Junior Interconnection and Policy Analyst

Job Description

Solar Provider Group (SPG) is one of the world’s leading solar PV development companies. We specialize in the development, engineering, financing, operation and maintenance of commercial and utility-scale solar installations.

SPG Vision: Being part of the global energy solution by becoming the world’s preeminent renewable energy company.

SPG is located at 1050 King Street West in Toronto. Currently, we work 2 days on site, 3 days from home. This arrangement is subject to change based on company needs with appropriate notice. Occasional travel to the US may be required.

Who are we looking for?

Reporting to Senior Project Manager, the Junior Interconnection and Policy Analyst is responsible for building relationships with utility representatives and coordinating all applications, communications and transactions with utilities. Additionally, this role conducts policy analysis and market research in support of land acquisition team.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare, submit and coordinate interconnection pre-applications and applications to electric utilities for solar DG and utility-scale projects in the US and Canada
• Assess the interconnection potential of prospective sites and communicate with land acquisition team
• Develop a GIS model (using ArcGIS Pro and other online tools) visualizing the location and timing of interconnection screening applications
• Maintain current interconnection queue trackers
• Maintain current records of interconnection applications, studies, agreements, payments and communications in the appropriate project folders
• Maintain dashboards for key information of all interconnection applications
• Develop interconnection queue tracking tool to monitor periodic changes at substation nodes
• Review and manage interconnection contracts and provide information to de-risk projects
• Ensure compliance with utility interconnection standards
• Promptly submitting interconnection applications to secure favorable queue positions
• Facilitating payments to utilities
• Serve as the primary point of contact between SPG and utilities and independent systems operators, also known as "ISOs" (e.g. PJM, MISO, NEISO, ERCOT, IESO and others) for all projects and promptly responding to utility and ISO communications
• Regularly obtain application status updates, resolve issues, and escalate delays internally and externally when needed

Policy Analysis

• Research various state solar programs, including enabling legislation, political risks, bill credits, environmental attribute credits (RECs), renewable portfolio standards, utility integrated plans, etc.
• Prepare market analyses using an established template and present findings to manager
• Research solar ordinances and compile a database of requirements and zoning restrictions in various counties
• Monitor and summarize relevant legislative or regulatory changes impacting permitting or planning in target states

Prospect Generation

• Utilize various GIS tools to generate a high volume of suitable prospects for land acquisition campaigns
• Prepare targeted prospect lists based on positive pre-screening reports
• Perform a monthly search for all prospects which satisfy state-specific opportunity criteria
• Prepare prospects lists for utilization by Land Acquisition Specialists

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in engineering, analysis or related filed
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical, power systems or related field
• Experience performing market research
• Understanding of the basic facts of electrical/power system engineering
• Ability to read and interpret utility requirements and technical documents
• Knowledge or experience with publicly owned utilities, investor-owned utilities, independent system operators, regional transmission operators, load serving entities, local distribution companies, public utility commissions, and regulatory bodies in the U.S. is an asset

SPG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognize that bringing together individuals from multiple backgrounds, perspectives and experiences is integral to increasing the impact of our organization. Our team strives to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Ensuring that every person feels valued and welcome, regardless of age, education, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, parental status/responsibility, immigration status, Indigenous status, religion, disability, language, race, place of origin, ethnicity, culture, socio-economic status, and other attributes is vital to achieving our mission. We strongly encourage applications from members of our society who face systemic barriers and biases, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, members of visible minority/racialized communities, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, members of marginalized gender identity communities, and persons with disabilities.

ACCESSIBILITY FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES - SPG is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code. To request a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] and include the term "Accessibility" in the Subject Line Please provide your name, preferred contact method, and a detailed description of the nature of any accommodation that you may require. Please include any materials or processes that may be used to ensure your equal participation.