Transmission System Operator

About the Role

CenterPoint Energy is seeking a Transmission System Operator to operate CNP – Indiana’s electric transmission system in compliance with all applicable corporate policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (FERC, NERC, RFC, DOE). The Transmission System Operator has the authority to take or direct real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System, including shedding firm load without higher-level approval. This role complies with Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) operating protocols and is responsible for real-time reliability coordination.

Responsibilities

• Respond to and direct responses to transmission/substation system status changes, including alarms, remote terminal units, transmission operations or lockouts, transmission facility overloads, and substation devices.
• Coordinate with the MISO Reliability Coordinator on transmission outages, overloads, congestion issues, remedial actions, and transmission security.
• Determine and implement corrective action plans.
• Direct and coordinate field switching and clearance activity (via radio, telephone, or supervisory control) to ensure personnel and equipment safety.
• Analyze Energy Management System (EMS) data to verify accuracy and monitor power system changes.
• Monitor and control voltage as prescribed by the System Voltage Profile, making appropriate changes using static and dynamic voltage sources.
• Communicate professionally with internal and external entities, providing excellent customer support.
• Be available for duty during system events requiring additional Control Center resources.
• Initiate emergency responses and notifications based on system conditions and events.
• Implement contingency plans for Control Center loss.
• Observe all safety rules and procedures.
• Coordinate emergency activities between CenterPoint Energy and MISO, including Capacity Emergency and Transmission Emergency procedures.
• Maintain chronological logs of all pertinent system activities.
• Conduct power flow studies for expected or contingency conditions and develop operating plans to mitigate issues in coordination with MISO and affected entities.
• Coordinate and supervise restoration activities during total or partial system blackouts.
• Coordinate activities and notifications for security threats to operational or electrical facilities.
• Analyze major transmission or generation system disturbances, determine remedial actions, set priorities, and implement corrective measures in coordination with MISO.
• Coordinate actions following telecommunication outages and take corrective steps to minimize impact.
• Take direct action in response to unplanned facility outages and coordinate their return to service while maintaining system security and responder safety.
• Execute voltage reduction or load shedding when appropriate.
• Exercise authority to take or direct timely action, including shedding firm system load, to prevent or alleviate Operating Limits Violations without higher-level approval.
• Maintain surveillance of weather activities and operate the transmission system conservatively as needed.
• Validate and coordinate hourly tie-line metering values with neighboring entities and the Interchange Analyst, ensuring reasonable hourly system load values.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of relevant work experience preferred.
• If not already NERC Certified at the RC level, must have the ability to obtain and maintain NERC Certification at a Reliability Coordinator level.
• Ability to apply knowledge of power flows, voltage control, generation control, system operations, and EMS tools in daily operations.
• Ability to make complex operational decisions with minimal input about system conditions.
• Ability to remain calm in emergencies and provide clear instructions to others.
• Proficiency in the mathematics required to support decision-making.
• Ability to rely on and act on personal assessment of system conditions.
• Ability to collaborate with others during normal and emergency operations to achieve optimal outcomes for CenterPoint Energy.
• Ability to influence others toward action on a particular point of view.
• Demonstrated commitment to the company’s core values: integrity, accountability, initiative, and respect.

Qualifications

Preferred: Bachelor's degree in a technical field of study or relevant job-related experience for non-degree candidates.

Working Conditions

• Able to work in a fast-paced environment with high daily pressure to meet deadlines.
• Able to provide on-call support 24 hours a day on occasion.
• Able to work indoors in an office environment and outdoors as needed.
• Able to respond to emergency calls and/or callouts and return to work while off duty.
• Able to work a varied schedule to meet project deadlines and respond to changing demands.
• Able to travel for training, facility visits, regulatory hearings, industry conferences, or other meetings, including overnight stays as required.
• Able to support the Emergency Operating Plan, remain in the service area during emergency events, and assume assigned responsibilities to support restoration efforts.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Paid training.
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day.
• Transit subsidies.
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays, and paid time off.
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at headquarters in Houston.
• Professional growth and development programs, including tuition reimbursement.
• 401(k) Savings Plan with a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution.