Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Energy Planner

🎯 Role Definition

As an Energy Planner, you will be at the forefront of the energy transition, tasked with architecting the future of our energy portfolio. You will be a strategic thinker and a technical expert, responsible for conducting in-depth analysis and developing long-range Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) that balance reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. This role requires a deep understanding of energy systems, economic modeling, and regulatory landscapes to navigate the complexities of grid modernization and the integration of renewable resources. You will collaborate with a diverse team of engineers, analysts, and policymakers to deliver data-driven insights that guide critical investment decisions and corporate strategy.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Energy Analyst or Data Analyst (in the energy sector)
Electrical or Environmental Engineer
Regulatory or Policy Advisor

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Energy Planner
Manager, Resource & Portfolio Planning
Director of Strategy & Long-Term Planning

Lateral Moves:

Energy Project Manager
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Sustainability Program Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, update, and defend long-range Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) to ensure a reliable and cost-effective energy supply that meets future demand and policy goals.
Conduct sophisticated production cost modeling and reliability analysis using specialized software (e.g., PLEXOS, Aurora) to evaluate different energy portfolio scenarios.
Perform detailed economic and financial viability assessments of a wide range of generation resources, including solar, wind, battery storage, natural gas, and emerging technologies.
Create and maintain robust short-term and long-term electric load and energy forecasts using advanced econometric, statistical, and end-use modeling techniques.
Analyze the grid-level impact of increasing penetration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as rooftop solar, electric vehicles (EVs), and demand response programs.
Formulate and champion data-driven decarbonization strategies and carbon-neutrality pathways in alignment with corporate sustainability targets and regulatory mandates.
Monitor, interpret, and report on evolving federal, state, and local energy policies, market rules, and environmental regulations to inform strategic planning.
Prepare and deliver compelling presentations, technical reports, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments related to fuel price volatility, supply chain disruptions, technological obsolescence, and future policy changes.
Provide analytical support for the negotiation and evaluation of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and other energy procurement contracts.
Lead complex scenario and sensitivity analyses to test the resilience of resource plans against a variety of future uncertainties.
Collaborate closely with transmission and distribution planning teams to identify system constraints and necessary grid modernization investments.
Manage and analyze massive, complex datasets related to grid operations, energy consumption, market performance, and weather patterns.
Develop strategic roadmaps for the integration of emerging technologies, such as green hydrogen, long-duration energy storage, and advanced nuclear.
Create and justify compelling business cases for major capital investments in new generation assets, transmission lines, and grid-enhancing technologies.
Utilize geospatial information systems (GIS) for optimal renewable energy site selection, resource availability assessment, and infrastructure planning.

Secondary Functions

Provide expert data analysis and support for formal regulatory proceedings, including preparing testimony and responding to data requests from commissions and intervenors.
Lead and facilitate stakeholder engagement initiatives with community groups, large industrial customers, environmental organizations, and other key partners.
Support corporate sustainability reporting efforts by providing key data, analysis, and narrative content related to carbon emissions and renewable energy goals.
Mentor junior analysts and engineers, providing guidance on modeling techniques, data analysis, and professional development within the energy industry.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

High proficiency with industry-standard energy modeling software (e.g., PLEXOS, Aurora, PROMOD, GE MAPS) for production cost and capacity expansion modeling.
Advanced data analysis, statistical modeling, and scripting skills using languages such as Python or R.
Strong command of SQL for querying, manipulating, and managing large relational databases.
Expert-level financial modeling, cost-benefit analysis, and economic evaluation skills, particularly within Microsoft Excel.
Deep understanding of utility regulatory frameworks, rate-making processes, and the development of Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs).
In-depth knowledge of wholesale electricity markets (e.g., ISO/RTO operations), energy trading, and grid operations.
Familiarity with geospatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for resource and infrastructure mapping.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical, quantitative, and critical thinking skills with the ability to deconstruct complex problems into actionable insights.
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to translate highly technical concepts for non-technical audiences and executive leadership.
Strong project management and organizational abilities, capable of leading complex projects and managing competing priorities under tight deadlines.
Strategic and forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to connect detailed analysis to high-level business objectives and long-term industry trends.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree (e.g., MBA, MS, MPP) with a concentration in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Environmental)
Economics or Finance
Data Science or Statistics
Environmental Science or Public Policy

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-10 years of progressive experience in energy analysis, utility resource planning, or a closely related field.

Preferred: Direct experience working within an electric utility, an Independent System Operator (ISO/RTO), an energy consulting firm, or a state public utility commission. Proven track record of contributing to or leading the development of a formal Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) or similar long-term strategic study.