REAP is looking for a qualified research assistant to help with electric grid reform.
RESEARCHER WANTED
Purpose: REAP is seeking researchers with an interest in clean energy and an expertise and/or experience in electric grid management, planning or financing to assist REAP with research that supports public comments to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) in a rulemaking proceeding to implement SB 123, state legislation to create an electric reliability organization (ERO) for Alaska’s largest electric grid.
Background: REAP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2004 as Alaska’s first and only renewable energy and energy efficiency education and advocacy group. REAP educates the public about energy, from teaching elementary students about the source of their electricity to hosting public events and forums. REAP has also successfully advocated for state programs and policy that encourage clean energy development in Alaska.
The state’s largest electric grid, called the “Railbelt”, stretches 600 miles from the Kenai peninsula through Anchorage to Fairbanks. The area is home to roughly 75% of the state’s population. There are six independent utilities operating separately on the grid, with no regional rules or standards that encourage renewable energy development. On March 20, 2020 the Alaska Legislature passed legislation (SB123) to ensure that an ERO for the Railbelt region will be created. The new ERO will establish and oversee region-wide reliability standards as well as non-discriminatory interconnection standards that will make it easier for independent power producers to access the transmission system. The ERO will also oversee a public, Integrated Resource Planning process to determine what new generation and transmission assets are needed for the future.
There are currently two simultaneous processes playing out in relation to this legislation. The first is a voluntary effort by a group of 12 stakeholders, including all six Railbelt utilities and REAP, to create an organization that will apply under the legislation in October 2021 to become the ERO.
The second process is the RCA rulemaking process to establish the rules to implement SB 123. The RCA has divided its rulemaking into three separate dockets. The first docket (R-20-001) is currently underway and relates to the governance structure of the ERO. It is expected to be finalized by early fall 2020. The second docket (R-20-002) will begin near the beginning of September 2020 and will promulgate regulations for Integrated Resource Planning and for large project pre-approval by the RCA. The third docket (R-20-003) is expected to begin in January. It will create rules for the ERO’s tariff, including non-discriminatory open access interconnection standards. As per SB 123, all ERO regulations must be final no later than July 1, 2021.
Scope of Work: REAP seeks the assistance of an experienced researcher with knowledge of electric power grids, which may include planning, financing and integration of renewable energy resources. The researcher will examine issues related to the second and third dockets referenced above and provide information to REAP to guide it in submitting public comments to the RCA. While it is important to recognize the uniqueness of Alaska’s Railbelt electric grid, REAP is interested in what regulations have worked in other parts of the country, and how those successes can and should be applied in Alaska.
Specific areas of research could include: Integrated Resource Planning, reliability standards, tariff structures, transmission cost recovery mechanisms, project pre-approval requirements, the value of ancillary grid services and grid integration of variable renewable resources like wind and solar.
The researcher will work remotely under the direction of REAP Executive Director, Chris Rose (chris@realaska.org) and REAP Operations Director, Greg Stiegel (gstiegel@realaska.org). Depending on availability and experience, the time commitment may range from 5-15 hours per week. Eligible candidates may qualify for a stipend or an hourly wage.
How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume, a cover letter outlining their experience, interest and qualifications and three professional references to Greg Stiegel at gstiegel@realaska.org by September 1, 2020. For questions, or for more information, please call Chris Rose at 907-232-0908.