Transmission System Operator

Company Summary Statement

As one of the largest investor-owned utility companies in the United States, PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), is committed to creating long-term, sustainable value for our 3.5 million customers, our shareowners and the communities we serve. Our high-performing regulated utilities — PPL Electric Utilities, Louisville Gas and Electric, Kentucky Utilities and Rhode Island Energy — provide an outstanding experience for our customers, consistently ranking among the best utilities in the nation. PPL’s companies are also addressing challenges head-on by investing in new infrastructure and technology that is creating a smarter, more reliable and resilient energy grid. We are committed to doing our part to advance a cleaner energy future and drive innovation that enables us to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy reliability and affordability for the customers and communities we serve. PPL is a positive force in the cities and towns where we do business, providing support for programs and organizations that empower the success of future generations by helping to build and maintain strong, diverse communities today.

Overview

Responsible for operating the 69 kV through 500 kV transmission system for PPL Electric Utilities under direct supervision of Transmission System Operator or Senior Transmission System Operator. All primary responsibilities are completed under direction and observation of the Sr Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator. This position works under the direction of the Sr Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator to direct the reliable and secure operation of PPL Electric Utility's Transmission System in accordance with FERC, NERC, and RFC guidelines, and PJM's and PPL's Reliability Principles and Practices on a minute to minute basis. The Transmission System Operator-NC directs System Operating, Distribution Operations, and Electrical Test personnel in the operation, maintenance, and installation of Transmission equipment and facilities under the control and responsibility of Transmission Operations.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or in lieu of a degree, 1-2 years of industry related experience will be considered. 
• Must be willing to work a rotating shift schedule and work overtime 
• Pre-employment testing is required: PSP psychological testing 
• Successful completion of formal Transmission System Operator Training 
• Basic Computer Skills 
• Successfully complete PJM and NERC certifications within four (4) months from employment.  
• Successfully complete the PPL TSO Initial Qualification Program within eight (8) months from employment.  
• PJM Generation certification is required within two (2) years of attaining position 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree
• PJM Transmission Operator certification and/or NERC Transmission Operator certification
• Ability and initiative to organize and direct several concurrent activities, under extreme pressure 

#INDPPL

Responsibilities

• Direct the operation of the Transmission System in a manner which will enable the system to survive the loss of the next worst single line, transformer, or bus fault, as defined in RFC guidelines, PJM's operating manuals & PPL's Reliability Principles and Practices.
• Analyze prearranged maintenance outage requests on the Transmission System to insure reliable, "single contingency criterion" operation. Reschedule the facility outage or reconfigure the system, as necessary, to ensure reliable operation.
• Direct the application of PPL's Permit and Tag procedures on the Bulk Power Transmission system and prepare all related documents to promote safety and reliability of the Bulk Electric System.
• Continually analyze the transmission system operation, using available tools including the Transmission Management System (RTNET/RTCA) and other external inputs, to quickly recognize abnormalities and take cognitive, corrective action to return the system to normal.Supervise and assist in operational activities of the System Operators as required. Direct System Operator operational activities during emergencies involving transmission level lines and substations as required.
• Following partial or total power system collapse, direct and control system restoration activities, including command and control of available generation resources and transmission facilities, to insure a safe, reliable, secure, and expeditious return to normal operation.
• Implement Emergency Procedures, at the discretion of a Sr. Transmission System Operator or Transmission System Operator, for the purpose of maintaining system integrity. This may include shedding load when system conditions deteriorate.
• Optimize operation of TMS and associated computer systems through continuous monitoring of performance characteristics, performing or coordinating database updates, and identifying and correcting areas of deteriorating application performance.
• Produce and disseminate real time system information and/or daily activity reports, as necessary, to appropriate personnel, i.e. Public Utility Commission, PEMA, Company Management, and other Utilities. Produce and maintain the ELCP, DRO and PDDR reports for Transmission Operations.
• Assist in supporting PPL EU portfolio strategy by developing and maintaining PPL EU's mid-term and long-term outage plan. Actively participate in and engage other departments in developing the outage plan and an evaluation of the risk to the system.
• Physical presence in the office/on-site to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.
• May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.