Economic Analyst - ESO

About us

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

The Strategic Network Development Team will provide independent strategic advice and recommendations to industry and government on how to develop key infrastructure needed to meet Net Zero targets in the form of high-impact publications centred around key constraints. This will include modelling the future energy landscape, undertake research and data analysis, and provide insights that meet the expectations of stakeholders and industry. These are expected to include GB’s first Strategic Spatial Energy Plan and the Centralised Strategic Network Plan, publications led by the FSO that will determine the optimal location for future energy infrastructure needed to meet Net Zero.

Energy Modelling Analysts will be responsible for carrying out the underlying scenario analysis on the interactions between networks of different energy vectors relevant to the constraint that is being assessed and delivering insights and hypotheses to support the move towards a low carbon energy network while keeping costs low for consumers.

This role will be based in Warwick. We continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. This is a full-time role, and we offer flexible working arrangements.

Job Purpose

As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.

Becoming the Future System Operator

In 2021, government and Ofgem jointly consulted on proposals for an expert, impartial Future System Operator (FSO) with responsibilities across both the electricity and gas systems, to drive progress towards net zero while maintaining energy security and minimising costs for consumers. In October 2023, the Energy Act 2023 was passed, legislating for this Future System Operator to be created.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new Future System Operator. We will be taking on additional roles across vectors and sectors to create an organisation with a whole energy system mindset; enabling us to identify solutions to our energy system that are more sustainable, secure, and affordable for all.

The FSO will be set up as a public corporation with operational independence from government – bringing parties together to support optimised decision making and action. As now, it will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements. It is anticipated that the new organisation will be up and running in 2024.

The time to act on climate change is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key Accountabilities

Reporting to the Strategic Modelling Manager, the Energy Modelling Analysts lead on the development of simulations and models for assigned energy vector (Gas / Electricity / Hydrogen) in response to a particular constraint or problem statement. These investigations provide insights for recommendations in how to resolve these issues and that contribute towards the FSO’s long-term growth towards an ‘integrated network plan’, and the role is expected to include:

• Leading on the delivery of underpinning network analysis for whole energy constraint analysis for the relevant vector - this includes but is not limited to defining hypotheses to be tested, modelling the associated impacts on electricity, gas or hydrogen networks, and working with other analysts to form a whole energy viewpoint
• Analysing and considering multiple options to resolve a particular issue, weighing up the costs and benefits of different interventions both economic and also taking into account criteria relating to social and community benefits and deliverability of particular interventions
• Based on the results of analysis developing insights that support the move towards integrated network plan(s) and communicating these to leadership in a clear way that can inform the direction of the FSO’s recommendations to industry .

• Adhering to the quality standards set for the FSO's network publications - including clear reporting of progress, risks and issues to leadership
• Supporting the Spatial Modelling Manager in developing new efficient modelling methods to drive evidence-based investment decision making under uncertain energy futures.
• Supporting the Spatial Modelling Manager in the collation and development of materials / reports that communicate the insights and analysis of energy studies and that can be used to share information with relevant internal and external stakeholders

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who, has:

• An understanding of the energy sector; knowledge of the structure, regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the industry across multiple vectors and how they interact
• Ability to translate data and analysis into value-adding insights, commentary and recommendations that inform decision making.
• Ability to interpret network modelling and visualisation software into insights (e.g. PLEXOS, Bid3).
• Expertise in network planning and design - including the ability to think holistically across energy vectors to bring together a whole energy systems approach.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £49,000 - £57,000 per annum – dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.
• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.
• Generous Total Rewards Plan – comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.

More Information

This role closes on 25th February 2024 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. As part of your application please include a covering letter setting out why you are interested in this role and what you feel you can bring to the role. Applications without a cover letter will be rejected.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential. #LI-EM1