Mark Appleton

Experience

• 

  Ausgrid

  Jan 2002 - now

  Manage a team responsible for the planning of Ausgrid's distribution network of 2,500 HV feeders, 30,000 Distribution substations and 60,000 LV distributors.- HV feeder, Distribution Tx and LV distributor current and voltage capacity analysis- Technical assessment of High Voltage customer connections- Reliability reporting, analysis and investigation- Climate resilience network investments- HV component of area plan projects (new and replacement HV switchgear and zone substations)- Distribution equipment ratings- Justification and overseeing programs of works Show less Manage the development and installation of Ausgrid’s first network batteries to deliver:- network support- access to the FCAS and wholesale markets- battery storage for solar customersThis role addresses a variety of both construction and regulatory issues.- development of equipment specifications- evaluation of tender proposals- identification of suitable sites- engaging with local councils and residents- scheduling of internal and external resources- assisting with the development of ring-fencing waivers- regular updates to the steering committee and Network Innovation Advisory Committee (NIAC)The Community Battery Project formed part of Ausgrid's IAP2 2021 Australasia Core Values Awards for community engagment submission where it received a Judge's Encouragement Award in the finals.I also provided insights to the Network Innovation Program and the Electric Vehicle Strategy. Show less To provide long term direction for the high voltage and low voltage distribution network, including forecasting of future demand on network elements and development of cost effective plans to address shortfalls in capacity and to connect new customers.Accountable for:- overseeing feeder demand forecasting, concept design and business case development- leading zone development reviews;- determining High Voltage Connection technical scope for connecting to the existing network;- overseeing the design of the distribution system improvements to cater for present and forecast needs;- working with designers, subtransmission planners and project managers to resolve distribution and subtransmission issues;- ensuring planning activities and network connectivity proposals comply with legislative requirements;- providing leadership to the Distribution Planning section (approx 35 reports);- providing support to System Control with regards to emergencies and urgent issues through the provision of expert engineering advice and solutions to connectivity issues; and- driving improvements in safety. Show less While on the Ausgrid graduate program, I performed six month rotations in the folowing areas.Metering Provision- investigating new types of metering technologyDistribution Engineering- implementation of 11kV polymeric cablesField Services East - development of underground Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)Substations Engineering- review of the technical standard on 11kV and LV fusesNetwork Security- subtransmission outage coordination- load flow analysis- system diagram amendments using AutoCAD Show less

  • Distribution Planning Manager

    Dec 2023 - now

  • Asset Investment Planning Manager

    Aug 2021 - Dec 2023

  • Community Battery Project Manager

    Jan 2020 - Jul 2021

  • Asset Investment Planning Manager

    Oct 2019 - Dec 2019

  • Distribution Planning Manager

    Apr 2014 - Oct 2019

  • Manager - Network Performance

    Aug 2011 - Apr 2014

  • Senior Engineer - Forecasting & Compliance Risk

    Nov 2006 - Aug 2011

  • Engineer - Field Services Construction

    May 2006 - Nov 2006

  • Engineer - Asset & System Performance

    Mar 2004 - May 2006

  • Graduate Engineer

    Jan 2002 - Mar 2004