Computer systems analyst Jobs in Aurora, IL

Gas Supply Operations Position

This Gas Supply Operations position is responsible for forecasting system load, identifying supply requirements, and maintaining pipeline service portfolios for each of Southern Company Gas' utilities. The analyst is responsible for capturing and maintaining historical data and developing system load forecasts and other relevant summaries and projections of customer consumption, related costs, and comparisons to actual events. This position requires strong analytical, technical, and quantitative skills with the ability to query, analyze, report, and present data and 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 data for analysis.
• Develops statistical modeling philosophies and establishes criteria for load forecasting.
• 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.
• Tracks and maintains pipeline and supply portfolio details.
• Prepares plans that identify pipeline capacity and supply requirements.
• 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 data to help drive business decisions.
• Confirms accuracy of analysis and data.
• Effectively communicates analysis, assumptions, and results.
• 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.
• 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 understanding 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

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

• Required: Ability to handle multiple projects with changing priorities Ability to work independently while keeping management informed Strong data analysis skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications Strong organizational skills detail oriented Strong oral and written communication skills Familiarity with statistical analysis and regression modeling Natural gas industry experience
• Preferred: Knowledge of Southern Company Gas' gas operations Natural gas industry experience specifically related to gas supply, interstate pipeline capacity, and state/federal regulatory proceedings Forecast modeling experience Experience with statistical package software Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models

Related Work Experience:

• Gas Supply Operations Analyst I Preferred: 1+ years experience in demand forecasting or customer behavior analysis; 1+ years experience in the natural gas industry.
• Gas Supply Operations Analyst II Required: 1+ years experience in demand forecasting or customer behavior analysis. Preferred: 3+ years experience in demand forecasting or customer behavior analysis; 2+ years experience in the natural gas industry.
• Gas Supply Operations Senior Analyst 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