Balancing Authority Operator In-Training - Minneapolis, MN

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy. 

Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.

 

 

We anticipate the need for one or more Balancing Authority Operator In-Training at our Marshall Operations Center in Minneapolis, MN.  The rate of pay for this job classification is $57.92 per hour.  This position will be posted for 5 Working Days from September 24, 2026, to September 30, 2026.

Position Summary
The Balancing Authority Operator position is responsible for the real-time monitoring and operation of Xcel Energy's Balancing Authority Area/Local Balancing Authority Area. Monitor the Xcel Balancing Authority Area and take independent actions to ensure the security and reliability is consistent with NERC and RRO requirements. Ensure the accuracy of Energy Management System data relating to Balancing Authority Area interchange, load, and generation; and Transmission service schedules; and interconnected tie lines. The Balancing Authority Operator has the independent authority to perform necessary actions to maintain reliability, including emergency generation replacement, unscheduled load relief, firm load shedding, and black-start recovery.

Essential Responsibilities

• Monitor the Xcel Balancing Authority Area and take necessary steps to ensure the security and reliability of the Balancing Authority Area consistent with NERC requirements. Ensure Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area operation parameters are within internal operating guidelines, NERC and RRO standards, and when applicable, RTO guidelines. Ensure adequate energy supply for the Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area by managing spinning and operating reserves, balancing generation to load, planning to meet load forecasts, and through generation commitments. Take appropriate steps to ensure replacement of lost resources due to generation unit trips.
• Ensure the accuracy of Energy Management System data relating to Balancing Authority Area interchange, load, and generation; and Transmission service schedules; and interconnected tie lines. Implement Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area and Transmission Provider energy tagging function. Implement Xcel Energy Balancing Authority Area scheduling system and provide appropriate interface with the RTO when required. Perform nightly checkout with the adjacent Balancing Authority Area for Actual and Scheduled Interchange, as well as with the RTO as appropriate. Perform nightly checkout for transmission Energy Accounting.
• Implement Emergency Procedures including, but not limited to, emergency generation replacement, unscheduled flow relief, emergency firm load shedding and black-start recovery. Order Balancing Authority Area generation on-line or order re-dispatch as necessary to maintain Balancing Authority Area security. Work with Network or other customers to ensure proper implementation of peak day interruptible loads. Work with the Transmission System Operator and Xcel Energy generating plants in system restoration.
• Maintain close communications with Generator Operators to ensure safety, reliability and regulatory compliance with respect to transmission operations. Jointly develop, review and approve plans to return the Balancing Authority Area to recognized system parameters.
• Monitor transmission system conditions using available tools, such as the Energy Management System, Energy Accounting System, and other data systems. Communicate system status to the Reliability Coordinator, affected electric transmission systems and Balancing Authority Areas, and Xcel Energy management. Work with network customers to ensure generation and scheduling needs are met. Write and maintain a chronological log of Balancing Authority Area events including, but not limited to, transmission service curtailments and requests for emergency energy.
• Monitor proper tagging of OASIS transmission service requests for Xcel Energy and all other relevant tariffs. Back-up the Transmission System Operator and the Network Reliability Leader (NRL) relating to transmission service requests and help resolve transmission service request problems.
• Maintain thorough knowledge and understanding of Balancing Authority Area operation, including but not limited to new operating practices, NERC compliance issues, Xcel Energy and regional tariffs, FERC, RRO and RTO requirements. Participate in annual training plans designed to enhance expertise and assist other team members in expanding overall knowledge. Maintain NERC Certification through completion of required training is a condition of continued employment. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of certificate program in Electric Power Technology or equivalent program preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years utility operations experience in electric distribution, transmission or power generation OR 3 years' experience working with high-voltage auxiliary electrical systems, instrumentation & control or relay systems in manufacturing, refinery or chemical plant environment.
• Successful completion of Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator / Power Dispatching (SOPD) screening test is required.
• NERC certification required or ability to successfully obtain the NERC Certification that is applicable for Balancing Authority Area operation within 6 months of position start date.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete the initial qualifications as defined in the training program for the Balancing Authority Operator position. Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and appropriately in a real-time, stressful environment.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize job tasks. Strong communication skills required. Knowledge of or ability to learn Xcel Energy, NERC, and FERC requirements. This position requires working rotating shifts.

Employees in this job classification are represented by IBEW Local 160.  Terms and conditions of employment will be subject to collective bargaining

 

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.

Our Values

Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe

Our Employee Commitments

• Work that makes a difference
• A team you can count of
• Opportunities to grow
• Rewards that help you thrive

 

Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. 

Bargaining

 

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $57.92 per hour

 

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

 

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation.  You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

 

Deadline to Apply: 09/30/26

 

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Accessibility Statement

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.