Platte River is seeking a Senior Resource Planner or Energy Market Analyst with electric utility industry background and experience with long and short term planning, modeling and energy market analysis. The individual in this role is responsible for supporting integrated resource plans, conducting market studies, supporting budget preparation, transaction evaluation and providing other technoeconomic analytical support to Platte River's operational planning and resource planning efforts.

This cross-functional position works with staff within resource planning and power markets departments on a variety of long and short term projects. Our ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative, is adaptable and a good multi-tasker who works well within a team or independently.      

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Models the mission, vision, values, and culture of the organization
• Utilizes advanced simulation platforms such as Plexos, Aurora, EnCompass and PROMOD to develop optimal resource portfolios
• Provides simulation results for budgeting, operational optimization and transaction evaluation
• Utilizes advanced statistical simulation, Monte Carlo simulation, simple and stochastic optimization to enrich the quality of analytical work
• Supports renewables and storage integration to supply power with a deeply decarbonized, least cost and reliable portfolio
• Analyzes DERs and supply-side resource alternatives
• Supports competitive bid evaluation for power procurement and other purchase/sale transactions
• Incorporates a broad range of future uncertainties in fuel prices, electric market prices, CO2 requirements, costs of renewable and storage technologies, system reliability requirements, State and Federal policies
• Provides analytical support for better integration into an energy market using historical market data to assess market patterns and trends
• Collects and verifies data from internal and external sources; organizes data for ease of use in the modeling and future updates
• Keeps modeling tools and assumptions accurate and current including fuel costs, production capability (heat rates, capacity, starting and variable operating cost, scheduling flexibility, renewable profiles), contract terms and other factors
• Develops presentation materials from modeling and other analyses to support communications with senior management, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders
• This role is classified as a marketing function employee under FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) Standards of Conduct; the employee will need to become familiar with, and follow FERC Standards of Conduct

Other duties

• Interfaces and works with different organizations
• Research, tracks, and evaluates new and innovative technologies to enhance electric service to the Municipalities and their customers
• Performs other duties as assigned

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Extensive analytical skills including statistical and optimization modeling
• Excellent computer skills with the ability to learn new software applications quickly, and analyze large amounts of data
• High attention to detail with the ability to produce accurate results
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to work independently and as part of cross functional teams
• Ability to think strategically for innovative ways to incorporate various possible solutions
• Ability to manage shifting priorities
• Excellent facilitation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of electric generating unit’s operation and performance characteristics
• Knowledge of at least one programming language
• Excellent team skills and demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals to establish strong, cooperative working relationships
• Strong customer service focus

Qualifications
Education and licenses

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Statistics, Operation Research, Economics, Mathematics, Business, or related field

Required work experience

• Three years of electric utility resource planning or market operations with emphasis on modeling and analysis
• Minimum one year of experience running planning tools like, Plexos, Aurora, Promod, Encompass, or Market Operation support

Preferred education, work experience

• Master's degree in Engineering, Finance, Statistics, Operation Research, Economics, Mathematics, Business, or related field
• Electric utility experience in functioning electric markets (e.g., MISO, SPP, ERCOT)
• Project management experience
• Programming experience in any language

Physical demands

• Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.

Hazards

• Minimal exposure to hazards are typically found in general office environment where there is rarely to no exposure to injury or accident

Work environment

• Exposure to routine office noise and equipment

About Platte River Power Authority

Platte River Power Authority is a not-for-profit utility that generates and delivers safe, reliable, environmentally responsible and financially sustainable energy and services to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland. Platte River's generation portfolio includes thermal, hydro, wind and solar resources.

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