Grid Planner

This position supports the planning, directing and organizing the activities of this department to facilitate the expansion, optimization and development of the transmission and distribution systems in order to meet projected energy and load growth for electricity in Jamaica.

POSITION SUMMARY/OVERVIEW 

This position supports the planning, directing and organizing the activities of this department to facilitate the expansion, optimization and development of the transmission and distribution systems in order to meet projected energy and load growth for electricity in Jamaica.  The incumbent is also responsible for monitoring and planning for the safety, security, reliability and economics of the transmission and distribution network. 

EDUCATION/SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES 

1. Masters of Science degree in Electrical Engineering/equivalent (based on specialized postgraduate training and level of experience in field)
2. Training in Renewable Energy System and Modern Grid Management Systems.
3. Training in Power System Planning, Electrical Network Modelling Techniques and Calculations.
4. Training in Engineering Economics, Technical Research, Evaluation and Statistics.
5. Excellent interpersonal, time management, human relations, negotiation and communication skills.
6. Good leadership skills and well-developed analytical and organizational skills.
7. Registered Professional Engineer (PERB Jamaica)
8. Training in Risk and Project Management.
9. Knowledge of the relevant computer application software use and development, for example, DigSilent, PowerWorld, PLEXOS, Cape, HOMER, etc,. 

EXPERIENCE/LEARNED DISCIPLINES 

1. A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with electrical power systems performing medium to long term analyses and network studies of which at least three (2) years must have been at the senior level.
2. Expertise in the use of database management, power system planning and GIS software and tools etc.
3. Thorough understanding of the government's economic objectives, policies and programmes.
4. Expert knowledge of engineering economics, research methodologies, energy forecasting and statistics.
5. Rapid assessment of power system security and contingency planning 
6. Expert knowledge in System Reliability Engineering, Management, techniques and reporting standards 
7. Expert knowledge in Power System Load Flow and Transient/Dynamic Stability Analysis
8. Expert knowledge of equipment and principle involved in the operation of all components of the power system
9. Knowledge of Measurement Calibration, Metering Technology, Intelligent Electronic Device interface, AMI and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems
10. Expert knowledge of JPS system restoration policies and industry practices 
11. Excellent strategic and analytical thinking; good judgement and problem-solving skills.
12. Intimate knowledge of JPSCo's technical systems, operating policy and procedures and technical standards.
13. Expert knowledge of Operational Grid Codes, Electricity Act, All-Island Electricity License and the government’s Energy Policy
14. Sound Knowledge of Renewable Energy Systems, Energy Storage Systems, Sustainable Energy Strategies and Consequences.
15. Excellent in Business Case Evaluation, Project Development and Project Management.

MAJOR TASKS/DUTIES 

1. Evaluates corporate objectives and meets with Senior Management/Engineers to discuss and develop suitable strategies and policies that support the medium and long term network expansion programme.
2. Initiates and directs planning studies in the areas of Transmission Planning and Distribution System Development Plans
3. Performs annual review and update of the Medium-Term T&D Least Cost Expansion Plans in keeping with the Grid Code Cycle.
4. Liaise with critical government, statutory and other equivalent agencies to ensure that plans consider the current status of government policies, plans and economic assumptions.
5. Institutes and maintains adequate systems, controls and reporting procedures to accomplish the timely acceptable preparation of the system plans.
6. Oversees the development and analysis of efficient economic models to be used for forecasting purposes.
7. Develops and tests regional and spatial load forecasting models and operating economic indicators.
8. Coordinate the preparation and executive approval of capital budget for medium to long-term expansion of the transmission and distribution network.
9. Continually researches and integrates new engineering methods and strategies to enhance the expansion and operation of the utility.
10. Supervises and engages in Special Projects geared at ensuring the efficient operation of the utility in areas of the system that are not directly attributable to transmission and distribution.
11. Initiate the development and participate in the implementation of large transmission and distribution projects critical to the reliability and security of the network.
12. Provide support to energy sector stakeholders and analyze their reports and recommendations in regards to grid planning, integrated resource planning and renewable integration.
13. Make recommendations and presentations at the corporate level based on analyses carried out on the grid.
14. Lead technical discussions on complex system issues, make recommendations to senior management / system operators as required, and guide policy development.
15. Support major outage and event reviews with team and conduct monthly meetings. Lessons learned from the event is to be used in the forward planning and configuration management of the grid.
16. Be the change leader for operational excellence across the company, actively participating in meetings, stakeholder groups to impart system knowledge
17. Assist with System Restoration as required by EOC Manager and respond to major system disturbances and emergency operations.
18. Ensures there is full compliance with the Electric Act, Operating Grid Codes and the Electric License.