Electricity Technical Lead

We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.

We are passionate about empowering our people, enabling them to make a positive impact on communities across Ireland. We are guided by a shared vision and purpose, grounded in values that define who we are and shape how we work, where we deliver for customers and communities, we work better together, we do the right thing, we aim high, and we keep each other safe. Our behaviours define how we interact, communicate, and succeed together. These values and behaviours apply to each one of us, across every role, location, and level.

Our goal is to attract and develop skilled and talented people from diverse backgrounds, who bring a dynamic range of expertise and insights to our work. With a strong, values-driven workforce, we ensure Uisce Éireann can continue advancing Ireland’s water services and meeting the needs of the communities we serve for generations to come.

The Role

The Asset Operations function forms the cornerstone of service delivery to customers, protecting the environment and meeting regulatory standards as well as managing the majority of operational expenditure. The Asset Operations function has responsibility for operational and maintenance strategy, policies, planning and standard operating procedures for Water and Wastewater operations both nationally and regionally, ensuring that value for money and customer service is delivered.

The Operations Support Team has responsibility for providing and managing effective business infrastructure and processes at a national level to support operational activities at site level.

Reporting to the Energy Monitoring Manager, the Electricity Technical Lead will act as the single point of contact for the electricity suppliers and ESB Networks in Uisce Éireann. The Electricity Technical Lead will be responsible for coordinating queries as well as issue management relating to electricity invoices across the business. The Electricity Technical Lead will be required to drive cost savings through active management of electricity invoices.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the MPRN database - updating with changes including new connections, disconnections, MIC changes, etc.
• Respond to queries from across Uisce Éireann in relation to MPRN numbers, site addresses and MIC levels etc.
• Manage supplier accounts/relationships (from an operational perspective) – attending monthly operation meetings with suppliers to review and resolve any issues
• Liaise with electricity suppliers on behalf of Assets and O&M to authorise and coordinate new connections, reconnections and disconnections of electricity meters
• Ensure the correct tariff is applied to new connections and reviewed and review tariffs on an annual basis
• Act as the single point of contact for ESB Networks in Uisce Éireann for all MPRNs
• Coordinate Uisce Eireann’s response to queries received from ESB Networks, e.g. arranging meter access
• Review invoices (monthly) to identify unnecessary MIC and Power Factor fees
• Engage with Assets/O&M to assess possible changes and implement approved changes with ESB Networks
• Manage Demand Side Units (DSU) scheme and engage with DSU provider
• Conduct feasibility study to identify suitable sites and quantify business case and coordinate with Assets/O&M in the rollout of the DSU scheme
• Receive and review all invoices and consumption data – perform first pass screening to check data is correct
• Consolidate and format data from all suppliers - raising queries with suppliers as required
• Issue invoices to Shared Services for processing and consumption data for the Energy Management System
• Receipt electricity invoices after a first screen
• Review invoices second screen and coordinate the approval of invoices by O&M – prepare monthly reports for all MPRNs including financial and consumption data
• Review invoices third screen and check the tariffs and rates by MPRN to ensure no error
• Consolidate queries from all stakeholders for resolution with the supplier(s)
• Receive reports and recommendations from appointed broker/advisor - arrange weekly meetings to present recommendations as well as current Uisce Éireann positions and feedback accordingly
• Execute decisions to fix/unfix Uisce Éireann’s electricity requirements as appropriate
• Prepare reports and analysis as required
• Performance management of the contracts
• Review incoming bills where flagged and liaise with O&M/Assets for review
• Conduct forensic bill analysis for exception invoices
• Analyse data received and identify areas for efficiencies
• Communicate energy performance to the business
• Share data with asset owners to reflect on inconsistency/issues
• Coordinate the transfer of electricity accounts from Local Authorities to Uisce Éireann
• Coordinate ESB Networks applications for O&M in respect of existing and new connections
• Other duties as required from time to time
• General Duties and Responsibilities
• Collaborate with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business.
• Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards.
• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives.
• Other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Relevant third level degree qualification (e.g. Engineering (M&E), Business Information Systems) or equivalent experience

Minimum 5 years post qualification experience in a similar electricity/account management role in a Local Authority, utility, or regulated industry, ideally in water/wastewater sector

Commercial and technical knowledge of electricity account management is essential

We do the right thing - understanding of industry standards and corporate governance requirements

Proven track record of being a motivated and driven team player

Ability to operate efficiently in tense and stressful situations

Demonstrate a reasonable level of self-sufficiency, combined with an awareness of the boundaries of own competence/authority

Deal confidently and professionally with colleagues and clients on a day-to-day basis

Responsive with the ability to learn quickly

Excellent relationship and client handling skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

We work better together - ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders internally and externally

Proven track record with dealing with complex issues, proactively and in a timely fashion along with the ability to communicate information to others

We aim high - highly motivated individual, working to the highest professional standards and with proven ability to deliver results within a team.

Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and analyse problems and potential improvements, and propose and implement solutions

Demonstrate adaptability and the ability to change focus and direction in line with business strategy and requirements

Proactively identifying new areas of improvement and using newly gained knowledge and skill on the job

*Successful external candidates will be offered a salary within the advertised range based on an assessment of their relevant skills, qualifications, experience and readiness to undertake the responsibilities of the role.

Internal candidates will be considered in line with the application of Uisce Éireann's Pay Model and associated pay policies.

The salary range is designed to recognise that successful candidates may join the organisation at different stages in their career, while also providing scope for future salary progression as capability and experience develop.

Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.