Job Description
At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all. PGE is currently hiring a Staff Interconnection Specialist. This role manages the FERC-mandated interconnection process for large generators connecting to the distribution system. The position is highly process-driven and compliance-focused, with strict regulatory timelines and significant financial exposure if requirements are not met. The individual serves as the central coordination point between external developers, internal engineering teams, third-party contractors, and regulatory requirements. The role requires strong project coordination, technical comprehension, customer communication, and process management capabilities. Key Responsibilities Manage Programs and/or Projects Manages the interconnection process for large generators and qualifying facilities; manages and executes PGE’s role as provider during development, construction, commissioning and operation phases of large generation projects; leads the study process for generation interconnection, large load interconnection, and transmission service; provides training and guidance to less experienced colleagues as needed. Participates in or may lead the commissioning and testing of interconnections of generation systems at customer and privately developed sites. Leads interconnection study process and report development and holds stakeholder meetings to review study results. Participates, or represents PGE, in various regulatory hearings/matters and industry trade shows/conventions; contributes to PGE’s participation in the regulatory process with FERC and OPUC matters related to generation interconnection processes and OATT updates. Monitors regulatory changes and makes appropriate programmatic adjustments; maintains awareness of generation and transmission market trends to contribute to team goals and objectives. Planning, Scheduling and Costing Coordinates with applicants to develop project scope, requirements, schedule and deliverables for complex interconnection projects; identifies PGE equipment for generator interconnection with grid; reports to management and/or senior staff and others on project status and milestones; may provide guidance to less experience colleagues in planning, scheduling and costing projects. Customer Support Participates in customer complaint and dispute resolution; completes or participates in formal and informal FERC complaint investigations. Serves as interconnection single point of contact for PGE-owned large generation projects; works with customers to achieve compliance with State and Federal interconnection rules. Tracking and Reporting Prepares reports as requested by other PGE departments and as required by regulatory entities. Inputs data into PGE’s interconnection database. Education/Experience/Certifications Education Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business or other related field or equivalent experience. Experience Typically, five or more years of utility experience in a technical field such as, interconnection, FERC compliance, metering, facility operations or other energy related field, or a degree and two years of experience in a technical field. Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities) Functional Competencies Advanced knowledge of program/project management principles and methods. Intermediate knowledge of utility operations and business, including regulatory requirements, business principles, electricity fundamentals, pricing and power cost fundamentals. Advanced knowledge of renewable energy opportunities, technologies and applications and programs. Intermediate knowledge of PGE business contracts policy and PGE tariffs related to interconnection, small power production, Qualifying Facilities, and large generator interconnection. Intermediate knowledge of FERC and OPUC regulations related to interconnection processes, transmission service requests and transmission planning. Advanced knowledge of PGE Safety procedures, including PPE requirements for construction sites and electrical rooms. Working knowledge of marketing and sales processes. Intermediate skills in using MS Office Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint. Working ability to understand practi