Distributed Generation (DG) Project Coordinator

About us

National Grid is hiring a Distributed Generation (DG) Project Coordinator, for our Customer Energy Integration department in our Northborough, MA office.  This is a hybrid role.

Job Purpose

Customer Energy Integration is looking for a customer-facing professional who will own and manage the relationship with complex distributed generation applicants and interconnected customers throughout the company’s E2E interconnection process.  Successful candidates will have strong technical and project management skills, enabling customer sponsored DG projects to be interconnected cost effectively, within state regulated timelines, while achieving high customer satisfaction. 

The professional will act as the customer’s primary point of contact guiding them through regulatory, legislative and technical obligations, obtaining and interpreting technical documentation, performing preliminary screenings/feasibility reviews as necessary, drafting contractual agreements, and coordinating complex DG projects with a multitude of internal and external stakeholders throughout the construction process.  As a DG subject matter expert, the candidate will also be expected to provide outreach and educate others on DG initiatives. This position may also get involved in the preliminary (Step 0) stages of large complex electric projects in assisting customers with evaluating the feasibility of such projects.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate with Engineering on responses and provide direction on complex interconnected customer issues and questions.
• Responsible for coordination with the National Grid Distribution Control Center around planned and unplanned outages and system issues.
• Oversee communication and reporting on the progress status of studies.
• Manage DG projects with customers, external vendors, contractors and consultants to ensure timely delivery of utility services and completion of the project.
• Maintain the work management systems and update procedures to support the design solutions that enhance Distributed Generation programs.
• Build and communicate schedules, maintain milestones, and perform DG process related tasks and necessary documentation.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with Distribution and Transmission Engineering, ISO-NE, CEI Account Development, Legal, Regulatory, and Jurisdictional teams in order to facilitate communications, integrate work, and ensure the successful delivery of the project.
• Challenge existing policies and procedures to continuously seek ways to enhance customer service and cost-effectiveness.
• Coordinate engineering and operations resources, internal and external, assigned to ensure timely delivery of DG projects per tariff requirements.
• Communicate project expectations and provide status updates to the interconnecting customer.
• Provide technical guidance, support and coaching to others, (both internally and externally) in order to share knowledge and increase understanding of Distributed Generation programs and services.
• Analyze and evaluate developments in Distributed Generation and Renewable Energy technologies in order to identify impact of different scenarios on the business and strategies for integrating cost efficiencies.
• Manage financial aspects of project requirements.
• Negotiate, develop and administer all aspects of interconnection related agreements.
• Represent National Grid as needed in various industry associations

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2+ years of professional work experience required.
• Degree desired in a project management, engineering field or equivalent experience preferred.   
• PE, DGCP and/or PMP certification desired.
• Demonstrated superior customer service and analytical skills.
• Experience with STORMS, Salesforce, and/or Primavera a plus.
• Having proven experience with problem solving across multiple facets of the project management process and stakeholders. Having the ability to articulate findings and anticipate challenges to better navigate next steps.
• Support and be part of a team environment.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, negotiations and communications. Let’s people affected by a decision know what’s happening and is able to clearly articulate reasons for a decision.
• Understands theory behind policies and processes and demonstrates the ability to challenge existing processes and ways of working e.g. taking action to avoid future crisis or create opportunities to improve existing practices.
• Excellent organizational, data management and computer skills.
• Good knowledge of DG system design practices and installation standards.
• A valid driver's license with a safe driving history that meets National Grid's Safe Driver policy is required.

Knowledge & Experience

• Familiarity with power system components, engineering concepts, project management and interconnections.
• Experience with renewable energies and utility industry a major plus.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Knowledge or willing to understand various regulatory policies and interconnection related standards.
• Able to read schematics, one-lines and recommend/oversee changes to documentation.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office software products.
• Experience with utility electric construction a plus. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to represent the company in meetings and seminars, present material as needed.