Director Governmental & Regulatory Affairs - Walnut Creek

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Lead the development of wholesale market design policy within Calpine and represent Calpine before FERC, the California ISO and other western regulatory agencies, as needed. Communicate pending changes to internal clients consistently and clearly. Lead or contribute to strategic, cross-functional planning efforts to maximize the value of Calpine's assets in western markets. Assist asset development efforts by facilitating understanding of interconnection, transmission, and tariff requirements. Assist in compliance with federal wholesale energy regulations, business practices and tariff requirements. Maintain and enhance Calpine's reputation, alliances, and relationships in the West.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Development - Develop and act upon policy positions in wholesale market regulatory arenas. Participate in workshops and stakeholder meetings, build internal and external consensus on comments, then outline or draft pleadings and strategic interventions. Work with internal and outside counsel as needed to maximize the effectiveness of interventions. Provide testimony and participate as needed in regulatory proceedings.

External Engagement - Build executive-level and strategic relationships with key market operators (including, but not limited to the CAISO), regulators, load-serving entities, and other stakeholders. Work tirelessly to maintain and build upon Calpine's reputation as positive, productive, and credible voice on policy matters.

Internal Engagement - Demonstrate a deep interest in how to position Calpine for success given an ever-evolving market. Act as a technical expert on tariff, business practice and procedural matters. Provide advice and guidance in matters where compliance interpretation is required. Participate or lead evaluation of risks associated with and procedures for managing compliance inquiries, investigations or enforcement matters. Exhibit the potential to be a true thought partner and leader with the commercial folks (origination, development, and desk.) Ensure that commercial, origination and development staff members have the resources necessary to understand current and pending changes to market rules.

Key Traits and Knowledge Areas:

• Deep and broad expert knowledge of western markets
• Deep understanding of power generation and regulatory economics.
• Working knowledge of price formation principles including locational marginal pricing.
• Functional knowledge of electric transmission modeling, analysis and policy.
• Demonstrated reputation of integrity among a wide spectrum of stakeholders
• Possesses and demonstrates intellectual curiosity and uncommon initiative.
• Comfortable acting independently with little specific guidance or direction.
• Uses independent judgement in situations where there is minimal precedent.
• Can critically evaluate policy alternatives and direct analysis to support conclusions.
• Continuously focused on long-term benefits, even if short-term gains are available.
• Understands and can exhibit a culture of compliance.
• Comfortable and confident in communications with executives, decision makers and regulators.
• Ability to translate highly technical matters into digestible advocacy.
• Knowledge or experience in contracting, origination or commercial negotiations.
• Willing to acknowledge limitations and aggressively seek help or expertise as needed.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, finance, engineering, or related field. Master's degree or JD is highly desirable.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in electric power industry generally, and regulatory advocacy specifically. Diversity of background, expertise and direct experience with the CAISO are highly desirable.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities, prioritize advocacy and communicate positions is essential.

Salary Range - $186,701.00 to $238,043.00

Additional Calpine Information

• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

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