Lead or Sr. Energy Economist - Resource Adequacy (Remote Eligible)

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

• Lead Energy Economist - Pay Range: $128,950 - $167,640
• Sr. Energy Economist - Pay Range: $112,240 - $145,810

OVERVIEW:

The position of Energy Economist will develop data requirements, perform verifications and validations, as well as perform forecasting analysis to understand and predict load forecast risks.  This need is being driven by substantial load growth from electrification with electric vehicles, data centers, artificial intelligence, and other new sources of demand and from extreme weather events are stressing our grid more than ever as consumers continue to set records for electricity use. Load forecast uncertainty is growing, as is the differences in year-over-year forecasts and the differences between load forecasts in different SPP process (i.e. resource adequacy and transmission planning).

The Energy Economist will collaborate across internal SPP departments and with stakeholders to develop, evaluate, and refine load forecasting principles and rules within the SPP region. They will perform analysis to assess the effectiveness of current processes and identify opportunities for enhancements to improve efficiency, reliability, and transparency.

After years of depending on our Load Responsible Entities to develop load forecasts, this age of new demand types has made it clear that SPP Staff needs to have insight into the load forecasts that are being developed and provided to SPP for use in our study processes.  This would include understanding the risk of load forecast variations, error, and understanding the accuracy of the forecasts that have been provided. SPP study processes that depend on accurate load forecasts include the Loss of Load Expectation Study, Effective Load Carrying Capability Studies, Transmission Service Studies, and the Integrated Transmission Planning process.  These processes all lead to the direct investment of billions of dollars from SPP’s members in either the construction of generating resources or transmission assets. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Gather and compile data on potential customer loads, weather patterns, economic indicators, and other relevant factors. 
• Analyze historical load data to identify trends, seasonality, and other patterns. 
• Use statistical models to forecast future electricity consumption. 
• Conduct research to understand customer behavior and its impact on load patterns. 
• Analyze the effects of energy efficiency programs and other initiatives on load. 
• Ensure that member submitted forecast align with the acceptance criteria

   

Forecasting and Modeling:

• Develop and maintain forecasting models to predict future electricity demand.
• Use various forecasting techniques, including time series analysis, regression analysis, and machine learning.
• Refine and update forecasting models as new data becomes available.
• Determine risks and ranges of load variation from forecast
• Develop new approaches to load forecasting and analysis.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare reports on load forecasts, including summaries, graphs, and tables.
• Present load forecasts to stakeholders, including management, regulatory agencies, and other interested parties.
• Communicate forecast uncertainties and potential risks.
• Provide technical expertise to SPP committees and working groups.
• Support Working Groups as necessary.
• Support FERC filings through providing data, and assist in drafting testimony and filing letters.
• Research and analyze the design of other RTO/ISO markets.
• Document analysis and studies in written reports.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and responsibilities. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences, or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, economics, statistics, applied analytics, or related field

Experience Requirements:

• Lead Energy Economist - Ten (10) + years of experience
• Sr. Energy Economist - Five (5) years of experience
• Experience with long-term and short-term load forecasting, statistical modeling, regulatory filings, and Integrated Resource Planning

Required:

• Understanding of energy market theory with particular emphasis in electricity markets
• Proficient at organizing and conducting technical and analytical studies
• Proficient at problem solving, attention to detail, strategic thinking, innovation
• Ability to support diverse team members and manage parts of complex analysis projects
• Strong interpersonal, team-building, and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Flexibility and aptitude to function with constantly changing conditions and priorities

Preferred:

• Masters Degree/Ph.D. in economics
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: econometrics, statistical analysis, industrial organization, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, or energy trading
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis of large data sets
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or PowerBI
• Experience in utility load forecasting in regulated environments

Southwest Power Pool is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, Southwest Power Pool makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process.

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool .