Analyst, Bulk Power Settlements I - II

The Lansing Board of Water & Light has an opening for a Bulk Power Settlements Analyst I - II, located in Lansing, MI.

Job Type: Full-Time
Starting Salary Range: Analyst, Bulk Power Settlements I $66,927 - $79,643 / Analyst, Bulk Power Settlements II $82,628 - $99,938

Position Summary:
The Bulk Power Analyst I will report to the Settlements Supervisor and is responsible for settling physical and financial energy commodity transactions for various wind, solar and electric generation projects. The role involves identifying pricing and production data issues and resolving data disputes with counterparties, MISO, and internal stakeholders.

This position requires detailed analysis of electricity generation and trade data, and the ability to understand Purchase Power Agreements, NAESBE Agreements, Bilateral contracts and ISDA contracts and other pricing formulas. In addition, this position requires reporting and settling the natural gas purchases that are transacted for generating units. You will also be responsible for periodic reporting of electric generation, credit risk, risk management, fuel inventory and other financial and accounting data. It is essential for the Bulk Power Analyst to exercise good business judgment and to make prudent business decisions for timely dispute resolution.

Analyst, Bulk Power Settlements I

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate knowledge in the North American power and natural gas markets as well as the renewable energy industry.
• Process energy settlements for wind, solar, battery storage or other associated projects.
• Verify all MISO invoices are consistent with existing tariffs and business practices for LBWL, including wholesale sales, purchases, and transmission.
• Perform analytical research to determine the cause of settlement discrepancies.
• Understand and account for 3rd party sales and purchases for power and capacity.
• Verify gas trade transactions and calculate volumes, usage, storage, transportation tariffs, etc. to settle monthly natural gas transactions.
• Perform credit risk analysis of counterparties.
• Work with the Michigan Public Power Association on shared energy projects and reconcile invoices associated with such projects.
• Perform quantitative analysis including advanced financial, economic, and statistical analysis relating to the impacts of fuel, purchased power activities, and other wholesale market activities.
• Understand and integrate budget information used to analyze performance.
• Identify and correct errors in complex mathematical calculations.
• Use Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets that may require advanced formulas to calculate desired results.
• Create the required monthly journal vouchers for General Accounting that affect LBWL financial statements and perform other accounting, accounts payable and cash flow duties.
• Reconcile all wholesale and purchased power accounts each month and prepare a budget to actual report explaining variances.
• Stay informed and follow MISO rule changes affecting settlement results.
• Correctly apply the language agreed to in energy contractual requirements for pricing, data collection, rates, and reconciliation.
• Utilizes several web or pc-based applications to support Bulk Power functions.
• Perform work with consistency and quality.
• Supports the BWL by creating ad hoc reports (e.g.,) generation, finance, budgeting, natural gas, etc.
• This general overview only includes essential functions of the job and does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instruction and to perform any other job-related duties requested by supervisor or management.
• Participation in the continuous improvement of the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.
• Expected to comply with all BWL policies and work rules.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Job Specifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting preferred but will accept Renewable Energy, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field with previous accounting or financial analysis experience.
• Three to five years of experience working in Settlements or a related field.
• Excellent Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Intermediate to expert level Excel skills. Must be able to exhibit solid understanding of Excel formulas.
• A general understanding of energy commodity markets.
• Experience with SAP.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills and good attention to detail with the ability to organize and analyze large quantities of data.
• The candidate will possess effective written and oral communications skills.
• Responsible, dependable, and possessing an exceptional work ethic.
• Detail oriented self-starter with critical thinking who can effectively work on multiple assignments.
• Ability to work independently.
• Work with other settlements team members, operators, and traders to resolve discrepancies.
• Organized person who can plan and adjust to timing challenges of multiple deadlines.
• Experience with analysis of variances between actual and expected revenues and expenses.
• Timely and accurate settlement of physical and financial energy trading activity including the resolution of aged balances.
• Resolve and explain prior period adjustments.
• Work within the guidelines of the Risk Management Program for the back office.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with counterparties and internal contacts with timely responses to requests for information and research.
• NERC background check required.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of relevant experience with a working knowledge of power and gas settlements.
• Previous work experience with regional power/independent system operators (e.g., MISO, etc.).
• Experience with ISO interfaces and Settlement software (e.g., OATI).
• Financial or accounting experience in utilities, natural gas and/or power markets.
• Previous experience with credit reporting.

Analyst, Bulk Power Settlements II

Essential Functions:

• Accumulates, verifies, and analyzes transaction and metering data for the BWL's Belle River interest through the MPPA (Michigan Public Power Association). Shadows all wholesale and purchased power electric activity done through MPPA. Studies and uses BR financial statements to support budget analysis.
• Verifies and reconciles transmission project data through MPPA/METC (Michigan Electric Transmission Company).
• Gathers and submits to MISO BWL and ITC monthly peak load data.
• Serves as Alternate Board Member at the MPPA for the BWL.
• Verifies and reconciles all MISO market business and related tariffs that the BWL transacts through MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator). Study FERC filings that may affect the BWL. Also responsible for handing items like dispute resolutions, asset registration, annual MISO certification and disclosure documents, annual minimum capitalization verification, attachment B, etc.
• Attends MISO Settlement User Group and other regular MISO meetings.
• Verification and reporting of MISO transmission charges as well as processing and entering MISO transmission bills.
• Maintains current transmission rates in the OATI system.
• Provides wholesale and purchased power monthly budget results for presentations to BWL Board of Commissioners, BWL executive staff and BWL management.
• Uses and helps to develops computer-based applications to support bulk power functions. Writes and edits complex spreadsheets and spreadsheet formulas for the accurate reporting of wholesale and purchased power results.
• Creates, verifies, and submits monthly wholesale and purchased power journal vouchers to General Accounting.
• Responsible for compiling and calculating monthly allocation of gas to steam journal voucher for General Accounting.
• Performs credit analysis on BWL power and gas counterparties. Uses financial ratios, financial statements, and credit reporting data for analysis.
• Participation in the continuous improvement of the Asset Management System and Work Management processes.
• Responsible for gathering data required for the analysis and reporting of all natural gas transactions for the BWL gas plants. This includes verifying cost and volumes of gas purchases against confirmations, verifying gas plant meter data, verifying provider transportation and related rates charges. Gathering rate adjustment data through the MPSC. Reporting and reconciling natural gas financial statement data. Creating PRs and correctly adjusting inventory transactions through SAP as well as verifying invoices and entering Invoice Works for timely payments.
• Prepares generation and load forecasts and assists in the evaluation of short-term power needs/surplus.
• Reconciles EMS (Energy Management System), metering and transaction data.
• Prepares detailed billing files in accordance with contractual terms and confirms transactions with counterparties for buying green power.
• Provide General Accounting with year-end wholesale, purchased power and generation percentage reports and other ad hoc reports as requested.
• Supports internal and external auditors with various requests for information.
• Works with BWL Risk Management to make sure Back Office duties are satisfied in accordance with the BWL Risk Management Policy.
• Provides information and support to other BWL departments such as Energy and Eco Strategies, General Accounting and Finance.
• Leader and trainer of the bulk power settlements area.
• Provides data for the support of third-party sales, capacity sales, bids and/or offers. Predictable and reliable attendance.

Required:

• This position requires the knowledge which would normally be acquired through a bachelor's degree in finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of seven years of accounting analyst experience (including three years as a MISO).
• Must become MISO/MMI (Midwest ISO/Midwest Market Initiative) certified within one year of date of hire.
• Working knowledge of generation systems analysis, contractual billings or computer systems.
• The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities: knowledge of bulk power trading procedures, relations and contacts; ability to learn and understand the MISO/MMI provisions and procedures as the MMI unfolds and evolves; networking/relationship; political astuteness; financial analysis; oral and written communications; analytical thinking; conceptual thinking; initiative; integrity and ethics; self-confidence; and proactive skills related to computer enhancements, a constantly changing work environment, and training functions involving the Bulk Power Office Specialist.
• Demonstrated extensive experience with software applications, verified by accepted standardized test(s) at appropriate levels to include Microsoft Excel and Access (advanced), Word and Front Page (intermediate), and Visual Basic (beginning); submittal of verification of demonstrated experience in the aforementioned software applications via training certification documentation may be substituted for testing.
• Qualifications and experience in the following areas are preferred: wholesale electric billing, EMS/MV-90 and MISO/MMI certified.
• Must have valid MI driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred:

• Previous electric and gas experience a plus.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for the majority of the working day. The person in this position needs to move about inside the office environment. Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen. Must communicate frequently with other departments and employees both verbally and in writing. May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/ below the knee level or reach above head. On occasion, may need to use stairs.

Constantly works in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Must successfully complete a background check, a substance screening and a physical (if applicable).

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary, employee development, and opportunity for professional growth.
• Robust time off benefits including vacation, free choice, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Retirement programs including 401a (100% company paid up to 13% of base salary), 457 match up to $2,500 per year, retiree medical.
• Voluntary benefits including supplemental and dependent life insurance, vision, flexible spending, AFLAC options, LifeLock anti-theft, long term care, tuition reimbursement, HOPE loan.

About BWL:
The Board of Water & Light serves Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas with electricity, water, and steam. Lansing's city charter vests the BWL with full and exclusive management of water, steam, and electric services for or the city. The American Public Power Association has honored the Lansing Board of Water & Light as one of the country's best publicly owned utilities.

The Location:
Lansing, MI provides the opportunity to enjoy all seasons of fun and beauty. With the Grand River open for kayaking, lush golf courses, 17+ miles of trails for biking/hiking/running, Potter Park Zoo, and the sports, the arts and fine foods that comes from being near a major University, Michigan State University, there is a spot for everyone. The area is a short drive from Lake Michigan's shoreline where there is views of natural beauty, boating, fishing, and windsurfing.

THE BOARD OF WATER & LIGHT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Pay Range: $66,927 - $99,938 per year