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The Director, Interconnection is responsible for overseeing the interconnection process for both greenfield solar and BESS projects and projects acquired through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across North America. This role manages the entire interconnection lifecycle, from initial applications to final execution, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and efficient project delivery. The ideal candidate will have experience in energy infrastructure, in-depth knowledge of grid interconnection processes, and a strong track record in both greenfield development and M&A-driven project integration.
Key Responsibilities
Greenfield Project Responsibilities:
- Interconnection Process Management: Lead the interconnection strategy and execution for greenfield BESS projects, including the submission of applications, coordination with utilities, and compliance with technical standards.
- Utility Engagement: Develop new relationships with utilities and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) to facilitate interconnection for greenfield projects. Manage ongoing negotiations and ensure timely progress.
- Technical Assessments: Collaborate with internal engineering teams to assess grid capacity, transmission constraints, and potential risks in the early stages of project planning.
- Regulatory and Permitting: Ensure greenfield projects comply with all regulatory requirements for interconnection, including state and federal permitting. Monitor policy changes that could affect project timelines or costs.
M&A Project Responsibilities:
- Due Diligence: Evaluate the interconnection status of potential acquisition targets, including reviewing existing interconnection agreements, utility relationships, and regulatory compliance. Provide critical insights into the feasibility and risks associated with acquired projects.
- Integration of Acquired Projects: Lead the transition of acquired projects into the company’s portfolio, ensuring a smooth continuation of the interconnection process. Address any gaps in compliance or documentation and resolve any ongoing interconnection challenges.
- Stakeholder Communication: Act as the liaison between the company and utility counterparts for acquired projects, ensuring seamless communication and coordination on interconnection-related matters.
- Optimization: Identify opportunities to optimize or improve interconnection positions for acquired projects, including potential upgrades or renegotiation of terms where necessary.
Shared Responsibilities Across Greenfield and M&A:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all projects—greenfield or acquired—meet regulatory requirements at the local, state, and federal levels. Stay updated on evolving grid standards and interconnection policies.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify risks that could impact interconnection timelines, costs, or compliance. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to avoid delays or financial losses.
- Project Coordination: Collaborate with internal project developers, external engineering teams, and construction managers to align on timelines, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements for both types of projects.
- Reporting and Data Management: Track and report on key performance metrics for greenfield and acquired projects, including interconnection approval timelines, costs, and utility compliance. Share insights with senior leadership to guide future strategy.
Required Qualifications
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Energy Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-8 years of experience in managing interconnection processes, with a focus on both greenfield projects and M&A integration. Experience in renewable energy or energy storage is strongly preferred.
- Technical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of grid interconnection requirements, utility tariffs, and FERC regulations. Experience in both greenfield development and assessing M&A opportunities for renewable or storage projects.
- Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Experience overseeing the transition of projects from M&A deals to operational status is a plus.
- Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to present technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Software Proficiency: Experience with power systems modeling tools (e.g., PSS/E, PowerWorld).
