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National women in engineering day: a bright future beckons for engineers at Ofgem
Have you ever wondered what opportunities there are for engineers at Ofgem?
It is not the most obvious place they would think of when planning their next career move. However, working for the regulator allows engineers to make a significant impact, by providing technical input to help us meet energy policy objectives.
To celebrate National Women in Engineering Day (June 23), we asked Min Zhu, a chartered engineer and our associate partner for electricity transmission, to explain the opportunities for engineers at an economic regulator.
Min joined Ofgem back in 2002. Her background at National Grid, where she spent 11 years in a variety of technical and commercial roles, stood her in good stead for the challenges she would face at Ofgem.
She has worked on a variety of projects including price controls, technical standards, commercial codes and competitive tenders for offshore transmission projects.
“People think that engineers don’t have a proper place in an economic regulator. But we make a significant impact through our technical input. Achieving the three energy policy objectives of de-carbonisation, security and affordability entails huge technical challenges. That’s what makes an engineering career here so exciting,” she said.
“When I first applied for a role as a technical adviser at Ofgem, 13 years ago, I was looking to widen my horizons. I also saw it as an opportunity to make a positive difference in the energy industry and for its consumers.
“I’ve certainly had lots of opportunities to do that. One example is where I jointly oversaw the first round of the Offshore Transmission Owner (OFTO) tender regime, where OFTOs are encouraged to adopt innovative approaches to financing, operating and maintaining offshore transmission assets. A recent independent report estimates that the regime has saved consumers between £200m and £400m.
“Ofgem provides a very supportive environment and trust from senior management is unparalleled. I have been recognised as a technical expert and depended upon to make critical judgements and decisions. I feel genuinely valued.”
Find out more about National Women in Engineering Day on the NWED website.
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