Raj Gwarada
Auckland, ,New Zealand
Summary
Experienced Electrical Technologist with expertise in the high voltage works and national grid operations, currently serving as a Grid Asset Controller for New Zealand's National Grid. Adept at real-time grid management, I bring a systematic approach to process analysis, fostering continuous improvement in complex, multicultural environments. My ability to adapt, collaborate, and lead across diverse teams has been honed through working in both Zimbabwe and New Zealand. A proven track record of technical proficiency, effective leadership, and commitment to operational excellence
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Grid Asset Controller
Transpower
Auckland, Auckland
09.2023 - Current
- Effectively managing the delivery of the day-to-day real-time utilization of grid assets by operating in accordance with Transpower processes, procedures, and Code obligations.
- Controlling risks associated with the management of outages, switching both planned and unplanned outages.
- Efficiently and competently responding to and managing national power system events and potential incidents, using a proactive approach in the operation of grid assets.
- Decision making and management of information regarding the risk to health and operational capability of Transpower's assets on a national basis.
- Actively developing and maintaining critical internal and external stakeholder relationships, especially with the System Operator, Service Providers, Generators, Distribution companies, and industries directly connected to the grid.
- Maintaining a high delivery of service levels by acting as the key communications hub for outage and event coordination.
- Effectively contributing to the successful delivery of key Grid Asset Operations and Grid Performance KPIs.
- Placing the highest value on safety and always working in a manner that keeps our customers, service providers, and public safe from injury and harm.
Grid Operations Planner
Transpower
Auckland, Auckland
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Ensuring the production of full and complete outage documentation, including switching instructions, as required by the Grid Owner and System Operator.
- Prepare full and complete job packs for Commissioning and Decommissioning of assets connected to the National Grid.
- Providing solutions to complex technical HV access challenges with a quality focus, while applying careful attention to detail to ensure conformance, safety, and optimization of network access services.
- Analyze faults, outages, and operational performance to identify opportunities for improvement or areas of concern, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to implement solutions.
- Support continuous improvement of processes and procedures to ensure safe and efficient operation of National Grid assets by internal and third-party contractors.
- Ability to assess, rationalize, and make critical decisions relating to electricity network operation in real time and near real time.
Electrical Fitter
Electrix Ltd
Auckland, Auckland
02.2020 - 04.2022
- Installation, commissioning, and maintaining transmission and distribution networks.
- Complying with AS/NZ 3000:2007 Electrical Standards and Regulations in all electrical works.
- Substation equipment gear (power and instrument transformer, HV and LV circuit breakers, DCB's, shunt and series 220kv, capacitor banks and reactors, GIS system, disconnectors and isolators and upgrades Installation, wiring and commissioning and tests using Omicron (CPC 100, CIBANO, CMC) and Megger test gear family including Megger Trax 280.
- Advanced SEL and Siemens Siprotec 4 and 5 relays wiring and installation, SAS panel, and protection upgrades.
- Carrying out Transmission 220kv, 110kv, 66kv circuit breakers, disconnectors, power and instrument transformers, substation gear, and distribution equipment maintenance and protection test.
- Carried out zone substation retrofits and installation and commissioning of transformers, circuit breakers, voltage transformers, current transformers, protection relays, battery banks, and OLTC unit.
- High Voltage Cable testing, including phasing, insulation resistance, polarity index, DAR, step voltage, and VLF.
- Working as part of a project team to deliver agreed requirements, develop solutions, and meet deadlines.
- Developing work process improvements and training others.
Process Electrical Team Leader/Brewhouse Operator
AB InBev Delta Lagers Brewery
Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Indentured for a 4-year apprenticeship program.|2012-2016|That included 3 years of continuous on-the-job training and 1 year of technical college.
- Managing alarms/alerts, monitoring brewing production rates, and logging system statuses.
- Installation, commissioning and troubleshooting of actuator sensor interface (AS-i),bus system, Ethernet (TCP/IP), Profibus DP / PA ,RTU's ,VFD's
- Diagnosing system faults using SIMATIC Field PG for PLCs, HMI, and Wonderware InTouch SCADA system for process operations.
- Installed all electrical wiring during remodeling projects.
- Reliability-centered maintenance of plant equipment.
- Electro-mechanical equipment and Krones high-speed packaging line automation systems.
- Conducting Electrical and Instruments maintenance on machinery to meet OEM Standards.
- Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) and Kept permits, isolation tags and logs.
- Proficient with RCA, 5 why's, FFA (Fault finding Analysis),DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) and cause and effect diagram
- Trained maintenance journeymen electricians and electrical apprentices.
- Tested and repaired electric motors, variable frequency drives, alarms, and control systems.
- OHSMS 45001 internal auditor.
Distribution Electrician
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company
Borrowdale Depot, Harare
09.2016 - 08.2018
- High Voltage Switching Operations Earthing and Isolation up to 33KV.
- Ensuring correct circuit breaker operating commands from Local, remote and supervisory position.
- Carrying out routine checks on substation DC systems and Battery bank maintenance.
- Line inspections and HV and MV cable fault route location, fault location, repairs.
- Transformer mineral insulating oil sampling and testing using standard BS148 of 1984.
- Substation hotspot detection and repairs using Infrared thermography cameras.
- Statutory inspections on domestic and commercial installations.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Power Systems
Otago Polytechnic
Auckland10.2023
Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection - Protection Systems
Engineering Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Australia06.2021
Apprenticeship - Electrical Engineering
Delta Technical Institute
Harare, Zimbabwe08.2016
National Diploma - Electrical Power Engineering
Harare Polytechnic College
Harare, Zimbabwe12.2015
Skills
- Control Room
- Power Transmission & Distribution
- Power Systems & Contingency Analysis
- Emerging Technologies
- SCADA Systems
- Technical Proficiency
- Critical thinking & Decision-making
- Outage management
- Energy Management System
- Document Management System (DMS)
- Compliance & Regulatory Standards
- Leadership
- Communication
OBJECTIVE
Power Systems Operational role
Tickets and Competencies
- Western Australia Electrical License - 02/26
- Queensland Electrical Mechanic License- 01/26
References
- Available upon request
Timeline
Grid Asset Controller
Transpower
09.2023 - Current
Grid Operations Planner
Transpower
04.2022 - 08.2023
Electrical Fitter
Electrix Ltd
02.2020 - 04.2022
Process Electrical Team Leader/Brewhouse Operator
AB InBev Delta Lagers Brewery
08.2018 - 01.2020
Distribution Electrician
Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company
09.2016 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Engineering Technology - Power Systems
Otago Polytechnic
Professional Certificate of Competency in Electrical Power System Protection - Protection Systems
Engineering Institute of Technology
Apprenticeship - Electrical Engineering
Delta Technical Institute
National Diploma - Electrical Power Engineering
Harare Polytechnic College
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