highest level of communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives, and make recommendations.

Preferred QualificationsPhD in energy policy, electric engineering, or related fields, with at least seven years relevant experience.Deep knowledge of rules, regulations and constraints pertaining to distributed solar and storage interconnection in New York.Deep knowledge of distributed energy markets, systems and tariffs, distributed solar and storage technology and distribution system infrastructure.Experience working with key DER stakeholders and familiarity with stakeholder forums advancing DER interconnection and distribution system planning for New York.Experienced in energy project analysis, modeling, regulation, utility operations or independent system operator functions.Experienced in stakeholder outreach, engagement and coalition building.