Phillip Cosner
Oregon City,OR
Summary
Experienced Electric Utility Manager of Field Operations with a strong background in Transmission & Distribution Systems Operations. Demonstrated expertise in overhead and underground electrical line distribution and transmission systems, ensuring compliance with design standards and safe operation. Skilled in utilizing multiple SCADA operational control systems, system relay controls, and Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Outage Management Systems. Exceptional attention to detail as a listener and communicator, effectively conveying information both orally and in writing. Extensive knowledge of OSHA safety rules and safe work practices, with the ability to ask the right questions to establish mutual understanding. Proficient in high voltage equipment terminology and experienced in problem-solving and leading team collaboration during challenging situations.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager Field Operations
Portland General Electric
08.2023 - Current
- Responsible for managing the energy transmission and distribution strategy and operations field personnel to ensure safe, reliable, stable, and economic power delivery systems
- Plans, manages, schedules, and operates the transmission, substation, distribution, and metering functions to meet customer needs for power through crew coordination, grid operations, interconnection services, utility and strategic asset management and field management
- Provides oversight to field transmission and distribution employees in safely installing, maintaining, and repairing the power delivery system
- Adapts departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges
- Ensures daily management of the team, ensuring that all relevant goals, standards/procedures are followed
- Timely resolves scheduling conflicts and directs overall work to ensure timely and efficient execution
- Plans and structures work in a way that aligns to union contracts and agreements
- Implements emergency action plans related to storms, wildfires, or other emerging work
- Develops and maintains procedures for effective line operation and for operating equipment in emergency situations
Substation Operator Trainee
Bonneville Power Administration/Department of Energy
04.2023 - 08.2023
- Responsible for successful progression of the formal Substation Operator Trainee program to Journeyman level Substation Operator
- Inspect, operate and maintain substations and various transmission, distribution and energy storage apparatus consistent with DOE policies and safety regulations
- Inspects, maintains and operates substation equipment thru 500kV to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the power grid
- Under supervision of a Journeyman, operates high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines
- Studies to gain knowledge of the various BPA work processes, high voltage power system equipment, associated protective relays, and proficiency in the use of proper terminology
- Perform switching under the direct on-site supervision and guidance of a Chief Substation Operator or Journeyman Substation Operator
- Continually observes the functioning of equipment in substations, principally as revealed by various meters and gauges
- Observes instruments for unusual operating conditions and performs operations to restore equipment to normal or remove it from service as required
- Responsible for event reporting, logs and performing other reports as required
Manager Field Operations
Portland General Electric
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Same duties and responsibilities as in current role with Portland General Electric.
Utility System Operator
Consumers Power
05.2015 - 02.2022
- Responsible for monitoring and operational control of the Cooperative’s distribution and transmission system
- Directed line personnel through routine operations and emergencies such as transformer failures, transmission and distribution line outages
- Initiated and executed corrective actions to restore system operations outside of defined parameters to normal while ensuring the safe and reliable power delivery to members of the Cooperative
- Supervised line personnel assigned to Dispatch during regular working hours
- Planned, managed and scheduled routine work assignments and connects, field switching operations and system trouble
- Supervised line personnel called after regular working hours and directed Peak Internet Call Agents in after-hours Support while serving as Duty Supervisor
- Created and managed line personnel and Duty Supervisor after-hours call out schedules
- Led System Operators team in complex problem-solving using tools and resources available to implement solutions or corrective actions to potential problems while directly reducing costs, including callouts
- Improved Electric Distribution Reliability Indices (CAIDI, SAIFI, SAIDI) by simply applying available tools to target areas needed for system improvement
- Defined and set expectations with line personnel to ensure successful and timely completion of work while ensuring all safety standards and procedures were followed
- Timely resolved any safety issues identified by line personnel or Dispatch
- Accountable for the performance in meeting personal goals and results of the team
- Embraced open team dialogue and the advantage of constructive criticism
- Proactively participated in company safety programs, including serving appointments to Lineworker Apprenticeship Committee
- Created and employed applications with code automation to improve efficiencies in ensuring timely work scheduling and coordination
- Designed and implemented workflow adjustments to remote Dispatching during the Pandemic
- Tracked conditions that impacted system and customer needs, including weather and system loads, while taking actions needed to meet anticipated demands
- Calculated loads and determined equipment capacities to prevent overload or undervoltage conditions
- Coordinated with engineers for system load studies, system coordination issues and requests for system upgrades where needed
- Collectively distributed power flows between Bonneville Power Administration Points of Delivery’s (PODs) and Central Lincoln PUD interconnections to facilitate routine work and response to system emergencies
- Appointed SCADA Instructor
- Created and ensured the accuracy of SCADA Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs)
- Prepared and executed switching orders to isolate and redirect power flows thru 115kV
- Issued and released system HOLDs, Hot Line Orders and System Clearances
- Created and maintained detailed logs of routine and unplanned events, including system voltage excursions, substation transformer protection relay alarms, etc
- Updated system maps and live electronic system model in keeping track of circuit status
- Worked jointly with substation and apparatus personnel in commissioning and recertification of remotely controlled devices, including substation circuit switchers, station and field breakers, switches, etc
- Interrogated substation relays, automated fault reporting devices and AMI meter data for complex problem solving and support to line personnel
- Wildfire Mitigation and System Control team initiative
- Lead role as subject expert in cross training employees and formed strong working relationships across other CPI departments
- Assisted Director of Electric Operations with triggering Storm Mode Protocol and requisition of outside resources during emergency action plan and disaster recovery
System Operations Supervisor
UNITED POWER
11.2014 - 05.2015
- Operations Supervisor responsible for the development, training, supervision and coordination of all System Operators and Dispatch functions to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity during routine operations and immediate response during system disturbances to restore the power grid to safe operating conditions
- Shaped Dispatch work practices that fostered line crew confidence in safe work environment with remotely controlled substation and field automation equipment and systems
- Ensured that outages and other system events are analyzed, monitored and responded to by the System Operators executing approved procedures and operation of SCADA, Outage Management (OMS) and AMI software systems
- Ensured switching orders were created and executed according to approved procedures and applicable safe operating requirements
- Established benchmark requirements and monitoring mechanisms to measure Dispatch and Utility system performance against operational goals and identified current or potential issues, trends and areas needed for improvement
- Took lead role in the development and alignment of departmental goals and implementation of short- and long-range plans, policies and procedures to guide Dispatch operations, ensuring consistency and standardization across newly developed system operations team
- Created, modified, and communicated work schedules for all System Operators
- Reported to work for outages or unexpected staffing issues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Certified all electric system operations data is updated and maintained accurately, including real-time status of the configuration of the system, outage status, and other processes that are required for efficient operations
- Ensured accuracy of ArcGIS map system information by making sure corrections/changes based on switch orders, feed flows and information from crews and troubleshooters are incorporated into mapping
- Reviewed outage reports created in the Outage Management System (OMS) for accuracy in CAIDI, SAIDI, and SAIFI reporting
- Competently responded to request for information from internal and external customers, including the Cooperative’s generation provider
- Acknowledged for setting and encouraging higher standards of excellence and accountability in a professional work environment while promoting individual and team growth
Systems Operations Technician
UNITED POWER
01.2014 - 11.2014
- Responsible for monitoring, operating and ensuring safe and reliable operations of the Cooperative’s electrical system from the Dispatch Center during the transition from Clerks serving the role of Dispatch function to the newly hired team of System Operators
- Reliably serving shift work schedules, extended overtime hours as needed and being available for after-hours emergency response, 24/7/365
- Issued and released system Hot Line Orders and Clearances
- Drafted and executed switching orders for safe and effective switching operations while ensuring personnel safety and system integrity during both routine and emergency events
- Developed processes and procedures to reform and standardize Dispatch functions
- Interpreted electrical diagrams, one-lines, and system-wide electrical maps
- Participated in pilot programs to identify areas needed for improvement before new program deployment
- Worked closely with Electronic Technicians in commissioning newly deployed transmission and distribution automation system equipment
Supervisory Electric Systems Operator
FORT COLLINS UTILITIES
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Electric Systems Operator and Supervisor responsible for monitoring, operating and directing safe and reliable operations of the municipals’ electrical system from the Supervisory Control Operations Center (SCO)
- Supervised and contributed collectively to the team responsible for ensuring reliable system operations during routine and unplanned system events, including equipment failures and outages
- Issued and received Hot Line and interconnected system clearances for needed points of protection
- Interpreted current load data and planned switching operations to redirect power flows to prevent overloading system infrastructure or following the directive of Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) during unexpected loss of area generation resources (Black Start)
- Maintained SCADA systems logs and file history, documents daily activities, generated reports for outages, documented system disturbances and alarms activities using spreadsheets, word processing and databases
- Effectively executed peak demand load management program and strived for continued improvements in efficient operations and cost-savings for the Utility
- Developed department budgets and approved monthly power purchases from bulk transmission supplier in excess of 6M/month
- Worked to meticulously create and maintain the accuracy of the City’s electrical mapping system to reflect current system configuration and circuit status
- Participated in Emergency Preparedness Staff Meetings to identify areas for improvement and work collaboratively to develop contingency plans for unexpected events and disasters
- Maintained and updated SCO Emergency Response Flow Chart, Operations Contacts Files, Mapping Legend and Outside Duty Book
- Requisitioned resources and materials request to ensure continued efficient operations, including departmental annual budget
- Managed staffing for planned work after-hours, keeping accurate records of personnel overtime to ensure appropriate usage and fair distribution of overtime
- Assumed lead roles and responsibilities in both drill and Realtime Incident Command & EOC
- Contributed in Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC) sponsored System Restoration simulation drills from Blackstart Resources
Power Plant Operator Intern
PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY
09.2007 - 12.2007
- Followed the agenda of the Bismarck State College Plant Operator Internship Program
- Duties included job shadowing plant operators in support of the Rawhide Energy Generating Station
- Repaired, maintained or cleaned equipment using appropriate hand tools
- Performed rounds, logging gauges, dials or other indicators readings to ensure equipment and machinery was operating properly
- Performed Lockout and Tagout (LOTO) procedures to remove equipment from service for maintenance or replacement
Serviceman A, Temp Lead Lineman (JOURNEYMAN), Inspector
Allegheny Power
01.1997 - 01.2005
- First responder to unplanned events including outages caused by equipment failures vehicle accidents, animals, etc
- Resulting in distribution and transmission line section outages
- Installed and connected new services
- Completed maintenance inspection programs
- Assigned requests for design and inspection of new customer connects prior to line crew scheduling
- Substation switching up to 230kV to redirect power flows and isolate high voltage switchyard equipment and high voltage transmission line sections as directed per System Operations (G&T)
- Substation inspections to ensure operability or detect defects, resetting substation protective relay targets, logs and reports, with communications back to System Operations (G&T)
- Worked together with Meter Technicians in field services maintaining or connecting new CT metering installations and meter exchange programs
- Ensured efficient workflow by acting independently in scheduling work and managing resources to ensure timely response to a variety of responsibilities, with little need for intervention from management
- Reliably served long hours as needed and available for after-hours emergency response, 24/7/365, during day or night and all-weather conditions
Lineman A, B, C, Temp Lead Lineman/Serviceman A (JOURNEYMAN)
Allegheny Power
01.1992 - 01.1997
- Successfully completed comprehensive company sponsored training at each level of promotion (Lineman A, B, C) to meet all company and OSHA qualification requirements including on-job training to be certified as Lineman A/Journeyman Class
- Served independently, as Lead Lineman on aerial bucket and digger derrick line crews performing both overhead and underground construction and maintenance
- Worked with substation electricians in a variety of substation maintenance tasks, installing or removing high voltage switchyard equipment while maintaining existing and new station construction
- Acquired skills and knowledge in electrical theory National Electric Safety Code (NESC) and National Electric Code (NEC) and OSHA safety procedures, including equi-potential grounding and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Achieved high performance ratings in all professional development assessments
- As Lead Lineman, demonstrated expertise and capability to take ownership of assignments, and to lead and motivate line personnel toward a successful outcome while following all safety rules
- Handled weights and physical demands of Lineworkers in all types of outdoor conditions and terrains
- No motor vehicle accidents, moving violations, or lost workdays due to workplace injury
Education
Transmission Systems Technology -
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, NDApplied Science (A.A.S.) - Power Plant Technology
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND01.2007
Bachelors of Science (B.S.) - Psychology (Coursework Toward), Education
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD01.1989
Computer Sciences -
Garrett Community College
McHenry, MD01.1984
Skills
- Extensive knowledge in overhead and underground electrical line substation, transmission and distribution systems
- Knowledge of safe work practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment used in the transmission and distribution of electrical power
- Professional ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy with both customers and co-workers
- Ability to contribute as team member or make independent decisions in routine or stressful situations
Community Affiliations
Soup Kitchen Volunteer, Rescue Mission, Fort Collins, CO, 01/01/06, 12/31/09, Volunteered weekly to help serve those in need., Interacted with a diverse range of volunteers and soup kitchen beneficiaries.
Professional Certifications
- SCE Resilient Grid IX, Mass Scale Incident Exercise, Irwindale, CA, 2022
- NISC Conference (iVue & OMS), St. Louis, MO, 2014
- Crucial Conversations Training, 2013
- Outage Management Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2012
- Disaster Management for Electric Power Systems, 2012
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certifications 100 & 700, 2010
- Black Start and Live Simulated Black Start Operational Drills Conducted Annually by WECC/PRPA, Various
- Microsoft Excel Software Training Basic & Advanced, 2009
- AutoCAD Training, Levels I & II/ArcGIS mapping, 2009
- Substation/Qualified Switchman Certification, Annual
- Lockout/Tagout Procedures & Release for Clearances and Hot Line Orders, Annual
- Haz/Mat PCB, Fire, First Aid/CPR/AED and Safety Rodeo, Annual
Timeline
Manager Field Operations
Portland General Electric
08.2023 - Current
Substation Operator Trainee
Bonneville Power Administration/Department of Energy
04.2023 - 08.2023
Manager Field Operations
Portland General Electric
06.2022 - 03.2023
Utility System Operator
Consumers Power
05.2015 - 02.2022
System Operations Supervisor
UNITED POWER
11.2014 - 05.2015
Systems Operations Technician
UNITED POWER
01.2014 - 11.2014
Supervisory Electric Systems Operator
FORT COLLINS UTILITIES
01.2010 - 01.2014
Power Plant Operator Intern
PLATTE RIVER POWER AUTHORITY
09.2007 - 12.2007
Serviceman A, Temp Lead Lineman (JOURNEYMAN), Inspector
Allegheny Power
01.1997 - 01.2005
Lineman A, B, C, Temp Lead Lineman/Serviceman A (JOURNEYMAN)
Allegheny Power
01.1992 - 01.1997
Applied Science (A.A.S.) - Power Plant Technology
Bismarck State College
Bachelors of Science (B.S.) - Psychology (Coursework Toward), Education
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Computer Sciences -
Garrett Community College
Transmission Systems Technology -
Bismarck State College
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