Kiran Kota

I’m a dynamic energy leader with over 20 years of experience powering the future through innovative transmission planning and interconnection expertise. As the Manager of Interconnections at Pedernales Electric Cooperative, I navigate the complexities of grid integration. I excelled in steering renewable and storage projects exceeding 1GW through RTOs like ERCOT, MISO, SPP, and WECC with precision and foresight.

From my early days as a hands-on engineer at ERCOT to leading transmission strategies at Sunraycer, National Grid Renewables, and Savion, LLC, I’ve built a career transforming challenges into opportunities. I’ve worked on capital projects worth over $100 million from start to finish, delivering end-to-end solutions with technical rigor and strategic vision. By executing tight deadlines and skillfully negotiating Standard Generator Interconnection Agreements (SGIAs), I’ve ensured project success under pressure, saving the day for companies.

Whether securing Large Generator Interconnection Agreements (LGIAs), analyzing data with PSS/E and PowerWorld, or navigating market dynamics like Financial Transmission Rights and congestion risks, I bring precision and impact to every initiative.

Collaboration fuels my passion, from mentoring teams to forging strong ties with ISOs, RTOs, and regulators, driving cross-functional solutions to create a smarter, sustainable grid. My mission is to accelerate the energy transition through creative problem-solving and a steadfast commitment to reliability and innovation. Let’s connect to spark the next big idea in energy.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Pedernales Electric Coop, Leander, TX

Manager of Interconnections | Apr 2025 – Present

• Lead utility engagement and infrastructure planning for data center and large-load interconnections.
• Conduct comprehensive interconnection studies to evaluate integration of flexible data center loads and generation per NERC and ERCOT standards.
• Oversee due diligence, scope development, and infrastructure risk assessments for new sites and capital investments.
• Collaborate with engineering, legal, and real estate teams to formalize interconnection agreements and streamline site development.
• Represent PEC in ERCOT subcommittee and regulatory proceedings for construction approvals.
• Manage capital budgets, project schedules, and improvement plans related to grid and substation connections.

Sunraycer Renewables, LLC, Annapolis, MD (Remote)

VP of Interconnection & Transmission Analytics | Oct 2023 – Jan 2025

• Directed interconnection and utility due diligence for 4+ GW of ERCOT and MISO solar and data-center co-located projects. Conducted due diligence on load/gen integration feasibility and transmission availability.
• Developed and implemented infrastructure delivery strategies that consider cost, tariffs, and reliability to improve project economics.
• Led site feasibility assessments that incorporated transmission capacity, congestion, and deliverability analyses in multiple RTOs like ERCOT, SPP, MISO, PJM, and WECC.
• Negotiated transmission, interconnection, and power delivery agreements, including FDA,

MPA, SGIA, and PPA frameworks.

• Built strategic relationships with utilities, ISOs, and municipalities to support connection delivery and project progress.
• Optimized internal coordination across development, engineering, and commercial teams,

speeding up execution and reducing capital costs across multiple portfolios.

National Grid Renewables, Bloomington, MN (Remote)

Director of Transmission | Oct 2020 – Oct 2023

• Managed over 2 GW of ERCOT solar and storage interconnections and coordinated utility efforts across multiple jurisdictions.• Led transmission feasibility studies, queue strategy, and cost analyses to guide siting and development priorities.
• Collaborated with finance, procurement, and capital projects teams to evaluate cost efficiencies and obtain timely project approvals.
• Cultivated and maintained relationships with utilities, RTOs, and regulators to ensure smooth execution of interconnection milestones.
• Improved internal processes to enhance coordination among development, transmission, and commercial teams, resulting in streamlined execution and measurable capital savings.
• Utilized strategic utility relationships to realign delayed projects, reduce exposure to PPA liabilities, and achieve significant capital savings through proactive engagement and contract management.

Savion, LLC, Kansas City, MO (Remote)

Manager of Transmission | Oct 2019 – Oct 2020

• Managed 1+ GW ERCOT/SPP/WECC solar and storage interconnections.
• Conducted PSS/E and Powerworld analyses for optimal locations.
• Provided utility forecasting and large load interconnection assessments to support crypto/data center colocation with renewables.
• Guided least-cost LGIA strategies.
• Represented company at ISO/RTO stakeholder meetings.
• Evaluated congestion and basis risks.
• Supported transmission policy research and M&A activities.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Taylor, TX

Senior Planning Engineer | Apr 2017 – Oct 2019, Jun 2013 – Apr 2016

• Led SCED and market simulation studies.
• Conducted generator interconnection studies.
• Integrated forecasting into reliability planning.
• Presented findings to stakeholders and regulators.
• Optimized must-run unit strategies and contract exits.
• Improved planning and market design models.

Smart Wires Inc., San Francisco, CA (Remote)

Transmission Planning Engineer | Apr 2016 – Apr 2017

• Conducted steady-state, power flow, and production cost modeling.
• Participated in FERC, PUC, and industry forums.

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Taylor, TX

Operations Engineer 3 | Oct 2006 – Apr 2013

• Conducted contingency analysis and voltage stability studies.
• Served as in-house SME for NERC audits.

Master of Science (Electrical Engineering)

Mississippi State University