EKPC Company Information

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington.  Our cooperative has a vital mission:  to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties.  We’re leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky. 

As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people.  We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built.

EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state.  There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees.  Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%.  Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance. 

For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc

EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

No Expiration Date

This posting will remain open until the position is filled.  We encourage you to apply early as we will review and consider candidates as they are received.

Key Roles        

This position performs technical work in connection with the installation, operation, and maintenance of all types of protective relays, control schemes and associated equipment in transmission facilities, distribution substations, generating plants, and any other associated facility. In addition, this position is responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining meters, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) equipment, including RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), their networks, and various protocols to ensure accurate telemetry of EKPC¿s transmission and generation assets.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Technician

• Installs and maintains protection and control schemes and equipment including relays, RTUs, meters, and SCADA communication systems equipment in generating plants, transmission facilities, distribution substations, and Energy Control Centers
• Maintains wiring on all existing and new stations to ensure it is correct
• Maintains the protection system asset databases
• Prepares reports and keeps records using company provided applications
• Bypasses, isolates, and restores all substation equipment to service
• Assists with training and development of employees within the department
• Ensures all testing intervals and schedules are met in a timely fashion
• Ensures the field, office, vehicle, and warehouse equipment is adequate to address any reasonable equipment failure
• Acquires quotes and requests purchase orders for needed equipment such as relays, meters, RTUs, and other devices
• Coordinates work schedules with various EKPC departments, member cooperatives, neighboring utilities, and contractors
• Ensures that all documentation, such as wiring diagrams and panel layouts, are up to date and properly maintained
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Sets up return authorizations with manufacturer to return defective equipment.

Protection & Control Technician Level 1

• Inspect substations for proper grounding on fences, structures, and equipment
• Identify minimum approach distances
• Inspect PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as rubber gloves 
• Inspect, clean, and test hot sticks
• Inspect vehicles prior to use
• Locate and reference SDS (Safety Data Sheets) manual
• Uses established LOTO (Lock-Out-Tag-Out) procedures 
• Identify safety procedures and hazards associated with job assignments   
• Identify tools and equipment required for each job assignment
• Read & Interpret Substation One Line and Three Line diagrams to verify switching operations
• Identify Bus Switching Configurations
• Identify substation equipment, including isolation switches, circuit breakers, transformers, instrument transformers   
• Operate the following in accordance with Dispatch Switching Orders: Local/supervisory switches, Reclose cut-off switches, Circuit Breaker Control Switches, Disconnect and Bypass switches   
• Identify Transmission & Distribution substation problems
• Assist Dispatch and other personnel during emergency outages
• Identify substation conditions by the color of panel indicating lights
• Check panel indicating lights and replaces as necessary
• Identify relay and device functions by their IEEE Device Numbers
• Read and determine accuracy of panel, revenue, and relay meters
• Record relay targets
• Obtain relay event records as directed from microprocessor relays
• Read and interpret annunciator alarms
• Identify various relay types, electromechanical, solid state, microprocessor, lock-out, sudden pressure
• Inspect relays and relay panels to be in good operating condition
• Inspect low voltage wiring and control cable inside control buildings and substation equipment for deterioration, connections, etc.
• Check for proper DC Voltage Indication from battery chargers and relays
• Check for unintentional battery grounds
• Test and troubleshoot Substation Power Supplies and Fuses, including AC circuits, DC Circuits, AC & DC Service Panels, and secondary panel fuses
• Record counter data on reclosers, circuit breakers, and circuit switchers
• Check for proper communication indication (i.e., TX/RX lights) on RTUs and Relays
• Check power status and LED indicator lamps on RTU circuit peripherals, including CSU/DSU, HVIU, modem, fiber optic converter, and telephone line switch
• Monitor the operation of SCADA Communications (i.e., TX/RX lights and/or NovaTech Panel Indication) to IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices), Dispatch, and EMS (Energy Management System), etc. both locally and remotely
• Assist System Operators and Member Systems with SCADA related issues as needed.
• Check, and if needed, Power-cycle Relays, RTUs, meters, modems, and other equipment     
• Assist certified meter testers with the installation, testing, and maintenance of PJM, billing, contract, load research meters, and associated equipment.
• Install and replace low voltage wiring and control cable as required inside new control buildings and substation equipment, including on Relay, RTU, & Meter Panels, Transformers, Breakers, CTs (Current Transformers), PTs (Potential Transformers), AC and DC circuits and service panels
• Operate Local/Supervisory and Recloser Cut-Off switches to prove contact arrangement and ensure they function according to design
• Perform Cable Insulation (Megger) and Continuity Tests on new equipment
• Perform Ratio, Polarity, and Insulation Tests on Current Transformers 
• Perform Ratio and Insulation Tests on new Potential Transformers 
• Perform continuity and current wire checks to ensure AC and DC circuits are connected according to design 
• Set/Program Relays and RTUs 
• Test Relays using a Doble test set and close out test results using RTS
• Perform DC Functionals of relay and SCADA circuits
• Perform CT/PT Verifications and Load Checks on energized equipment
• Under Direct Supervision perform installation, testing, and maintenance of PJM, Billing, Contract, Load Research Meters, and associated equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Protection & Control Technician Level 2

• Conduct detailed Job Briefings to identify work tasks, risks, and job hazards for self and crew to help ensure work assignments are conducted safely
• Use Job Hazard Analysis Tools to help prevent personnel injury and equipment damage
• Use Human Performance Improvement Tools to help prevent inadvertent outages, injury, and equipment damage 
• Determine when conditions exist to shut down substations and notify System Operator
• Read and interpret relaying one-line diagrams   
• Read and interpret relaying three-line diagrams and identifies switching operations to complete tasks, such as tying two circuits or substations together 
• Determine substation voltages by insulating equipment
• Identify and verify switching and electrical clearances
• Perform high voltage switching using hot sticks to de-energize, isolate, and bypass high voltage equipment
• Use hot sticks to hang grounds and /or test leads on isolated equipment
• Obtain clearances and place hold cards on isolated equipment
• Test and place equipment in service, including mobile substations
• Coordinate with appropriate individuals to resolve communication problems
• Troubleshoot and correct problems with SCADA system and intelligent electronic device (IED) communications
• Troubleshoot all types of relays, RTUs, IEDs, and protection schemes to identify and correct problems
• Monitor and prioritize the equipment trouble databases and schedules repairs
• Repair or replace low voltage energized wiring for AC and DC, relaying, and RTU circuits
• Communicate with microprocessor relays and retrieve relay event records after system disturbances
• Test and calibrate single function electromechanical and solid-state relays, including Overcurrent, Voltage, Frequency, and Sync Check, etc.
• Test and calibrate microprocessor relays used for Distribution Line Protection, Breaker Failure, Overcurrent, and Reclosing 
• Test, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and replace transducers as necessary
• Schedule and maintain protection and control assets, including NERC/BES assets
• Perform routine DC Functional checks of protection and control schemes in Transmission and Distribution Substations
• Compare Microprocessor ¿As Sent¿ and ¿As Left¿ Relay Settings for accuracy
• Maintain Relay Records/Databases ¿ RTS and PowerBase
• Perform routine tests and maintain RTUs and associated peripherals
• Read and interpret various consultant and EKPC designed protection and control schematics, including tripping, closing, current, potential, alarm, annunciator, supervisory control, and Pilot Relaying
• Completed the Meter Testing Certification checklist and successfully passed the EKPC Meter Testing Certification Test
• Replace and/or install low voltage control wiring and cables as required inside existing control buildings, control cabinets, relay panels, CTs, PTs, Circuit Breakers, Circuit Switchers, RTU Panels, AC and DC service panels, Transformers, miscellaneous substation equipment, and other associated devices
•  Set/program/configure and install RTUs and SCADA communications devices, networks, and equipment, including IEDs, communications processors, automation computers, Ethernet, RS-485, RS-232, cellular modems, fiber optics, and landlines in Power Plants, and Transmission and Distribution substations
• Perform Cable Insulation (Megger) and Continuity Tests on existing equipment 
• Perform current tests (run currents) on circuits as shown on AC Schematics, including panels and yard equipment
• Perform Ratio, Polarity, and Insulation Tests on existing CTs 
• Perform Ratio and Insulation Tests on PTs 
• Verify proper CT connections on line, bus and transformer differential circuits
• Perform continuity tests on circuits as shown on AC and DC Schematics, including panels and yard equipment
• Verify local/supervisory, recloser cut-off, and control switch configuration and ensure proper operation
• Verify lock-out-relay configuration and ensure proper operation
• Set/Program microprocessor Relays, RTUs, and other IEDs
• Configure and provide protocol-specific RTU point maps to the Control Center Applications and Technology (CCAT) staff as necessary
• Perform operational checks of protection schemes, including SCADA, sudden pressure, and pressure relief circuits as shown on DC schematics
• Interpret system phasor diagrams for internal and external line connections
• Interpret transformer connections and phase relationships
• Perform CT/PT Verifications and Load Checks using a phase angle meter
• Identify primary, secondary, dual primary, and backup relays
• Assist with and interpret End-to-End tests on PLC (Power Line Carrier) blocking schemes
• Assist with and interpret End-to-End tests on microwave or fiber POTT (Permissive Overreaching Transferred Trip), Line Current Differential, and DTT (Direct Transferred Trip) Schemes
• Perform RTU checkout at transmission facilities and verify all SCADA points, including Analog, Digital, Control, and Pulse Accumulators both locally and with EMS support personnel
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Protection & Control Technician Level 3

• Determine if Voltage readings are real, phantom, or floating 
• Determine when CTs are open and how to mitigate associated hazards
• Determine when Touch and Step Potential hazards are present
• Perform Switching to Re-energize Distribution and Transmission Substations
• Determine proper line and/or equipment grounding
• Perform DC Functional trip testing on protection schemes in power plants and EHV (Extra High Voltage) substations, including generating equipment and Breaker Failure
• Test, maintain and troubleshoot current and potential schemes and verify primary to secondary accuracy
• Replace retrofitted controls on relay panels
• Isolate and troubleshoot energized CT and PT circuits
• Install auxiliary CTs and PTs
• Test, maintain, and troubleshoot peripheral equipment (transceivers, converters, auxiliary relays, etc.) in relay panels. Repair or replace as needed
• Set, Test, and Calibrate electromechanical line relays (i.e. distance, impedance, and differential relays)
• Set, Test, and Calibrate microprocessor multi-function line and differential relays ¿ including SEL-421, 321, 311, 411, 487, 587Z, 787, etc.
• Set, Test, and Calibrate microprocessor multi-function generator relays ¿ including SEL-300, 387, 400, 700, and Beckwith 3420, 3425, 3425a, etc.
• Interpret differential operate, restraint, and phase compensation characteristics in bus and transformer microprocessor Relays
• Perform and Interpret End-to-End Tests on Power Line Carrier DCB (Directional Carrier Blocking) Schemes
• Perform and Interpret End-to-End Tests on Microwave or Fiber POTT (Permissive Over-reaching Transferred Trip), DTT (Direct Transferred Trip), and Line Current Differential Schemes
• Perform and Interpret High Current Tests for Bus Differential Schemes
• Validate and verify mapping to all IEDs and hard-wired equipment through SCADA to Member System and EMS
• Configure/Map RTUs and IEDs using various protocols
• Calibrate RTU reference points
• Determine scale factors required for master to RTU interface
• Determine communication parameters for IED to RTU interface
• Develop RTU and IED configurations
• Test, Monitor, and Troubleshoot RTUs using ASE Test Set
• Provide SCADA hardware and software support to Member Cooperatives as directed
• Implement changes and configure new communication channels to EMS/SCADA system front end processor
• Install, Set/Program, and Test Annunciators and DFRs (Digital Fault Recorders), including SEL-2505, 2411, RTAC, SAM, Tesla D400
• Analyze and interpret sequence of event reports from relays, RTUs, and DFRs following system disturbances
• Modify, create, update, maintain, verify documentation, including schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and testing spreadsheets
• Submit changes to schematics and wiring diagrams to engineering and/or drafting after field corrections are implemented in AC and DC circuit
• Assist with repairs based on department priority, as directed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Key Requirements       

Education and Certifications / Licenses:

• Associates or technical degree in electrical or a related area. An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute
• Must complete communications protocol courses within one (1) year

Experience:

• A minimum of four (4) years in related area such as electrical utility related work, with regard to construction, maintenance, metering, supervisory, and data acquisition systems preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Completes EKPC’s Substation/Line Switching Training Program
• Working knowledge of RTUs, and digital circuitry
• Working knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, fiber, cellular, and radio communications
• Experience with test meters, such as volt-meters, ammeters, phase angle meters, and communications protocol test equipment
• Familiar with EKPC policies and procedures
• Skilled in proper utilization of all associated tools
• Keeps accurate records of expense, work reports, and travel as required
• Ability to read and construct wiring diagrams and schematics
• Ability to communicate both orally and written
• Must be a self-starter and capable of working with minimal supervision while exercising good judgement regarding test procedure, equipment repair, and individual safety

Competencies 

• Safety Awareness
• Contributing to Team Success
• Decision Making
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills
• Building Customer Loyalty

Working Conditions

• Regularly works outside normal work schedule and must travel throughout EKPC system with some overnight stay
• Subject to 24-hour call-out and must carry a company provided cell phone after hours, weekends, and holidays
• Must live within thirty (30) minutes driving time of assigned service center
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license
• Often works alone and in all weather conditions
• Works in close proximity to high voltage conductors 
• Occasional lifting over 100 pounds
• Regular pushing/pulling of 100 pounds
• Must wear personal protective equipment as appropriate

About East Kentucky Power Cooperative

Located in the heart of the Bluegrass state, East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission (G&T) electric utility with headquarters in Winchester, KY which is just a short distance from Lexington. Our cooperative has a vital mission: to safely generate and deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable energy to our 16 owner-member cooperatives serving more than 1 million Kentuckians across 87 counties. We’re leaders in environmental stewardship and we’re committed to provide power to improve the lives of people in Kentucky. As passionate as we are about providing smart energy solutions, we are equally excited about people. We strive to cultivate connected workplaces where great ideas are born and rewarding careers are built. EKPC offers a wage and benefits package that ranks among the best in the state. There is no waiting period on our medical, dental and vision insurance plans so you are covered on day one, and the dental plan is free for employees. Our generous 401(k) retirement plan allows employees to start contributing to their plan after a month of service, and after 3 months of service, EKPC will automatically contribute 6.5% of... base wages AND match employee contributions up to 4.5%. Our competitive vacation and sick leave package starts day one to allow for flexibly and a healthy work-life balance. For more information on our plentiful benefits package visit our website at https://www.ekpc.coop/work-ekpc EKPC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: Women/Minorities/Veterans/Disabled

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Connections working at East Kentucky Power Cooperative