Balancing Authority Operator - Minneapolis, MN
Balancing Authority Operator - Minneapolis, MN
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Job Description
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow A position at Xcel Energy could be just what youre looking for.
The Balancing Authority Operator (BAO) position is responsible for the real-time monitoring and operation of Xcel Energys NSP Local Balancing Authority (LBA) Area in cooperation/coordination with Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Balancing Authority. Take independent actions to ensure system security and reliability is consistent with North American Electric Reliability (NERC) requirements. Ensure the accuracy of Energy Management System data relating to LBA Area interchange load and generation transmission service schedules and interconnected tie lines. The BAO has independent authority to perform necessary actions to maintain reliability including emergency generation replacement unscheduled load relief firm load shedding and black-start recovery. Works rotating shifts.
Essential Responsibilities
- Monitor the NSP LBA and take necessary steps to ensure the security and reliability of the Balancing Authority Area consistent with NERC requirements. Ensure NSP LBA Area operation parameters are within internal operating guidelines NERC standards and when applicable RTO guidelines. Ensure adequate energy supply for the NSP LBA Area by managing spinning and operating reserves balancing generation to load planning to meet load forecasts and through generation commitments. Take appropriate steps to ensure replacement of lost resources due to generation unit trips.
- Ensure the accuracy of Energy Management System data relating to Balancing Authority Area interchange load and generation Transmission service schedules and interconnected tie lines. Implement Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area and Transmission Provider energy tagging function. Implement Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area scheduling system and provide appropriate interface with the RTO when required. Perform nightly checkout with the adjacent Balancing Authority Area for Actual and Scheduled Interchange as well as with the RTO as appropriate. Perform nightly checkout for transmission Energy Accounting.
- Implement Emergency Procedures including but not limited to emergency generation replacement unscheduled flow relief emergency firm load shedding and black-start recovery. Order Balancing Authority Area generation on-line or order re-dispatch as necessary to maintain Balancing Authority Area security. Work with Network or other customers to ensure proper implementation of peak day interruptible loads. Work with the Transmission System Operator and Xcel Energy generating plants in system restoration.
- Maintain close communications with Generator Operators to ensure safety reliability and regulatory compliance with respect to transmission operations. Jointly develop review and approve plans to return the Balancing Authority Area to recognized system parameters.
- Monitor transmission system conditions using available tools such as the Energy Management System Energy Accounting System and other data systems. Communicate system status to the Reliability Coordinator affected electric transmission systems and Balancing Authority Areas and Xcel Energy management. Work with network customers to ensure generation and scheduling needs are met. Write and maintain a chronological log of Balancing Authority Area events including but not limited to transmission service curtailments and requests for emergency energy.
- Monitor proper tagging of OASIS transmission service requests for Xcel Energy and all other relevant tariffs. Back-up the Transmission System Operator and the Network Reliability Leader (NRL) relating to transmission service requests and help resolve transmission service request problems.
- Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of Balancing Authority Area operation including but not limited to new operating practices NERC compliance issues Xcel Energy and regional tariffs FERC and RTO requirements. Participate in annual training plans designed to enhance expertise and assist other team members in expanding overall knowledge. Maintaining NERC Certification through completion of required training is a condition of continued employment.
- Qualified Balancing Authority Operators will train and mentor trainees on shift.
- Upon completing all qualifications for the Balancing Authority Operator the Balancing Authority Operator will begin training/preparation for Transmission System Operator. An employee that has entered the department will be required to complete Transmission System Operator qualifications within 5 years of entering the department.
- Required to work overtime to fill vacant shifts in accordance with the overtime policy.
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Successful completion of certificate program in Electric Power Technology or equivalent program preferred.
- Minimum of 3 years utility operations experience in electric distribution transmission or power generation OR 3 years experience working with high-voltage auxiliary electrical systems instrumentation & control or relay systems in manufacturing refinery or chemical plant environment.
- Must pass the Dispatching (SOPD) screening test in order to be considered as a candidate for position.
- NERC certification required or ability to successfully obtain the NERC Certification that is applicable for Balancing Authority Area operation within 6 months of position start date.
- Demonstrated ability to successfully complete the initial qualifications as defined in the training program for the Balancing Authority Operator position.
- Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and appropriately in a real-time stressful environment.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize job tasks.
- Strong communication skills required.
- Knowledge of or ability to learn Xcel Energy NERC and FERC requirements.
- This position requires working rotating shifts.
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If youre ready to be a part of something big we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at .
BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $56.10 per hourThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan Dental Vision Life Insurance Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Health Care Reimbursement Account Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan) Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA) Short-term disability (STD) Long-term disability (LTD) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan) Tuition reimbursement Transit programs Employee recognition program Pension 401(k) plan Vacation Holidays Additional days off Sick Time Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end suspend or amend any of its plans at any time in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 06/03/25EEO is the Law EEO is the Law Supplement Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) Employee Rights (PDF)
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
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Employment Type
Full-Time
