Dispatch System Engineer

Dispatch System Engineer

Summary

The Dispatch System Engineer performs load flow and dynamic stability studies to support power system operation utilizing dynamic stability software. Using knowledge of the power system, this engineer gathers needed information from the SCADA system, protective relays, high speed fault recorders, and other utilities to build and maintain the power system model and perform these studies.

Essential Functions

• Conduct analysis of transmission system events, track system performance and benchmark the dynamic stability model.

• Utilize PSSE, Python, and PowerWorld programs to conduct system load flow and dynamic studies related to system operations to meet Railbelt Reliability Standards.

• Perform load flow analysis of proposed system switching for evaluation of potential problems in system loading and voltage support.

• Develop test scenarios for real-time equipment testing and modeling within the reliability and operating constraints of the power system.

• Utilize Tesla software, and Synchrophasor software to analyze system disturbances.

• Manage power system PSSE/ PowerWorld models accurately reflect the Railbelt by benchmarking and model validation.

• Coordinate with SCADA department & Relay Department to maintain consistency between state estimator, stability, & short circuit system models.

• Direct and administer engineering services contracts relating to various power system studies.

• Evaluate the costs and benefits of both existing and proposed economic transactions between Chugach and other power producing entities.

• Utilize PCI-GenTrader to ensure optimum scheduling of system resources.

• Review actual operating data and compares with projected values to evaluate the accuracy of projections.

• Monitor hydro reservoir levels and schedule for usage.

• Perform economic analysis of complex power purchase and sales agreements. Implement methods for tracking and comparing expected costs and benefits with actual costs and benefits.

• Assist and participate in development and implementation of company five-year work plan, long-range plan, and business plan.

• Assist in the development and review of corporation long range plans, power sales purchase agreements, and gas purchase agreements.

• Coordinate with Director of System Control relating to improvements in system reliability for inclusion in the Association's Long-Range Plan and Five Year Work Plan.

• Provide engineering support to System Control department.

Relationships

Internal

• VP, G&T System Control: Reports to; seeks advice and receives direction from; prepares progress reports for; exchanges information.

• Supervisor, System Operations: Coordinates and consults with; provides technical assistance to and receives technical assistance from.

• Power Dispatchers: Coordinates and consults with; provides technical assistance to and receives technical assistance from.

• Manager, Relay & System Protection: Coordinates and consults with; provides technical assistance to and receives technical assistance from.

• System Protection Engineer: Regularly works with to analyze system disturbances.

• Planning Engineers: Work with to develop and implement Long Range and Construction Work Plan projects.

External

• Bargaining Unit Representatives

• Members of various Railbelt utility committees: Serves on as requested and assists as directed in the analysis of various interconnected system issues.

• Other Railbelt Utilities: Coordination of data exchange for system and event analysis.

• Vendors: Works with vendors in the maintenance and upgrading of various system modeling tools.

• Engineering consulting firms: Directs and administers contracts; consults with relative to various Association projects; consults with relative to various projects outside Chugach.

Competencies

• Must have a working knowledge of the operation, construction, and protection of utility systems.

• Must have a thorough understanding of Chugach transmission system, and power system modeling.

• Must have experience with PSS/E or PowerWorld power flow and dynamic stability programs.

• Must have the skills to analyze system problems from an electrical, economic and reliability viewpoint, and recommend action, frequently under real time constraints and in stressful situations.

• Must have the ability to work with both bargaining unit and non-bargaining unit department personnel to implement and evaluate system operations and recommend improvements.

• Must be willing and able to innovate new and improved methods of system operation; provide economic analysis and justification of such methods and recommend method for implementation.

• Communicate both orally and in writing, extremely technical information to essentially non-technical individuals in clear and concise terms.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not have any supervisory responsibility.

Work Environment

Most work is performed in an office/ Power Control Center environment. Occasional travel is required. Frequent field assignments may be required.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; required. Must have taken the Engineer In Training (EIT) exam, and be willing to pursue professional engineer registration.

Experience

6 months work experience (any field), required. 6 months experience modeling and performing load flow and dynamic stability analysis; preferred. Additional specialized training in: Power system modeling, load flow and dynamic stability analysis; preferred. Internship with Chugach Electric preferred. Experience working in a union environment, preferred.

Chugach Electric Association is a member-owned cooperative, headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Anchorage itself sits at the base of the Chugach Mountains. Chugach is pleased to provide reliable, affordable power to more than 92,000 members from Anchorage to the northern Kenai Peninsula, and from Whittier on Prince William Sound to Tyonek on the west side of Cook Inlet. We service over 113,000 locations with 3,782 miles of transmission and distribution lines. We have many services that make it easy to power homes and businesses with Chugach.

A little more about us: Chugach has been around for a long time, recently celebrating 75 years! We are a stable company, in a stable industry. And while we may have stability, we are modern, sustainable and forward-thinking to ensure that we provide reliable services for generations to come. We also pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. We have several 20, 30 and 40 + year tenured employees who continue foster an inclusive, innovative corporate environment. Find your spark!

Chugach's corporate vision:

Responsibly developing energy to build a clean, sustainable future for Alaska.

Chugach's corporate mission:

We provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity through superior service and sustainable practices, powering the lives of our members.

Chugach's corporate values:

Guided by our values of safety, accountability, and sustainability, we are committed to serving our members, the community, and the Chugach team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

It is a policy of Chugach Electric Association, Inc., to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, veteran's status, age, or any other classification protected by applicable, federal, state, or local law.

Chugach is also an affirmative action employer.

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