JOB SUMMARY
This Gas Supply Operations position is responsible for developing system load forecasts of Southern Company Gas’ utilities. This position requires strong analytical, technical, and quantitative skills with the ability to utilize statistical forecasting models. This role supports multiple business units including Gas Supply, Gas Control, Engineering, and Regulatory Affairs.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Functional Expertise:
•Acquires historical load, temperature, and billing unit (customer) data for analysis.
•Utilizes statistical models to analyze data and develop load forecasts.
•Develops design day load forecasts and load duration curves.
•Develops monthly, seasonal, and annual forecasts of daily system load.
•Develops statistical modeling philosophies and establishes criteria for load forecasting.
•Evaluates capacity asset and gas supply alternative costs and risks.
•Provides support in various multi-state and federal (FERC) regulatory proceedings including preparing data request responses, reviewing testimony, and analyzing interstate pipeline rate and tariff filing impacts.
•Prepares ad-hoc analysis as requested such as identifying peak sendout days, coldest weather days, weather pattern scenarios and other various load and supply portfolio information.
•Effectively communicates and presents results of analysis.
Business Acumen:
•Analyzes load, weather, and billing unit (customer) data to help drive business decisions.
•Confirms accuracy of analysis and data.
•Effectively communicates analysis, assumptions, results and recommendations.
•Demonstrates experience in statistical modeling and a familiarity of the natural gas industry.
•Develops recommendations and documentation to support and coordinate business decisions.
Engagement:
•Fosters relationships with managers, peers, external business partners and is a team player.
•Collaborates with other departments to coordinate and complete analysis.
•Communicates complex topics with all levels of business partners.
•Influences business decisions by sharing analyses.
Driving Results:
•Tests forecasting accuracy by comparing actual load data to forecasting model results.
•Identifies forecasting model adjustments and recommends process improvements.
•Recommends operational and capacity options that provide best cost to utility customers.
•Maintains process documentation and accurate data records.
•Enables the growth and development of junior team members.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Certifications/Licenses:
Required:
•Bachelor’s Degree in statistics, economics, finance/accounting, engineering, or a related discipline/field of study
Preferred:
•MBA, EIT, PM certification or equivalent degree
•Previous forecasting experience
•Familiarity with machine learning, neural networks, and/or stochastic models
•Demonstrated experience in building predictive models using multiple modeling methods in R, Python, or SAS
•Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models
Specific Skills & Knowledge:
Required:
•Natural gas industry experience
•Ability to handle multiple projects with dynamic priorities
•Ability to work independently while keeping management informed
•Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications
•Familiarity with statistical analysis and regression modeling
Preferred:
•Knowledge of Southern Company Gas’ gas operations
•Natural gas industry experience with gas supply, interstate pipeline capacity, and state/federal regulatory proceedings
•Forecast modeling experience
•Experience with statistical package software
Related Work Experience:
Job level determined by level of skills, work experience as described below, and familiarity of Gas Supply Operations existing procedures relating to: data management systems and techniques, LNG assets, interstate pipeline assets, corporate budgeting and accounting/forecasting practices.
Gas Supply Operations Analyst II
• Required: 5+ years experience in the natural gas or electric energy industry with a strong background in load forecasting and/or capacity planning. Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members.
• Preferred: Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models. Ability to provide guidance and leadership to junior team members.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
• Office environment
