Organisation: Ausgrid
Job Title: Planning Capability Development Manager
Location: Sydney
Proven leadership at a senior management level with very broad experience and knowledge of
technical, commercial and regulatory aspects of electricity networks.
In my role as Planning Manager with Essential Energy I provide leadership at a senior management
level to the Planning and Customer Connection team in order to ensure delivery of an effective
service and efficient regulatory aspects of electricity networks. This team provides
information, network analysis, network design and economic evaluations in order to strategically
plan and coordinate Essential Energy’s extensive capital works program, including augmentation,
development and refurbishment of electrical network assets to achieve agreed service
performance and maximise commercial objectives.
I have led a team of 9 staff members working on Essential Energy's Network Management Plan
(the Plan) which aim is to provide a framework that will ensure that Essential Energy’s distribution
system provides an adequate, reliable and safe supply of quality electrical network services to
customers. I have taken full responsibility for my team's reputation in relation to the larger
organisation and external stakeholders. In accordance with the Electricity Supply (Safety and
Network Management) Regulation 2008 (NSW), my team has assisted with collating relevant
information and data to contribute to the Plan.
Throughout the project management of developing the Plan it has been my responsibility to
clearly and consistently communicate the key priorities and set achievable goals for my team.
These goals and priorities have been consistently monitored and adhered to by facilitating regular
meetings, providing training and mentoring where needed and ensuring that all work undertaken
is accurate and adheres to the required standards. I have made certain that all information in
relation to the Plan has been developed in line with Essential Energy's Asset Management
Framework. The Framework aligns asset planning with service delivery priorities, integrating
service delivery, planning, capital investment, operations, maintenance, replacement and disposal
strategies in accordance with the NSW Government’s strategic approach to physical asset planning
and management, Total Asset Management (TAM).
By adhering to the key elements of this Framework I have ensured that the Planning and Customer
Connection team have been competent with providing timely and accurate information to
contribute to the Plan. This demonstrates that I have effectively and efficiently managed my team
to meet customers' requirements for service delivery and compliance with Essential Energy's
policies, standards and procedures regarding the condition and performance of assets
maintenance or improvement and has maintained the operating capability and value of the
network.
Possessing a Master of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and having over 20 years of
experience in the electrical power industry, I have superior knowledge of technical, commercial
and regulatory aspects of electricity networks, including the roles of the Standing Council on
Energy and Resources (SCER) the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), the Australian
Energy Market Operator (AEMO), and the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
Sound knowledge and understanding of the electricity regulatory environment in Australia and
the ability to translate regulatory requirements into operation processes within a commercial
business framework.
I have sound knowledge of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) who regulates energy markets
and networks under national energy market legislation and rules. I understand that regulated
network businesses such as Essential Energy must periodically apply to the AER to assess their
revenue requirements. In my role as Planning Manager I have contributed to the submission of
annual pricing proposals, which outline proposed prices to take effect from the commencement of
the next regulatory year with the key priority reflecting the delivery of a safe and reliable supply.
The process of preparing these proposals involves participating in joint planning studies with
Distribution Network Service Providers and Transmission Network Service Providers to address the
existing network constraints and the future limitations up to the next twenty years, based on
longterm strategic planning. The data obtained through the planning studies is then scrutinised in
order to identify and prioritise emerging system constraints and system augmentation initiatives.
Associated business cases are then prepared as required.
I am aware of the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) and AER guidelines on reporting
requirements and adhere to these requirements when conducting report writing by
Providing specifics of any requirements, procedures or standards sought, including, where
possible, the cost and the basis on which the cost is determined
Defining the value of the benefits that they would realise if additional or more onerous
requirements, procedures or standards are imposed
Stating what the imposition of the additional or more onerous requirements, procedures or
standards will be to the benefit of customers
As a result of my ability to translate regulatory requirements into operation processes through my
contributions to annual pricing proposals, the current AER determination, covering the period
from 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2014, approved Essential Energy’s investment of around $4 billion in
capital works programs and $2 billion in operational works programs.
Superior analytical and problem solving capability, with particular focus on policy frameworks
and development of efficient business processes, and the ability to foster and harness creative
thinking to develop alternative solutions to complex multi-faceted problems.
I adhere to policy frameworks which set out the requirements to be followed throughout
negotiations and recognise how my work contributes to the achievement of efficient business
processes and direction, demonstrated in my contributions throughout my working career.
In my role as Principal Engineer Network Performance and Optimisation with Essential Energy I
must constantly demonstrate my superior analytical and problem solving skills in order to develop
alternative technical solutions to complex multi-faceted problems. Being responsible for the
optimisation of the High Voltage network and having to make recommendations for the selection
and rating of equipment require me to foster and harness creative thinking in order to provide
technical support, guidance and advice on these matters.
While undertaking a technical power system analysis of the High Voltage Network for Essential
Energy I demonstrated my strong investigative, research, analytical and conceptual skills through
the identification of issues that the Western area of the network was experiencing. These issues
included excessive voltages rise at times of light-load conditions, as well as low voltages at times
of peak-load conditions resulting in many customer complaints due to their power supply quality
being affected. In order to find resolution for this issue I conducted many complex studies to
assess the limitations of this particular grid. My studies identified that the installation of a D-VAR
System would be ideal for meeting grid interconnection standards and would rectify the current
issues, these recommendations I then made to senior management in line with policy frameworks.
As a result of my studies and recommendations, Essential Energy approved installation of the
DVAR system and was able to cost effectively provide the dynamic reactive support that is
beneficial for connection of new loads and generators or renewable power plants to the grid
effectively and met the most stringent policy and development requirements.
Another project I have worked on for Essential Energy involved performing the task of revising its
capital works program in early 2013, after analysing network data collected during the summer
peak-load periods. Harnessing my creative thinking, I lead a working group team while working
collaboratively with representatives from across the company to readjust the program to ensure
all network projects were still required to meet consumer demand and other network investment
drivers. As a result of this process, a number of planned projects were deferred because Essential
Energy’s network was not able to meet short-term demands without additional investment in
some areas.
Demonstrated experience in leading significant business policy and process implementation using change
management principles and within a tight project management framework that ensures effective,
ontime delivery.
In my role as Planning Manager for Essential Energy I have consistently and successfully evaluated
ongoing projects and business process performance to ensure effective and on-time delivery. By
identifying critical success factors I have been able to lead flexible and responsive teams through
numerous changes to achieve results and present quality on-time outcomes.
One of the projects I have worked on for Essential Energy involved identifying the constraints and
limitations which result in Poor Performing Feeders that impact on networks performance and
reliability indices. Poor Performing Feeders impact on the system performance and reliability
indices of the organisation and result in increased customer complaints when not addressed
within the shortest or reasonable time frame.
In one particular instance I noted that the identified projects to address the issues were not
progressing well and were not being completed on-time. To resolve this issue I facilitated regular
meetings with the planners involved with the projects, the Network Reliability team and Asset
Managers to review the business policies in relation to this project and to encourage the team to
understand the need for change in order to provide on-time delivery of the projects. I used logical
reasoning to present the business case for the required changes and promoted the benefits of
making changes by providing a clear picture of the results we could achieve.
By balancing the needs of my team and those of our customers, I was successful with setting new
achievable goals and implementing new processes in order to fast track the process of the delivery
of the projects. I openly monitored the performance of the team against the new clear objectives
and performance targets and made it very clear to the team about the consequences of
nonachievement of performance objectives. The progress was then reviewed every six months
and any under-performance was acted on in line with Essential Energy's corporate values.
Subsequent to the implementation of the new plan and regular follow-up process I noted
significant progress in the delivery of the projects and less customer complaints. This eventually
improved the network reliability indices such as System Average Interruption Duration Index
(SAIDI) and System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI).
Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for preparation of documentation to a standard
suitable for Executive and/or Board consideration and advocating change with areas of business
responsible for delivery.
A confident and experienced communicator, I possess a high level of verbal and written
communication skills which can be demonstrated throughout my employment history where I
have communicated with internal and external stakeholders both verbally and in writing on a daily
basis. I have assumed a high level of responsibility that has demanded exceptional
communication, including staff supervision and mentoring, budget setting and cost management,
handling escalated issues, report writing and facilitation of meetings.
In previous roles I have been responsible for recommending technical solutions for highly complex
projects through the preparation of documentation, including a feasibility study for the connection
of new and modified generators to the Essential Energy network, network studies for Directlink
and Murraylink HVDC interconnector, projects for TransEnergie Australia Pty Ltd, network studies
for the connection of Woolnorth Winfarm to the Transend Networks, and technical and code
compliance requirements for the connection and access agreements of the new generators and
loads while working for HMA Consulting.
While working for Energex Ltd I prepared Planning Approval Reports for various projects, including
planning of 110/33kV and 33/11kV substations and the associated sub-transmission and
distribution feeder upgrade works. These reports were submitted to Senior Engineers, General
Managers and Chief Executive Officers for consideration and I always ensured that I used
appropriate unambiguous language to confidently present my feedback to gain support.
Throughout my career I have provided expert advice and information to both internal and external
stakeholders. I have utilised my skills to motivate teams, engage stakeholders and convince clients
of appropriate courses of action. An example of my ability to influence and guide clients relates to
my role as Principal Engineer with Essential Energy where I successfully completed a feasibility
study for the connection of new and modified generators to the network. After reviewing the
Generator Performance Standard and liaising with Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) I
produced a report and submitted it for consideration to facilitate the connection and access
agreement for the generator. This report was approved and appropriate actions were put in to
place for the connection of the generator to the Essential Energy network.
I also use my strong communication skills to determine if clients need additional support or access
to services to assist them in meeting their goals. In these circumstances, I advocate on behalf of
the client, consulting with a range of allied stakeholders to deliver an integrated service to our
clients. For example, I may refer clients on to Transmission Network service providers or
Distribution Network Service Providers to provide them with guidance, information and support
regarding any number of issues regarding their power supply.
Strong facilitation skills in order to lead working groups with representatives from across the company to
jointly develop asset management and planning policies which can be implemented in a timely way.
I have exceptional presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to support a group move
through a process together by delivering information in a confident and persuasive manner, while
adjusting the presentation of the information to suit the knowledge and interests of the audience.
This has been demonstrated in my role as Planning Manager with Essential Energy whilst working
on the Network Management Plan (the Plan).
Through providing guidance and expert input into policy development and asset management for
the Plan in conjunction with working with subject matter experts from planning, design and asset
manager groups, I have been able to successfully facilitate multidisciplinary working teams to
assist in developing the relevant policies needed for the implementation of the Plan. The leading
and coordination of these meetings involved facilitating discussions regarding potential technical
issues, the performance of the organisation’s network and what support was available to them.
The timely results these working groups produced assisted with providing a policy which addresses
the steps in planning projects, approval reports and fast tracking the process. This contributed to
the provision of a framework that will ensure that Essential Energy’s distribution system provides
an adequate, reliable and safe supply of quality electrical network services to customers.
I have also been involved in delivering the Network Reform Program policy for Essential Energy, as
well as others internally which has led cost savings initiatives in order to remove unnecessary costs
and improve efficiency in key operating areas. Through liaising with representatives from across
the company I was able to assist the company with joint development of asset management and
planning policies to successfully reduce operating expenditure by more than $60 million
(compared with the 2011-2012 baseline), particularly in areas of discretionary expenditure.
In addition to the above mentioned experiences, I have also led groups who have provided
information and reports to contribute to Essential Energy working with Ausgrid and Endeavour
Energy in order to develop a common risk management framework that enables the company to
identify and manage risks that could affect staff, customers, the community, the environment,
assets and financial resources.
Demonstrated leadership capability and management skills, including demonstrated ability to develop a
team, develop efficient and effective work practices, successfully implement change and work
collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
I have a proven record in developing collaborative relationships with internal and external
stakeholders, sustaining cooperative partnerships to deliver business outcomes and ensuring the
continuing engagement of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. As a skilled Engineer I have
worked in conjunction with extremely diverse clients across a broad variety of work environments,
including representatives from The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Network Service
Providers and Consultants.
In my role as Planning Manager I have demonstrated my leadership capability and management
skills by developing efficient and effective teams through the selection of multidisciplinary staff to
conduct investigations into planning related areas. This process has involved identifying which
staff have the knowledge and expertise relevant to the task and who will best meet the
requirements of the project. I then set achievable goals and delegate appropriate activities to give
ownership to each staff member on the activity that they were completing.
Ensuring that I constantly monitor each staff members' performance against clear objectives and
performance targets through regular performance reviews and meetings guarantees the
development of efficient and effective work practices. The performance reviews and meetings
assist to identify any areas of performance that need supporting, and I am then able to implement
appropriate training to make positive changes to the performance.
By clearly and consistently communicating the key priorities of each project I am able to convey a
clear and consistent message and sense of team direction even in uncertain times, which has
always resulted in the successful meeting of set targets and deadlines.
