JOB SUMMARY
This Gas Supply Operations position is responsible for maintaining and understanding projections of natural gas consumption and being able to explain the analytics that support the forecasts.  Having the ability to capture and maintain historical data and develop system load forecasts and other relevant summaries and projections of customer consumption, related costs, and comparisons to actual events for Southern Company Gas’ utilities is essential.  This position requires strong analytical, technical, and quantitative skills with the ability to query, analyze, and report data and utilize statistical forecasting models.  This role supports multiple business units including Gas Supply, Gas Control, Engineering, and Regulatory Affairs.  The role will be responsible for effectively developing and communicating with internal and external stakeholders about key gas supply operations initiatives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Functional Expertise:
• 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.
• Provides clear and concise communication around technical analytics.
•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.
•Prepares ad-hoc analysis as requested such as identifying peak send out days, coldest weather days, weather pattern scenarios and other various load and supply portfolio information.
•Effectively communicates and presents results of analysis.

Business Acumen:
•Effectively communicates analysis, assumptions, and results.
•Develops recommendations and documentation to support and coordinate business decisions.
•Analyzes load, weather, and billing unit data to help drive business decisions.  
•Confirms accuracy of analysis and data.
•Demonstrates experience in statistical modeling and a familiarity of the natural gas industry.

Engagement:
•Develops relationships with State regulators and related functional business teams.
•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 stakeholders (internal and external).
•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
•Gas Supply / Gas Operations experience

Preferred:
•MBA, EIT, PM certification or equivalent degree
•Previous regulatory experience 
•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 with gas supply, interstate pipeline capacity, and state/federal regulatory proceedings    
•Familiarity with statistical analysis and regression modeling
•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

Preferred:
•Knowledge of Southern Company Gas’ gas operations
•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:  regulatory engagement, data management systems and techniques, LNG assets, interstate pipeline assets, corporate budgeting and accounting/forecasting practices.

Gas Supply Operations Lead Analyst

•Required: 7+ 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. Leadership in state and Federal regulatory initiatives in the energy industry.

•Preferred:  Experience in using hydraulic modeling systems, Monte Carlo statistical simulations, and supply optimization models

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
•Office environment