Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo), a Generation and Transmission (G&T) electric cooperative and wholesale power provider to 16 electric distribution cooperative Members serving rural Kansas, seeks qualified candidates for the position of Director, Power Supply. KEPCo is pursuing numerous power supply opportunities in order to provide a diverse, reliable, and economical power supply for its Members. These opportunities include potential equity participation in new generation projects, negotiation of power purchase agreements, and efficient oversight and management of KEPCo’s current power supply portfolio.
KEPCo has a diverse power supply portfolio, including ownership in a nuclear unit, ownership in a coal unit, a diesel peaking facility, a small utility-scale solar facility, long-term contracts for Federal hydropower, and an existing power purchase agreement with a local investor owned utility. In 2023, over 65% of KEPCo’s energy was supplied by non-greenhouse gas emitting resources. The Director, Power Supply will have a lead role in the resource planning activities of KEPCo as it works to optimize its power supply portfolio for the future.
KEPCo was incorporated in 1975 as a generation and transmission electric cooperative and is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and includes relocation assistance and an excellent benefits package. For confidential consideration, please apply with resume, cover letter and salary history HERE!
Primary Accountabilities:
The primary responsibility of the Director, Power Supply is to lead and provide technical expertise for Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.’s (KEPCo) resource planning activities and power supply portfolio. This includes overseeing generation assets, wholesale contracts, risk management activities, and the work of outside consultants. This position is also responsible for monitoring and optimizing the interaction of these power supply elements with wholesale electric power markets. The ultimate goal is to provide our Members a diverse, reliable, and economical power supply portfolio while also meeting resource adequacy requirements and effectively managing supply risks.
Major Duties:
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the development of engineering and economic studies related to planning, development, and implementation of KEPCo’s power supply portfolio.
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the evaluation and monitoring of risk associated with the KEPCo power supply portfolio. Identifies and recommends solutions to reduce risk and hedge exposure when appropriate.
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the negotiation of power purchase agreements, wholesale power supply contracts, facilitating agreements, and confirmation letters as necessary for the KEPCo power supply portfolio.
Actively engages, communicates, and coordinates with various counterparties affiliated with KEPCo’s power supply portfolio (e.g., Evergy, SWPA, WAPA, USACE, and USBR).
Actively engages and serves on boards, committees, and stakeholder groups related to KEPCo’s owned resources, federal contracts, and wholesale market participation (e.g., Wolf Creek, Iatan 2, SPRA, LACA, and SPP).
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the development of plans, reports, studies, and programs required to meet contractual obligations related to KEPCo’s power supply portfolio.
Monitors correspondence, reports, and other information concerning the daily operation of KEPCo’s owned resources. Serves as liaison between these facilities and KEPCo staff and Members.
Routinely reports to the KEPCo executive team and board of trustees on matters of interest related to the power supply portfolio, including performance metrics/results, wholesale market interactions, threats or concerns related to resource availability/reliability, and risk management.
Participates in professional organizations related to these responsibilities.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
Must be able to work for extended periods of time without being fatigued.
Work Environment:
Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
Interaction with staff, Members, consultants, and counterparties.
Work is performed both in a private office and outside in the field. Must be willing to travel in state and out of state as necessary to meet job requirements.
Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.
KEPCo provides a competitive salary, pension plan, and benefits package including health and dental insurance and 401k matching.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other related technical field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, etc.).
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of direct electric utility or utility consulting experience in resource planning, wholesale power markets, power plant operations, load forecasting, energy risk management, and related activities.
Must be familiar with generally accepted electric utility load forecasting and resource planning methods and processes.
Must be computer literate and able to operate business, planning, and engineering software.
Must have strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of KEPCo.
Must have the ability to work independently and in team settings.
Must be able to support the goals, plans, and objectives of KEPCo.
Must have the necessary personal characteristics that make an employee a productive team member, including high integrity, good personal habits, and regular attendance at work.
Must be able to gain and maintain the respect of others, both inside and outside of the organization.
Must be able to organize, multi-task, plan, and set priorities with minimal supervision.
