Umar Sheraz

Accomplished Electrical Power Engineer with 13+ years of specialized experience in high-voltage grid station operations, power transmission and distribution systems, and the testing & commissioning of HV substation equipment up to 500 kV. Demonstrated expertise at two of Pakistan's leading national utility organizations — NTDC (national grid) and GEPCO (regional distribution). Proven ability to lead field teams, coordinate complex outages, ensure regulatory and safety compliance, and deliver reliable power infrastructure.

WES-assessed degree equivalent to a Canadian Bachelor's degree.

Permanent

Resident of Ontario, seeking a role in Canadian utility operations or electrical engineering.

Electrical Power Transmission & Distribution Engineer (Dy. Manager) at Gujranwala Electric Power Company (GEPCO) (2016-03 – 2026-04)

• Directed daily operations of high-voltage transmission and distribution networks serving a regional population of over 13 million consumers, ensuring continuous, reliable power delivery.
• Supervised and mentored a team of 15+ technical officers and field crews across multiple grid stations; conducted performance reviews and on-the-job safety training.
• Planned and executed scheduled outages for maintenance, upgrades, and network expansion projects, consistently reducing unplanned downtime by optimizing switching sequences and coordination with NTDC's national control center.
• Investigated and resolved complex equipment faults on power transformers (up to 132 kV), circuit breakers, isolators, protection relays, overhead transmission lines, and underground cables.
• Enforced strict LOTO (Lock-Out/Tag-Out), safe-work procedures, and utility SOPs across all field operations, maintaining a zero lost-time injury record throughout tenure.
• Prepared comprehensive operational reports, fault analysis summaries, load-flow records, and shift documentation submitted to senior management and regulatory bodies.
• Coordinated with planning, maintenance, civil, and construction departments on substation rehabilitation and new 11 kV feeder commissioning projects.
• Interfaced directly with national grid (NTDC) dispatch center for real-time load balancing, system restoration, and emergency switching operations.

Testing & Commissioning Engineer – High Voltage Power Grid (Assistant Manager) at National Transmission & Dispatch Company (NTDC) Pakistan (2013-03 – 2016-02)

• Executed end-to-end testing and commissioning of high-voltage substation equipment at 132 kV, 220 kV, and 500 kV levels, including power transformers, GIS/AIS switchgear, circuit breakers, CTs, PTs, and surge arresters.
• Performed comprehensive pre-commissioning tests: insulation resistance (IR/PI), winding resistance, turns ratio (TTR), polarity verification, oil BDV, dissolved gas analysis (DGA), and sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA).
• Tested and verified protection and control systems including differential, over-current, earth fault, distance, and auto-reclose protection relays in accordance with IEC 60255 standards.
• Participated in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) in collaboration with international OEM vendors (ABB, Siemens, Areva/Alstom).
• Reviewed and issued commissioning documentation including test reports, as-built drawings, punch lists, and handover certificates as per project quality plans.
• Coordinated energization sequences with the NTDC national grid control centre, ensuring all pre-energization checks, relay settings, and interlocking verifications were completed before live-line connection.
• Upheld HSE standards and issued Method Statements and Risk Assessments (MSRA) for all high-voltage commissioning activities.

Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (B.Sc. Engineering.) – COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) Islamabad, Pakistan (2008-02 – 2012-08)