Manager, Grid Operations

The Manager, Grid Operations at LG&E and KU Energy LLC in Simpsonville, KY, oversees Distribution Control Centers, ensuring safe and efficient electric grid operations. Responsibilities include supervising staff, implementing procedures, managing technology integration, analyzing outages, and enhancing training programs. The role requires leadership in planning and coordinating electric service interruptions and responding to customer complaints, while ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Company Summary Statement

Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.

Overview

This position is responsible for management, planning, training, performance and leadership oversight of the Distribution Control Centers (DCC) employees and Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) related to Centralized Grid Operations to ensure the safe and effective monitoring, control, operation, and restoration of the electric distribution grid.

Responsibilities
• Provide formal supervision of Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and Engineers - Planning in directing operations to ensure the safe and efficient restoration of customers' electric service.
• Provide direction on implementing operating procedures and policies for all DCC control systems used to perform job duties of the DSOs and DCC Engineers.
• Lead all facets of centralized grid operations to ensure safety of field resources and the safe operation of the electric distribution grid
• Provide leadership and direction to effectively integrate all new technology and system upgrades into DCC operations.
• Assist in managing and directing field operations to ensure the safe and efficient restoration of customers' electric service utilizing the Protect, Restore, and Repair philosophy.
• Analyze emergency outage situations and select appropriate procedures to restore electric service to customers.
• Responsible for all communications with emergency and regular work crews in the field and critical/sensitive customers, supervisor, and other management as required.
• Ensure clearance and caution request are provided to field personnel following established Lock Out/Tag Out procedures for a safe working environment.
• Provide leadership and direction oversight to support the continuous improvement and development of the DCC training program.
• Investigates customer complaints regarding electric service outages and problems and makes necessary reports.
• Provide leadership oversight for planning, scheduling, engineering, and coordinating electric transmission and distribution circuit switching functions. Manage all service interruption to facilitate construction and maintenance of underground and overhead electric transmission and distribution circuits.
• Assists with investigation of all types of accidents involving Company distribution facilities and equipment.
• Ensures timely reporting to the PSC and necessary Company personnel as required.
• Recommends and administers employee disciplinary action when necessary and appropriate.
• Monitors distribution system loads, recommends and supervises load transfers between circuits and substations to avoid circuit overloads and phase unbalance.
• Provides leadership and direction during storm restoration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in engineering, business, or similar discipline
• 8+ years supervisor/leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications
• Applicable electric distribution engineering and DCC systems and operations experience.
• Ability to identify, develop, and implement process improvements to increase overall efficiency in work execution.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, field resources, supervisors, and senior management.
• Ability to act in a leadership capacity and create a strong team environment.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems from a business perspective.
• Must be proficient with a computer and applicable programs related to the position.

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