Distribution Planning Engineer

OVERVIEW:

Under the general direction of the Head – Network Planning Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for Performing general technical functions associated with the position of Distribution Planning Engineer while, complying with the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, GPL’s Performance Management System (PMS), and other policies and management systems of the Company.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

• Assist the Head of Unit to conduct research to support GPL’s corporate aim of SUCCESS, LCDS-2030 and other National Energy Priorities.
• Assist with updating GPL’s Annual Development and Expansion Programme.
• Conduct load flow, fault level, reliability, resiliency and contingency analysis using industry standard planning tools.
• Identify network constraints and propose optimal solutions (e.g., new feeders, substations, reconfigurations).
• Develop and maintain distribution master plans and asset development strategies.
• Analyse historical and projected load data to support demand forecasting.
• Integrate GIS, SCADA, and AMI data into planning models.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date network databases.
• Perform technical and economic evaluations of proposed projects.
• Collaborate with operations, asset management, and capital projects teams.
• Liaise with government agencies, developers, and consultants on planning matters.
• Participate in cross-functional planning committees and working groups.
• Investigate emerging technologies (e.g., DERs, SMART grid, microgrids, energy storage) and their impact on network planning.
• Contribute to pilot projects and research initiatives within the department.
• Review and validate third-party designs and proposals.
• Conduct field works relative to identifying plots for Substations and Rights-of-Way (ROW) for Distribution Lines, with the assistance of key Government Stakeholders and the relevant GPL Departments.
• Lead or participate in Site Visits.
• Assist with providing technical inputs to EPC and IPP RFPs.
• Orient, mentor, coach, and train direct reports in an effort to aid the development of the requisite job skills.
• Ensure Direct Reports’ compliance with Company Rules and Regulations and initiate disciplinary actions in keeping with Company’s Rules of Conduct.
• Enforce strict compliance with the requirements of the safety and health legislation, regulations and contractual obligations.
• Perform other duties that are pertinent to the objectives of the Department’s Action Plan, and by extension, the Divisional Business Plan, to support the Company’s Corporate Strategic Plan, as assigned by or through the Head of Unit, Manager, or the Divisional Director – Engineering Services.

COMPETENCY PROFILE:

• Use of Microsoft Suite
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Flexible and possess the ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Familiarity with GPL Demand Forecast
• Familiarity with electric distribution systems
• Familiarity with electric transmission systems
• Familiarity with electric generation systems- Renewable and conventional
• Familiarity with electric substation systems
• Be conversant with Safety Act and GPL Safety Handbook
• Be conversant with International Standards such as IEEE, ANSI, ESRA, Safety Codes, GPL Grid Code.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability to analyse engineering drawing, designs and using the associated software.
• Knowledge of circuit analysis with the appropriate software- PSS Sinical, PSSE & Etap.
• Conversant with ISO Quality Management System
• Conversant with GPL Performance Management System (PMS)
• Be conversant with the FACTORIES ACT CHAPTER 95:02, OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT CHAPTER N0 32 OF 1997, ELECTRICITY SECTOR REFORM ACT CHAPTER 57:01 OF 1999, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT NO 11 0F 1996 of the laws of Guyana, and the Guyana Power & Light License which include the STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ELECTRIC SERVICES of October 2010.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or its equivalent from an accredited institution with at least three (2) years of utility experience relative to the Key Responsible Areas.

OR

• Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or its equivalent from an accredited institution with at least one (1) year utility experience relative to the Key Responsible Areas.