AddressAbout the role
This is the time for action – we need to move at pace and reform our energy system – to deliver energy security, to tackle climate change and to protect our people.
Exciting news for Power System Engineers!
Our Strategy Team within the ENCC is looking for talented individuals to join our team. As a Power System Engineer (Strategy), your role involves developing secure, cost-effective, and verifiable System Operating Plans (SOPs) for key points throughout the day, ranging from 24 hours to 8 hours ahead of real-time.
You'll ensure that these plans meet all our responsibilities as Electricity System Operator (ESO), such as maintaining operating margins and following system constraints while minimising costs. You'll use our main scheduling tool, SPICE, to create these SOPs.
This role is critical to our success. It offers a fast-paced, dynamic environment, making it ideal for individuals seeking a high level of responsibility and the chance to apply their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
While previous experience in a control room is not required, a good industry knowledge and appreciation of how the Energy System works can help to facilitate a seamless transition.
In this role, you will join a dedicated and experienced team based in Wokingham. You will work onsite, covering shifts 24/7, 365 days a year.
Every day, the experts at the Electricity National Control Centre (ENCC) manage the real-time operation of Great Britain’s Power System. We provide signals to the market to ensure a consistent energy supply to meet the country’s demand, all while operating a safe and secure electricity system at the lowest cost to consumers.
Some additional responsibilities in this role will include:
- Making sure that electricity demand and reserve needs are met from 24 hours ahead to about 8 hours ahead of Real Time. If there are any issues, you’ll need to regularly talk with the Power System Manager so we can inform important external stakeholders like Ofgem and DESNZ.
- Watching market data closely and looking for any changes that might affect our plans, then adjusting as needed.
- Finding any trading opportunities that could save money and sharing them with the Operational Strategy Manager.
- Reporting any unusual market activity to the right team and working with generator Energy Management Centers when necessary.
About you
What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we aim to recruit talent that can infuse our teams with a fresh perspective and energy. In this role, we’re looking for someone who possesses:
- Good understanding of the electricity industry structure.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of listening to and assimilating information from various sources and conveying it concisely to relevant stakeholders.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Recognised engineering or technical qualification (at foundation degree level) or equivalent, in a relevant engineering/STEM area.
Dependent on the role, one of the following will be required:
- Detailed knowledge and experience of Power System operation, GBSQSS, and other relevant license obligations and technical codes (e.g., Grid Code).
- Decision-making experience, with the ability to work within tight timeframes and make accurate assessments of multiple interdependent operational activities while maintaining high performance.
- Sound knowledge of real-time system operation, generator dynamics, and network geography it will be beneficial.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £50,000 – £60,000 – dependent on capability. Plus a 26% shift allowance.
As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
About us
Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial National Energy System Operator (NESO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this future System Operator to be created.
The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.
The NESO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.
The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.
More information
This role closes on 3rd March at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.
At National Grid ESO, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds and offer flexible and tailored support.
We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
