Interconnection Process Management:
· Lead and manage the complete interconnection queue process for transmission-level renewable energy projects (solar, wind, and battery storage) from initial site selection and feasibility through Commercial Operation Date (COD), ensuring compliance with all regulatory and technical requirements.
· Coordinate and submit interconnection applications, deposits, study agreements, and all required technical documentation to utilities, ISOs/RTOs including CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, MISO, SPP, NYISO, and ISO-NE within prescribed deadlines.
· Manage queue positions and track interconnection study milestones including Cluster Studies, System Impact Studies (SIS), Facilities Studies (FS), and Affected System Studies across multiple ISO/RTO markets simultaneously.
· Review, analyze, and challenge interconnection study results including load flow analysis, short circuit studies, stability analysis, and network upgrade requirements to optimize project economics and timelines.
· Negotiate and execute Interconnection Agreements (IAs), Generator Interconnection Agreements (GIAs), and Large Generator Interconnection Agreements (LGIAs), including cost allocation, construction schedules, and milestone payment terms.
· Manage interconnection financial commitments including study deposits, security postings, milestone payments, and network upgrade funding in accordance with FERC-approved tariff requirements.
Technical Coordination & Analysis:
· Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external consultants to develop technical specifications, electrical one-line diagrams, and three-line diagrams for interconnection applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with utility standards.
· Conduct comprehensive due diligence reviews and technical feasibility assessments for potential project sites, evaluating transmission capacity, congestion patterns, and available interconnection options.
· Evaluate and forecast network upgrade costs including reliability upgrades, delivery network upgrades, stand-alone network upgrades, and cost allocation methodologies under shared funding scenarios.
· Assess and recommend alternative Point of Interconnection (POI) options, voltage levels, and interconnection configurations to optimize project economics, construction schedules, and commercial viability.
· Support transmission planning activities including transmission service requests (TSRs), Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS) applications, and participation in regional transmission planning processes.
· Monitor, interpret, and implement changes to utilities, ISO/RTO interconnection procedures, FERC Order compliance (Order 2023, 2023-A), queue reform initiatives, and cluster study process modifications across all relevant markets.
Stakeholder Management & Communication:
· Serve as primary point of contact with transmission owners, transmission providers, utility interconnection departments, and ISO/RTO interconnection staff, building and maintaining productive long-term working relationships.
· Coordinate closely with US-based development, origination, engineering, legal, and finance teams requiring regular availability during overlapping business hours.
· Participate in ISO/RTO stakeholder meetings, interconnection working groups, and industry forums to stay current on policy developments and advocate for company positions on interconnection reform matters.
· Prepare and deliver regular status updates, risk assessments, and executive summaries to senior management on portfolio-level interconnection progress, upcoming milestones, and potential risks.
· Lead resolution of interconnection disputes, study delays, and billing discrepancies through direct engagement with utility staff, escalation procedures, and formal complaint processes when necessary.
· Manage and provide technical oversight to external consultants and engineering firms supporting interconnection studies, deliverable preparation, and utility coordination activities.
Portfolio Management, Data Analytics & Process Improvement:
· Maintain comprehensive interconnection tracking systems, databases, and project management tools for a portfolio of projects totaling multiple gigawatts across various development stages.
· Monitor queue positions, withdrawal risks, restudy impacts, and queue reform implementation effects across multiple utilities and ISO/RTO markets, proactively identifying opportunities and risks.
· Develop and maintain interconnection cost forecasts, timeline projections, and risk registers for financial modeling, budgeting, and project valuation purposes.
· Analyze interconnection study data from customer engagement meetings, scoping meetings, and draft study reports to support informed strategic decision-making and site optimization.
· Track regional transmission planning processes, proposed transmission projects, and policy changes that may impact interconnection feasibility or project economics.
· Develop and implement best practices, standard operating procedures, templates, and lessons learned documentation to improve efficiency and reduce execution risk across the interconnection portfolio.
· Create and maintain interconnection playbooks, process workflows, and training materials for internal teams to ensure consistent execution and knowledge transfer.