John Blackwell

About John Blackwell

Employment: Lone Star Transmission, LLC November 2011 to present System Operator-Training Specialist November 2011 to present Design, deliver and coordinate technical and operational training on various aspects of operating a transmission operations center (e.g. switching procedures and scenarios, load flow analysis, etc). Responsible for developing a strategic training plan and implementing a training curriculum that prepares staff to comply with Lone Star, ERCOT and NERC guidelines and requirements. Utilize in-depth knowledge of best practices and experience in own discipline to provide and improve services. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Designs and delivers customized training programs. Creates realistic simulations, tests, training manuals and comprehensive learning modules using various technologies. • Researches and incorporates ERCOT protocols & guidelines, NERC policies & procedures, Lone Star policies, and other departmental policies & procedures (i.e. Lone Star Switching Procedures, System Operations Procedures, etc.) into all training programs and simulations. • Coordinates with planning, field operations and technical support staff to address operational issues such as equipment outages, scheduled maintenance, operational procedures, and safety into training curriculum. Serves on internal committees as assigned. • In accordance with approved Supply Management processes and procedures, researches, recommends and purchases externally developed training programs and resources. • Develops and maintains departmental procedures including modification as necessary to ensure ERCOT and NERC compliance. Maintains training records and other associated documentation. • Prepares staff to pass NERC certification tests. Ensures other applicable ERCOT and NERC training is completed by staff. • Assists with planned and unplanned ERCOT, NERC and TRE audit responses as related to assigned area of responsibility.

Experience

1. System Operator Training Specialist

   Lone Star Transmission

   Nov 2011 — Present · Austin, TX, US

   Began my career at Austin Energy as a transmission and distribution operator in June of 1993. Accepted a position in Austin Energy Market Operations Real-Time Desk in April of Transferred back to Austin Energy Transmission and Distribution operations in March of 2004 as a trainer. Served in the trainer position until April of 2011 before accepting an interim position as Sys. Operations Superintendent until my retirement from Austin Energy in October of 2011. Hired on at Lone Star Transmission in November of 2011 as a Training Specialist and continue to serve in this capacity among other responsibilities related to transmission operations, i.e, Field Operations Mgr, Compliance SME, and various other roles as necessary.

Skills

• Process Improvement
• Electric Power
• Customer Service
• Engineering
• Testing
• Nerc
• Human Resources
• Software Documentation
• Analysis
• Training
• Project Planning
• Management
• Scada
• Policy
• Strategic Planning