VP of Interconnection & Policy

Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America.

• We are known for putting community partnerships first, and are the only renewable energy company in the U.S. that owns and operates all of its solar ranches and has a 100% track record for successful delivery.

• We have the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, our nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. Our model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.

• Through our subsidiary, Clearloop, we are able to help businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while also helping bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities.

By joining Silicon Ranch, you will be joining a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who have proven time and again that it is indeed possible to not only "make solar do more", but to make the promise of carbon-free, renewable energy that benefits people right where it comes from a tangible, measurable, and replicable reality.
Silicon Ranch is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of the communities in which we work and serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Position: VP of Interconnection & Policy
Location: Nashville, TN
Overview: Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Energy Delivery, Vice President of Interconnection and Policy oversees and executes the day-to-day operations of the interconnection group for Silicon Ranch Corporation. This role requires supervision of multi-disciplinary teams, identify, and understand utility and internal client issues, and work collaboratively to develop and communicate creative solutions in a high paced, dynamic environment. This position necessitates interaction with clients including utilities, financial institutions, off-takers, investors, government agencies, consultants, and other organizations. SRC's VP of Interconnection and Policy is responsible for shaping the strategic transmission assessment and management of the interconnection process in target markets across the US. This position is critical for execution of the company's development initiatives and will be responsible for new and existing market analyses and transmission related topics including (but not limited to) summarizing FERC and NERC policy and rulings, utility tariffs, planning, and the overall interconnection process. The position will identify, hire, and manage internal staff, consultants and other subject matter experts as needed to execute the company's Interconnection and development strategy.
Main Responsibilities:
New market planning and analysis

• Provide oversight and direction to develop and update strategic and tactical plans for new markets working with the Regional Interconnection Managers, Project Development and Origination
• Ensure strategic alignment on tariff, planning, accessibility, and overall interconnection process assessment for new markets
• Identify, contract, and manage internal resources and consultants as necessary to implement SRC's goals

Project Development

• Ensure effective guidance is provided to Project Development and Organization on utility system loading, deliverability, congestion and potential interconnection costs for the siting of new development projects in conjunction with Regional Interconnection Managers and Utility Planning
• Provide guidance on interconnection and gen-tie alternatives; assure the processes to optimize project interconnection options based on cost, schedule, off take preference and risk are undertaken.

Management of the Interconnection Process

• Provide oversight and guidance on the interconnection process and negotiations for new development and acquired projects from siting to execution including interconnection agreements, system studies, affected systems and engineering agreements
• Ensure required (internally or externally) power flow simulation analysis, models, and congestion studies are completed to support siting, IA, PPA, financing and origination process
• Provide oversight and guidance to assure the development of Interconnections commercial arrangements are optimized for cost, schedule and risk
• Fosters strong connectivity and collaborative working relationships with utilities, ISOs and industry representatives in key markets
• Act as lead advisor and liaison with senior management on interconnection issues and policies related to project development risk and
• Continue to develop and expand the regional approach to SRC's interconnection team.

Due Diligence for existing development projects

• Conduct/supervise due-diligence review of potential project and portfolio acquisitions and related commercial transactions related to the interconnection and transmission risk, and provide recommendations to the acquisition team

Policy Administration

• Maintain a broad knowledge of regulatory and policy environment on a national scale and ability to leverage this knowledge to drive regulatory agenda; new opportunities; and provide effective guidance to ensure sound internal policy development
• Represent the Company and maintain productive relationships with key utilities, ISOs, industry groups, regulators and other stakeholders on issues related to transmission and interconnection
• Review utility Integrated Resource Plans and regional planning groups reports and present findings to leadership
• Evaluate and provide recommendations on the impact of new and proposed transmission/interconnection related legislation and regulations that could impact Silicon Ranch Corporation and/or the utility scale solar industry

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Vice President of Interconnection and Policy manages SRC's Regional Interconnection Managers and their staff to ensure effective understanding of the utility regulatory and policy environment, execute the required interconnection applications, system studies and contractual agreements to achieve the project pipeline goals as defined by business needs.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Work is performed in an office environment and in the field. At least 30% domestic travel is required annually
Reporting: Reports to Executive Vice President, Energy Delivery
Education/Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required with a desired emphasis on power
• A Masters' degree in Engineering, Energy Policy, or Business is
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in power generation interconnections and/or transmission planning . Utility planning, Solar and project siting experience is strongly
• Proficient in grid operation topics
• Through knowledge of transmission system planning process
• Expert knowledge of generation interconnection tariffs, interconnection agreements and requirements in one or more key markets, including a strong knowledge of the process from the initial interconnection request through utility operations
• Through knowledge of Interconnection agreements and ability to achieve utility acceptance of SRC modifications
• Detailed knowledge of power flow modeling and results
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with utilities, ISOs and industry representatives
• Exceptional public speaking, presentation skills, and the ability to explain and communicate complex technical topics and writing of technical reports
• Ability to grow, develop and maintain teams of engineers and other professionals
• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills, capable of applying advanced engineering principles to identify and solve complex issues
• Outstanding project, people management, and negotiation skills
• High-energy, positive attitude with ability to receive constructive feedback