This month, we learn about network design intricacies and planning for future energy ambitions. Meet Investment Planning and Design Engineer, Kumbuso Nyoni.
What is your role at Guernsey Electricity?
My name is Kumbuso Joshua Nyoni and I’m your friendly neighbourhood Investment Planning and Design Engineer at Guernsey Electricity where I specialise in High Voltage (HV) Networks. I’m a bit like an architect helping shape Guernsey’s future energy system. I’m here to make sure your lights stay on while also planning and designing a greener, resilient and more sustainable grid that includes more renewable energy sources – such as wind, solar – and potentially even hydrogen!
"Throw in some complex AC/DC subsea cable interconnector analysis*, and you’ve got a day job that needs both a sharp mind and forward-thinking approach."
Guernsey’s future lies in how well we can integrate renewable technologies, and I get to play a critical role in that. Whether that’s running models to see how much solar energy we can add, or planning how feasible a second cable connecting us directly with the European grid would be, think of me as both a strategist and a designer.
But rather than blueprints for skyscrapers, I’m drawing up plans for a resilient power grid fit for the 21st century.
* Subsea interconnector (cable) connecting Guernsey to the European grid.
How does your job help keep the island running?
My job is to make sure Guernsey doesn’t need to worry about power cuts, and also lay the groundwork for a cleaner, greener future for the island. The beauty of my job is I get to balance the current needs with future energy ambitions. Every day, I’ll assess how much power Guernsey needs – today and in the coming decades – especially as the energy landscape evolves with renewable integration.
One key element is understanding and predicting how electricity demand will shift, particularly as more people turn to electric vehicles (EV’s), electric heating, and even digital technologies like smart homes.
But here’s where it gets interesting; demand-side management (DSM for those in the know) could completely reshape how we plan this future.
To put it simply, Demand Side Management is a way to help customers use energy more efficiently by adjusting their usage patterns to save money and reduce strain on the electricity grid.
By using DSM strategies, we can encourage people to shift their energy usage to ‘Off-Peak’ times so we can reduce strain on the grid during high demand periods and help reduce a customer’s carbon footprint.
This means we can optimise how we distribute energy across the island, defer expensive infrastructure upgrades, and integrate more renewable energy sources – without overburdening the network.
For example, if we can anticipate a surge in electricity usage from electric heating or vehicles, DSM measures such as smart tariffs or controlled charging can help us flatten the peaks. This not only makes our grid more efficient, but also helps cut down fossil-fuel generation at the power station. By feeding these insights into our planning, I can make sure we design a more resilient, flexible grid that can handle future demand spikes – without inflating costs for our customers unnecessarily.
At the core of my job is aligning Guernsey’s Electricity Strategy with the island’s 2050 Net-Zero goals. This means planning for a future heavily reliant on renewable energy like solar and offshore wind in a way that ensures our power remains affordable, reliable and sustainable for everyone.
"DSM is just one of the many tools we can use to future-proof Guernsey’s energy system, making sure we can keep the lights on in a way that benefits both the environment and the community."
What other industries have you worked in?
My work across various industries has truly shaped my perspective on energy, engineering, and how best to approach problem-solving.
My professional journey has taken me from the sub-Saharan copper mines of Zambia in Africa, to the renewable energy sector up North in Scotland, and even down under, to Australia’s rugged mining territories.
In Zambia, I was thrust into the high-stakes, dynamic environment of electrical mine engineering, where I managed electrical foreman and technicians. I also audited high-voltage protection systems and oversaw the installation and commissioning of major power infrastructure. This hands-on work gave me valuable experience in high-pressure operational environments, where time literally equalled money.
One highlight was supervising a 42km twin-bear 33Kv power line construction – talk about a field day!
I then worked at a nickel mine in Western Australia as an electrical and instrumental engineer. Here I was able to audit conveyor belt systems and fine-tune protection settings for high-voltage circuits – an interesting blend of process control and electrical engineering. This taught me resilience and the value of precision when it comes to taking care of critical operations in remote locations with impressively high pace and scale.
My career then took a pivotal turn as returned to Zambia and played a part in the country’s energy transition. Working with ZESCO, I led system studies and project designs focused on integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar into Zambia’s national grid. I also led expansion projects tackling electrification for rural areas, both on- and off-grid, through electrification plans in partnership with the World Bank.
I’ve also dabbled in the electric mobility sector as a co-founder of the Zambian Electric Mobility Innovation Alliance (ZEMIA). This initiative allowed me to work on creating business-friendly environments for electric mobility in Zambia, promoting innovation, and supporting policy development designed to reduce carbon emissions. We’re striving to build a robust electric mobility ecosystem that will propel Zambia towards greener future.
My work then took me across the world to Tokyo, where I became part of their ‘Knowledge Co-Creation Program’ and designed action plans for renewable energy integration, tailored to various African and Asian regions.
Japan’s approach to efficiency and meticulous planning was truly eye-opening. It not only expanded my technical expertise, but also gave me insights into cultural differences in energy planning – and the Japanese precision-driven focus on efficiency has stayed with me every since.
Next, I travelled back West to Europe where I took part in a knowledge exchange programme focused on renewable energy strategies in Italy. I found the Italian's innovative approach to balancing traditional energy sources, such as coal and oil, with renewable energy fascinating. It also reinforced the importance of flexibility, which I use in my role here in Guernsey today.
"I’ve seen first-hand how the challenges of energy generation, transmission and consumption differ across industries and continents thanks to my diverse experiences across mining, utility-scale power, renewables and electric mobility."
Each role has expanded my mental toolbox, but more importantly, these diverse experiences have given me a profound appreciation for how energy, environment, and human progress interconnect.
What does a typical day (or week) look like for you?
Brainstorming sessions are a key part of my week, particularly on power station design.
My week is also made up of a dynamic blend of design work, strategic planning, technical problem-solving and collaborating with teams internally and external stakeholders.
My days are usually dedicated to network design, including work on the design and optimisation of our 33kV and 11kV high-voltage networks. This includes brainstorm sessions alongside the Investment, Planning and Design (IPD) team to explore innovative approaches for network upgrades. This could be refining technical aspects of a new substation layout or ensuring our electricity distribution circuits are as efficient as possible to maximise reliability and adaptability.
"When it comes to the power station, I also focus on design aspects to future-proof the infrastructure against increasing renewable integration and customer’s evolving demand."
To help us understand the impacts of new renewable energy installations or network modifications, I often run simulations in ‘PowerFactory’ to make sure any grid changes will improve performance without compromising stability. Our teams collaborate to help address challenges linked to integrating renewable energy such as offshore wind and solar and explore options for energy storage systems that could help support grid resilience.
Interest in renewable energy projects is increasing, which means having regular discussions with external stakeholders is really important. This includes the States of Guernsey Planning Office and private energy companies to help make sure our network plans are aligned with both public and private sector initiatives.
What is your proudest achievement so far?
On a personal level, my two wonderful daughters are my proudest achievement. Watching them grow and seeing the world through their bright, curious eyes gives me a daily reminder of why I do, what I do.
I often tell them “Daddy is building a cleaner world for you and your friends”, and that’s no exaggeration. Everyday they inspire me to push forward with energy transition projects, knowing I’m helping shape the future they’ll one day inherit.
"Professionally, one of my greatest sources of pride is helping shape Guernsey’s energy future."
The landmark projects for me have been work on the regional subsea interconnection to the European grid and renewable energy integration. Guernsey Electricity are currently exploring a second cable interconnection, which would give the island a crucial boost for the island’s energy supply. It isn't just about adding more cables – it’s about making sure Guernsey is resilient enough to meet the demands of the future and incorporating a significant share of renewable energy alongside on-island generation.
Looking ahead, I will be leading a comprehensive technical audit of Guernsey’s energy system to help us better understand how customers will demand electricity over time. It’ll also help establish how much renewable energy the grid can accommodate, potential limitations of our cable connection, and inform our approach to moving away from the polluting effects of fossil-fuels to cleaner, more sustainable alternatives such as biofuels* and hydrogen*.
"I’m incredibly proud of the strategic work we’re embarking on to future-proof an energy system that not only manages today’s demand, but positions us for sustainable, resilient energy future."
I want to leave behind a cleaner, more sustainable world for my children and future generations, and I believe balancing these forward-thinking projects with inspiration from my daughters is my proudest achievement. Whether I’m overseeing a renewable energy initiative or teaching my daughters to ride a bike, I’m proud in the knowledge that both roles contribute to the lasting legacy I want to leave behind.
*Biofuels are renewable energy sources made from organic materials like plants and animal waste, offering a greener alternative to fossil fuels.
*Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when used in fuel cells, produces only water, making it an environmentally friendly energy source.
What was your dream job growing up? Or what did you want to do when you grew up?
You know, I almost became a doctor! I’m not kidding—my family was convinced I had the bedside manner and attentiveness to make it as a medical professional. I looked after them with such care, making sure they ate properly, took their medicine, and rested. It was only natural that they saw me as future “Dr. Nyoni.”
But deep down, I always knew my passion lay elsewhere. I dreamt of solving big problems—like how to bring clean water and sustainable energy to my grandparents’ village in rural Zambia. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating tangible solutions, especially when you can see the impact in people’s lives. So here I am, still a “doctor” in a sense—just one who fixes energy systems instead of people!
What is the most unusual thing about your job and how would you describe it to someone who knows nothing about it?
The most unusual thing? People think I just tinker with wires all day! But in reality, my job is about systems that people never really see or think about—until something goes wrong, that is. Explaining what I do is a bit like trying to describe an invisible safety net: “You don’t see it, but trust me, it’s there holding everything together!”
One time, during a work visit to Japan, I had to explain power grid optimisation to a group of local officials. Let’s just say my attempt to simplify things involved a lot of sushi analogies. “You know how you don’t want too much wasabi in one bite? That’s like balancing load on a network—you need just the right amount at the right time.”
If you could swap jobs with anyone for a day- who would it be and why?
I’d love to swap with HR or Finance for a day. Why? Well, it would be fascinating to see how they operate behind the scenes, making decisions about resources, recruitment, and budgets. Plus, it would give them a peek into the value that engineers like myself bring to the table. I might just leave a cheeky post-it on their desk saying, “Remember, no power = no budget!”.
Who inspires you the most?
My late father was my greatest inspiration—he was a man of vision, integrity, and unwavering support. After he passed away, my mother took up that mantle, showing me what it truly means to be resilient. She’s the quiet strength behind everything I do. Every time I achieve something professionally, I think about the sacrifices they made and how proud they would be.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Oh, younger Kumbuso, forget about being a medical doctor! Trust me, that’s not your path. Life is going to take you on a wild ride—from Zambia to Western Australia, Japan, Scotland, and now Guernsey. So relax, enjoy the journey, and don’t stress about the future too much. Oh, and one more thing: the degrees are important, but life will teach you far more valuable lessons.
What are the best benefits offered by GEL in your opinion?
The flexibility and team spirit at Guernsey Electricity are top-tier! Eddie Rigby, my line manager, is one of the best—he knows how to balance professionalism with a dash of humour, which makes the workplace all the more enjoyable. Of course, I’m still eagerly awaiting some of those other benefits (financial or otherwise), but the warm, welcoming atmosphere is a benefit in itself.
