MISO South Organizer/Louisiana (Consultant)

Company Overview

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) seeks proposals from qualified consultants to fulfill the role of Transmission Outreach Coordinator for Louisiana under the Power Ahead Program. This position will be crucial in advancing equitable, clean, resilient, and just electricity supply initiatives in collaboration with MISO South Allies and local stakeholders.

Position Overview

In the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region, efforts to upgrade transmission systems for a cleaner energy transition are facing opposition from Entergy and state regulators in Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, who are hindering MISO's long-term planning and integration between MISO North and South. Despite this resistance, MISO is advancing various transmission initiatives, including stakeholder engagement for the MISO South-focused LRTP Tranche 3 and resolving cost allocation issues. Plans also include initiating a fourth Tranche to improve MISO North and South connectivity, facilitating greater renewable energy flow and enhancing system resilience. Concurrently, MISO is pursuing a Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) in MISO South to expedite new resource interconnections. Additionally, the Department of Energy has outlined guidance for National Interest Electric Transmission projects, emphasizing the importance of state engagement for successful implementation. To overcome opposition and maximize transmission investments in MISO South, a coalition-based strategy is essential. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and partners aim to challenge isolationist policies, engage decision-makers, and counteract Entergy's influence through strategic outreach and collaboration.

Supplemental Materials

This work should follow the guidelines set out in the Equitable Grid Principles document created by the Equitable Grid Convening 2022 Cohort.

Contract Duration and Salary

This is a consultant position with a one-year contract term (25 Hours/Week) and a payment of 60,000.00/year.

Location

The position is remote/hybrid; however, the consultant must be based in or near Louisiana and be able to attend in-person meetings in the state.

Scope of Work

The Transmission Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive coalition campaign plan in collaboration with MISO South Allies.
• Identifying priorities and strategic investment strategies related to transmission and modern grid initiatives.
• Supporting partners in state regulatory and legislative proceedings concerning transmission and grid modernization.
• Advocating for agreed-upon transmission priorities at local, state, and regional levels, including engagement with the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO).
• Building and maintaining relationships with organizations sharing aligned priorities.
• Representing UCS at local events, providing messaging support, and conducting in-person advocacy.

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals addressing the following:

• Overview of any of the consultant’s experience or exposure in areas of energy policy, transmission advocacy, or coalition building, particularly working with organizing in Louisiana.

• Detailed methodology and approach for developing and executing a coalition campaign plan.
• Examples of past work relevant to transmission advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Proposed budget, including fees and estimated expenses.
• Timeline for project milestones and deliverables.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience and expertise in energy policy, transmission advocacy, and coalition building.
• Clarity and feasibility of the proposed methodology and approach.
• Relevance and quality of past work examples.