I have the experience, expertise, and knowledge of the functioning of a Utility with over 34 years experience in Eskom, our South African Power Utility (17 years in the substation construction environment and 17 years in the switchgear environment). I have also since 2000 been running my own company, Hevilex (a further 17 years). I am an HV/MV Switchgear Specialist & my responsibilities encumber maintenance, breakdown repairs, system operational investigations, technical audits, training, am accredited module writer, am accredited mentor, am accredited technical auditor, am practical & theoretical switchgear hands-on trainer. Also, am writer & presenter of the SAIEE validated, as per ECSA policy, “HV/MV Circuit Breaker, Maintenance, Safe Operation & Theory, Master Class Course” which has been awarded 2 CPD credits. I have presented this course in Malaysia, Qatar, Botswana, Namibia and off course South Africa. I Have undergone circuit breaker training at equipment manufacturer’s factories (OEM’s) in Switzerland (Sprecher & Schuh Alstom/Actom), Pittsburgh in the USA (ABB) & Utilities in Winnipeg and Vancouver (Canada). After voluntary retirement from Eskom in 2000, I started a company called Hevilex. The company, which has successfully grown over the last 19 years, not so much in size but in expertise. A company focused on all aspects of circuit breaker/switchgear maintenance and training. While at Eskom, Southern Africa Power Utility, I achieved: • Transmission/Distribution ‘National’ switchgear specialist status • The team leader of National Transmission Switchgear Support Workgroup • Member of Transmission technical evaluation & CB procurement team • Advise on the procurement of circuit breaker spares for Transmission Group • Team Leader responsible for technical evaluation of Eskom National Contracts (ENC) and tenders for circuit breakers. • Investigated equipment failures in Region and Division. • Compiled Investigation reports with findings and remedial action. • Initiated national projects concerning problematic equipment in Transmission. • Responsible for setting maintenance standards, maintenance practices, maintenance frequencies, and competency pre-requisites. • Determined maintenance Standards and practices • Investigated ‘Condition Monitoring’ for Eskom Distribution implementation. Communicated with Hydro Ontario and Hydro Quebec in Canada in this regard. • Compiling of Investigation reports with findings and remedial action • Compiling technical reports on inherent circuit breaker problems for Transmission and Distributor. • Carry out HV/MV circuit breaker maintenance(major overhaul or periodic maintenance), inspections, breakdown repairs, failure investigations etc.