Long-Term Planning & Load Forecasting Specialist

Job Title: Long-term Planning & Load Forecasting Specialist

Department: Commercial & Asset Operations

Location: Amarillo, TX; in-office

Employment Type: Full Time; Exempt

About Us

Golden Spread Electric Cooperative, Inc. generates electricity for the purpose of delivering cost-effective and reliable power to our 16 Member Distribution Cooperatives. As a cooperative, we are not-for-profit and provide services exclusively for our Members. Our team values integrity, respect, cooperation, and service.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detailed and motivated Long-term Planning & Load Forecasting Specialist to join our team. This role is ideal for an analytical and strategic-thinking professional. This role will partner with internal teams, external vendors, and our Member Cooperatives to ensure accurate forecasts, maintain regulatory compliance, and develop strategic resource planning recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in discussions with generation developers and maintain related data and contacts.
• Coordinate and oversee Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) work performed by ACES.
• Manage IRP submissions and deliverables with regulatory agencies and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary GSEC contact for Member load forecast development and questions.
• Collect, monitor, and validate data and assumptions used in the long‑term load forecasts.
• Evaluate forecast outputs from ACES for accuracy and alignment with approved inputs.
• Analyze forecast variances, identify causes, and communicate findings to leadership and Member cooperatives.
• Maintain clear documentation of load forecasting methods, assumptions, and results.
• Prepare load forecast submissions for SPP, ERCOT, and internal planning needs.
• Understand and support load class‑level econometric models that use weather, economic, demographic, and judgment‑based inputs.
• Ensure load forecasting meets quality standards for accuracy and timely updates and implementation.
• Support ACES in developing the 8760 load forecast for resource planning and production cost models.
• Support ACES in developing annual demand and energy forecasts for each Member cooperative, GSEC’s total load and demand, and GSEC’s obligations within Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
• Present forecast information in written, graphical, and verbal formats to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support ACES in creating delivery point load forecasts for market, operations, and transmission planning requirements.
• Respond to audit, regulatory, and stakeholder data requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, finance, engineering or related field, with coursework in econometrics or statistics required.
• Master’s degree preferred. 2+ years’ experience in load forecasting or 4-6 years’ energy market operations experience may substitute.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in load forecasting, economic analysis, power resource planning, statistical analysis, or a related field.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop solutions to complex problems and obtain buy-in order to support business decisions.
• Experience in the electric utility industry.
• Knowledge of resource planning, production cost modeling, Market Operations, and financial budget forecasting.

What We Offer

Schedule Options

Traditional Schedule: M-F, 8am-5pm; or

Flex Schedule: M-TH, 7:30am-5:30pm, F, 7:30am-11:30am

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k with employer match and retirement pension.
• Accrued PTO plus 9 paid holidays.
• Wellness program.
• Employee assistance resources.

…and much more!

Company Culture

Our culture is built on collaboration, connections, and a strong commitment to service. We take pride in supporting our Members and their rural communities. We want every employee to understand the meaningful impact of their work for our Members. We invest in our team through ongoing learning, training, and professional growth. We value work-life balance and support strong family values.