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Senior Advisor, Distribution Grid Policy - Albany, NY or New York City, NY

 

New York is leading the nation in the fight on global climate change and the transition to a clean energy-powered economy. With the passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) Link opens in new window - close new window to return to this page., New York has codified the most aggressive climate change program in the nation with goals to reach zero carbon emissions in the electricity sector by 2040; install 9 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2035, 10 gigawatts of solar by 2030, and 6 gigawatts of energy storage by 2030. With the recent approval of the Climate Action Council’s final Scoping Plan, we have a strong framework to achieve an 85% reduction in GHG emissions from 1990 levels by 2050, and eventually net zero emissions economy-wide.

  • Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York’s clean energy economy
  • Overcome barriers to using clean energy at a large-scale in New York
  • Enable New York’s communities and residents to benefit equitably from energy efficiency and renewable energy

Job Overview

The Distributed Energy Resources team at NYSERDA covering solar and energy storage is seeking a distribution grid and DER interconnection subject matter expert to join the team as Senior Advisor, Distribution Grid Policy. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing policies that accelerate distributed solar and storage deployment across New York and will be equal parts strategic planning, policy analysis and creation, influencing stakeholders, managing contractors, and communicating results. This role will provide direct technical guidance and advisement to internal NYSERDA teams, develop analysis and content for review by internal and external stakeholders, and engage with and manage external contractors as needed.

To be successful in this role, a candidate must have strong technical knowledge of electric distribution systems, technical and 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.

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 NYSERDA
  • Tracking and contributing to the work done by the utilities in the Comprehensive Grid Planning Process (CGPP)

Primary Responsibilities

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge and data on technical and policy issues on the distribution network related to the interconnection and operation of solar and energy storage projects on the grid.
  • Impart a deep and broad base of knowledge regarding electric distribution systems, DER interconnection and rate structures to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Advance methods and processes that improve timing, reduce cost, and increase efficiency of DER interconnection and deployment.
  • Serve as DER Lead and advocate in the Coordinated Grid Planning Process Proposal (CGPP)
  • Engage with stakeholders at New York’s Interconnection Policy Working Group (IPWG) and Interconnection Technical Working Group (ITWG).
  • Establish and maintain positive collaborative working relationships across NYSERDA and its NY Green Bank, and with key regulators and stakeholders including the Department of Public Service and electric utilities.
  • Support NYSERDA-wide efforts to operate as an inclusive community, working concertedly to deliver on ambitious climate goals.
  • Support 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.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree with at least five years of relevant experience
  • Knowledge of rate structures, distribution interconnection rules and regulations, and current developments related to DER interconnection and deployment
  • Ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Must be a self-starter and function well independently and in teams
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public-speaking and presentation skills.

Preferences

  • Master’s degree in energy policy, electric engineering, or related fields
  • Knowledge of rules, regulations and constraints pertaining to distributed solar and storage development in New York
  • Knowledge of energy markets and systems, renewable energy technology, distributed energy resources and associated infrastructure
  • Knowledge of distributed energy markets and tariffs, particularly in New York
  • Experienced in energy project analysis, modeling, regulation, utility operations or independent system operator functions
  • Experienced in stakeholder outreach, engagement, and coalition building
  • Experience and/or familiarity with a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies

Salary

Candidates will be considered based on qualifications and experience. Salary range is $129,566-$163,695. An excellent benefits package is offered.

Please submit one file for the Senior Advisor position, job# 793, that includes both your cover letter and resume.

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