As the Network Operations Manager at Zenith Connected Energy, I oversee the daily activities related to microgrids, customer connections, renewable assets and network operations and maintenance and expansions.
I see my role as contributing to the development of a next-generation electricity utility in Western Australia—one that is actively driving innovation to unlock and support capacity-constrained areas of the grid, enabling smarter, more flexible and more resilient energy solutions where they are needed most.
A typical day begins scanning the status of networks and assets, reviewing planned outages and work, and assessing how evolving conditions – particularly weather and system constraints may impact execution. I actively coordinate with team members and stakeholders to confirm readiness, unblock work where needed, and rapidly respond to any emerging issues or priorities to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
With Zenith Connected Energy’s networks continuing to grow, there are always projects underway for network expansion, new microgrids and customer connections.
Zenith’s company culture and commitment to the SPARK values — Safety, Performance, Accountability, Reliance and Knowledge — are already strong, with a highly collaborative and supportive environment across teams. Within CE, our focus is to actively strengthen and embed these values further through everyday behaviours, decision-making and delivery outcomes with a key motivation of enhancing connected grid awareness across all levels of operation.
Among the most significant accomplishments since I joined the team are the safe energisation of the Eglinton Village and Ocean Reef networks, both of which required careful coordination across design, construction, commissioning, and operational interfaces to ensure a safe and reliable outcomes for our customers. In parallel, I have also contributed to progressing and refining operating processes and technical specifications to improve consistency, clarity, and delivery assurance across connection and testing activities, as well as developing the Zenith Connections and Testing (ZEN-CAT) training course.
Zenith Energy promotes a hands-on learning environment and encourages employees to engage in conversations and processes. In a similar role at another utility, I likely would not have had the same level of access. Over the next year, I will also be pursuing several accredited training courses to further develop my skills.
Looking ahead, I see Zenith Connected Energy’s role in the Western Australia utilities sector continuing to grow as the business supports constrained areas of the grid. This year, two new developments with a microgrid solution will be implemented, with more projects in the pipeline.
Michael Buzzard is the Executive of IPP Growth at Zenith Energy, spearheading the company’s expansion in the independent power producer sector. With over 25 years’ experience in business development and commercial management, Michael specialises in sustainable energy solutions and strategic partnerships that foster growth and innovation.
Mark Sputore is an experienced in-house legal professional with 20 years of industry expertise. Since joining Zenith Energy in 2023 as General Counsel & Company Secretary, he has been responsible for overseeing legal, governance, and regulatory matters, ensuring compliance and strategic risk management. His extensive experience in corporate law and energy sector regulations supports Zenith Energy’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Abby Kenward is a Human Resources Executive with the ability to optimise businesses by effectively resourcing, managing, developing and deploying people. Over twelve years’ experience in implementing and managing HR & IR business functions, including; Resourcing, Remuneration and Benefits, Learning and Development, Performance Management, Employee Relations and Strategic Planning. This experience has been gained across a range of industries; consulting, oil and gas, engineering, construction and non for profits.
Dominic has 25 years international commercial experience with the past 15 years in senior executive energy sector business development and leadership roles. He has shaped strategy, business direction and led market development in renewables and microgrids across the public and private sector. Dominic has led a range of professional clean energy and microgrid projects as consultant and project director with energy utilities, remote communities, mining operations, commercial and industrial property developers. Dominic was responsible for the founding and building one of the longest standing successful private clean energy businesses in Australia. He was also the Project Director for the creation of a new statutory electricity corporation for the WA government with 800,000 customers
Tim joined Zenith Energy as Executive Corporate Development in April 2021, moving into the Chief Financial Officer role in January 2023.
Tim leads the Finance, IT and Corporate Development functions at Zenith. Tim is an experienced executive and has held a number of finance and corporate development roles with South32 and BHP. Prior to his current role with Zenith, he was the Head of Treasury and Corporate Finance for South32. He has a Bachelor degree in Commerce and Law and a Master of Applied Finance.
Elvin has over 25 years experience in the energy industry including as an upstream oil & gas industry executive across the LNG value chain for fixed and floating small to mid-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects in USA, Canada, China, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia & Papua New Guinea. Elvin is experienced in establishing new domestic virtual pipeline natural gas markets and expanding existing market offerings for the LNG fuels and power sector including initiating, evaluating and delivering sanctioned business cases to realize target ROI. Elvin has previously held executive management roles for an ASX top 50 energy operator delivering a baseload LNG project in Papua New Guinea, and for specialist SME consulting companies in the Australasian region supporting both onshore and offshore Exploration & Production activities.
Simon Jelly is a Specialist Electrical technician who has +20 years’ experience in the remote power industry. He is highly skilled in Gas, Diesel, and Hybrid renewable power stations, having designed, commissioned, and constructed numerous power stations throughout WA and the NT Mining Industries. Simon has strong leadership skills having grown a successful design and construction team at Zenith over 10 years. Simon has been responsible for designing, engineering and the construction of new projects, managing all technical aspects of the business including, operational efficiency initiatives, the tender process, as well as R&D.
Russell has over 38 years’ experience in safety management roles across the mining, energy, power and drilling industries. Most recently, he was the Contract HSE/HR Manager overseeing Drillwest and Acqua Drill Resources through his own company RP Hazard, Risk and Training Solutions. Previously he held roles with BHP Billiton, Wesfarmers Energy (Kleenheat Gas), Western Power and Boart Longyear. Russell’s expertise includes risk identification and management, development and implementation of Management Systems to Australian Standards and ensuring a compliance focus with safety in design.
Graham is an electrical technician and experienced manager having worked in the IPP industry with Doug for many years, he has over 30 years’ experience in designing, constructing, and operating, remote area’s power stations and renewable energy systems. He is responsible for, managing all engineering, project construction, and operational/maintenance aspects of the business, including the company HSEQ and Human resources teams.
Hamish has extensive experience in the downstream oil industry gained primarily in building markets in numerous sectors across Asia, Europe and the US. Hamish was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of a private commercial services company, which he sold into a major public services conglomerate in the second half of 2015. Previously he was the Chief Executive Officer of a privately held oil distribution company, which holds exclusive distribution rights to a major international brand and has performed roles as Segment Director and Marketing Director for one of the world’s largest oil companies.
Doug is a 35-year veteran of the power generation industry. He has designed and built more than 60 remote power stations across Australasia, initially through his own company, StateWest Power and later through Zenith Pacific, which he co-founded in 2006. StateWest was subsequently acquired by Wesfarmers Energy. Doug is recognised in the industry for his innovative thinking, both in finding effective solutions to difficult power generation problems and for creating the now widely-recognised Build – Own – Operate (BOO) approach to the establishment of remote area power plants.