Load Forecast Specialist

General Purpose

Provide leadership to the load forecasting group, and present recommendations to management and client organizations regarding sales and revenue forecasts in a transparent manner. Critically review the model inputs and output for the load forecast and load research projects. Verify the accuracy of the load forecast, identifying any issues which have the potential to impact the forecast. Develop and implement new strategies, programs, and/or processes in response to changing internal and external business scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Develop techniques to streamline the production of exhaustive variance analysis by month and year for each state, customer class and rate schedule.
• Develop long-term energy sales and customer forecasts using statistical and end-use modeling techniques, while also providing support for the short-term forecast.
• Design load research samples and process customer class loads.
• Critically analyze and interpret load research data to be able to explain weather effects on customer usage and the overall forecasted impact.
• Utilize outside sources of information to interpret and support forecasted results and actual load evaluations.
• Collect and verify the accuracy of the data for new and existing demand, energy efficiency expectations, economic indices, and demand side management assumptions.
• Interpret data, for purposes of formulating significant model inputs, as well as presenting the data in a meaningful way to management and key stakeholders.
• Analyze and explain monthly variances from the forecast for each jurisdiction and customer class, that lead to improvements in the forecast going forward.
• Identify new forecasting methods that lead to greater accuracy, efficiency and a more timely production of the forecast.
• Responsible for preparation of reports, testimony, and business presentations on the load forecast, highlighting the various drivers such as economic factors, weather, and energy efficiency programs.
• Prepare responses to data requests in support of the load forecast.
• Provide analytical support for state and federal regulatory proceedings

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Economics, Mathematics or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of seven years of related analytical work experience.
• Research and analytical skills including the ability to obtain relevant data, evaluate complex situations, develop creative alternatives, provide recommendations, and negotiate and influence outcomes.
• Ability to adapt to a complex, continuously evolving business environment with tight deadlines and demanding target work.
• Communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to establish trust, maintain confidence, and understand social behavior and interactions.
• Ability to work with all organizational levels to influence actions and negotiate outcomes.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills
• Proficient with the use of personal computers to gather, analyze, and summarize data.

Preferences

• Advanced degree in related field.
• Working knowledge of relational databases and statistical forecasting software, including IBM Cognos, SAP Business Objects, SQL, SAS, Itron MV90, Itron IEE and Oracle Utilities Load Analysis (OULA).
• Experience with manipulating large data sets.
• Knowledge of power system modeling concepts and techniques, including familiarity with Itron MetrixND, MetrixLT and/or MetrixIDR.
• Demonstrated project management or process improvement skills.

Additional Information

Primary Location: Portland

Department: 00001027 Pacific Power

Schedule: FULLTIME

Personnel Subarea: Exempt

Hiring Range: 81,500.00 – 105,200.00

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.

At PacifiCorp, we encourage everyone to work together. We embrace diversity and value the distinct perspectives of all our employees. We strive to cultivate a workplace that connects each employee to the organization and enables all individuals to participate and contribute to their full potential.

It is PacifiCorp’s policy to provide and promote equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations governing personnel activities. In accordance with federal guidelines, PacifiCorp is committed to a program of affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.