From Military Service to Energy Excellence: Meet Ulteig’s Jeh Harper, CAISO-Approved Meter Inspector

Metering inspection is one of the most regulated components of any utility operation, directly impacting consumers’ wallets through the accurate measurement of energy delivery. In California’s vast energy landscape, only 22 individuals hold the distinction of being California Independent System Operator (CAISO)-approved meter inspectors. Ulteig’s Jeh Harper is one of them, bringing military precision and dedication to this critical role in the energy sector.

A Journey of Service

Harper’s path to becoming a meter inspector reflects his lifelong commitment to service. After completing his two-year degree in 2006, he joined the U.S. Army, serving for a decade and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. His service included two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he specialized as an Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager (25E). As a 25E, Harper managed and maintained critical electromagnetic and radio frequency systems, developing technical expertise that would prove valuable in his civilian career.

A Career in Metering Inspection

Following his military service, Harper discovered the Troops to Energy Jobs program and connected with a Fortune 500 utility where he completed a comprehensive three-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman meterman. He gained hands-on experience across different Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) regions and environments through a broad-based training approach that created a strong foundation for his future in energy services.

In ERCOT territory, Harper thrived as a j     ourneyman meterman for eight years before seeking new challenges. His service-oriented mindset, developed through both military and utility emergency response scenario planning, drove him to expand his expertise beyond Texas’s borders.

Rising to the CAISO Challenge

When Harper decided to pursue CAISO certification, colleagues warned him about the complexity, often saying “CAISO’s a beast.” Undeterred, he completed the certification process in just 46 days while working full-time – a process that typically takes two to three years.

“Every ISO has one goal – provide safe and reliable energy to their customers,” Harper explains. He notes that, while every region has its own specificities, metering doesn’t fundamentally change – the electrical principles stay the same. Specializations like CAISO are about learning the different regional rules.

“I’ve served my entire life,” Harper reflects. “Working in the CAISO region is a distinguishable chapter in my professional journey.”

What Sets Ulteig’s CAISO Services Apart

At Ulteig, Harper leverages state-of-the-art testing equipment to detect energy losses down to 0.2% accuracy – precision that can save clients and their customers millions of dollars over time. “We are the eyes and ears of CAISO,” Harper states. “As CAISO Inspectors, we are responsible for ensuring multimillion-dollar resource generators are CAISO compliant.”

Harper adds that Ulteig distinguishes itself through rapid response times regardless of contract size, and in its commitment to providing appropriate, timely feedback to clients. This customer-first approach, combined with industry-leading accuracy standards, makes Ulteig a trusted partner in energy services.

Jeh Harper’s Advice for Aspiring Metering Inspectors

For those considering this specialized field, Harper emphasizes the need for flexibility and continuous learning. Metering inspection requires extensive knowledge of electrical theory, metering methodology and the ability to read complex system drawings.

“This is a very niche field,” he notes. “The prerequisites and requirements are strict. Technology changes by the day, and you have to stay on top of that. Condition your brain for continuous learning.”

Working independently with high-voltage systems, he notes that safety is paramount. “You want everyone to get home to their families,” Harper emphasizes. “Do not take shortcuts on this job. You’re responsible for the integrity of your safety precautions.” He also stresses the importance of being ready to travel, both within California and beyond, as some states are tied to CAISO to help meet California’s power needs.

Empowering CAISO Excellence

With his unique combination of military discipline, technical expertise and commitment to safety, Jeh Harper exemplifies Ulteig’s dedication to excellence in energy services.Through professionals like Harper, Ulteig continues to raise the bar in energy services, ensuring that power producers and consumers alike benefit from precise, reliable and compliant metering solutions.

Whether working with large-scale generators or smaller energy providers, Ulteig’s CAISO services help maintain the integrity of California’s power grid while protecting their clients’ bottom line.

To learn more about our CAISO services, connect with Ulteig today.