Full-Time
Distributed Energy Resources Program Specialist
DER
Posted on 8/21/2026
Wabash Valley Power Alliance
Member-owned wholesale power generation cooperative
No salary listed
Indianapolis, IN, USA
Hybrid
Monday and Friday remote work is allowed as schedule permits.
 Business & Strategy (1) |
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- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
- Demonstrated initiative in identifying opportunities for program improvement and innovation.
- Ability to adapt to changing technologies, regulatory requirements, and business needs.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive working relationships.
- Ability to travel periodically throughout the WVPA service territory and attend industry conferences, training programs, and member meetings.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Manage and support distributed energy resource programs, including battery storage, distributed generation, demand response, standby generation, and emerging technologies.
- Partner with member cooperatives, customers, vendors, and contractors to successfully implement projects and expand participation.
- Serve as a technical resource on distributed energy resource technologies, program requirements, and operational best practices.
- Monitor program performance, analyze data, and develop reports that demonstrate the value and impact of distributed energy resource initiatives.
- Lead participant onboarding, project coordination, and operational readiness activities.
- Develop educational materials, trainings, presentations, and communications to support member and customer engagement.
- Identify opportunities to improve program processes, enhance customer experience, and scale future offerings.
- Stay current on emerging technologies, market trends, and industry developments that shape the future of distributed energy.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification.
- NABCEP Solar PV Associate or equivalent renewable energy certification.
- Other utility, energy, or renewable energy-related certifications.
Wabash Valley Power Alliance is a member-owned wholesale generation and transmission cooperative, headquartered in Indianapolis, that supplies power to 21 member distribution cooperatives across multiple states. It secures electricity through a diversified portfolio of traditional power plants, renewable energy, distributed generation, and a substation battery program. Beyond generation, it offers members energy management services, rebate and efficiency incentive programs, and rate structures aimed at economic development in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics, and biomedical. What sets Wabash Valley Power apart is its not-for-profit cooperative structure, which returns value to members rather than outside investors while emphasizing reliability and disciplined risk management. The goal is to provide member cooperatives with economical, reliable electricity and the tools to serve their communities.
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- WVPA said July 2026 batteries beat expectations and reduced peak demand immediately.
- The St. Joseph Energy Center purchase already improved reliability and rate stability.
- Phase 3 adds 100 MW by December 2027, expanding WVPA's utility-scale storage footprint.
What critics are saying
- Indiana residents can block or delay the New Carlisle 345-kV line through 2028.
- Battery economics depend on market spreads; 2026 compression would blunt savings quickly.
- If transmission or storage projects stall, WVPA loses its growth narrative and member trust.
What makes Wabash Valley Power Alliance unique
- WVPA owns 50% of St. Joseph Energy Center, a 720-MW plant, since March 2025.
- WVPA's Substation Battery Program targets 58 MW across 11 sites by July 2026.
- WVPA serves 21 member co-ops, aligning investments tightly with local distribution needs.
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Remote Work Options
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Company News
Not sweating the summer. The battery systems actually surpassed our expectations... The end result was even more financial savings for Wabash and our member co-ops. - Jeff Hume Vice President, Strategic Electrification & Member Relations While many Hoosiers chilled in their air-conditioned homes in July, Wabash Valley Power Alliance engineers beamed brightly as new substation batteries thawed the soaring summer power demand. Wabash scored a unique opportunity last month to test eight new battery systems that are part of its new Substation Battery Program. After more than a year of program planning, site selection, and installation work, Wabash staff members watched closely as the batteries discharged onto the grid, providing relief as demand, and real-time energy prices, soared upward. "We had incredible timing with the heat wave early in July, as we had just finished getting several of our battery systems online and active," said Jeff Hume, vice president of strategic electrification and member relations at Wabash. "The battery systems actually surpassed our expectations and what we were hoping to get out of them. The end result was even more financial savings for Wabash and our member co-ops." Wabash partnered with member co-ops Noble REMC, Jay County REMC, Heartland REMC, and Hendricks Power on the first two phases of the program. Wabash will install 58 megawatts of battery storage across 11 sites; the first 8 systems were completed in time for the peaks in early July. "While our biggest challenge was equipment availability, it also highlighted our cooperative strength," said Doug Dickmeyer, manager of engineering and operations at Noble REMC. "We worked together and shared inventory, enabling us to complete the project on time. Then, seeing the immediate reduction in demand during the top five peaks just a week after completion made all the hard work worthwhile." The batteries are located near substations and can charge overnight when electric demand is low, then discharge in the afternoon when demand is highest. The battery containers include safety measures to prevent the batteries from overheating, and Wabash taught first responders about the new systems. Additional Wabash member co-ops are excited by the results. All 21 member co-ops expressed interest in participating in the program, which now includes a third phase with 100 MW of additional battery storage. Those projects will be installed throughout Indiana and Illinois by the end of 2027. "This new technology offers an incredible chance to more effectively use electricity that is already generated to better serve families and businesses in our communities," Hume said. "It didn't take long for our member co-ops to see the obvious advantages in strengthened reliability brought by these batteries. We're all very excited what is yet to come." Posted In: News