As a Transmission Project Engineer, Carmichael is a connector with an innate ability to understand the issues at hand and relay them where needed. While she’s based out of our Hydro Place office, her work takes her to transmission lines all across our province – whether that line is running from Churchill Falls, or crossing the Island as part of the Labrador Island Link. Carmichael has been with Hydro for more than a decade and is a trusted, energetic, team member who cares deeply about her work.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a Belizean Newfoundlander who has passionately made this Island my home for the past twenty years. I have built a fulfilling engineering career, a truly solid network of trusted friends, and, most dear to my heart, an amazing family comprised of my husband, mother-in-law, and two curious kids.

What sparked your interest in engineering?

My father worked in the power utility business for 40 years before he retired. I played in the empty office hallways on the weekend while he finished reports, and visited hydroelectric plants from the back of my dad’s work trucks. Road trips were spent admiring mile after mile of power lines. I’m honestly not sure if I chose the utility engineer life, or if it chose me.

How long have you worked at Hydro?

I have been working with Hydro for 12 years. When I first started, I spent two years working with the regulated Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Team, but have been working with my current department, Projects in Unregulated, for the past decade. My work sites include transmission lines right across the province – from the 735 kV transmission line that has been transmitting power from Churchill Falls since 1971, to our newest 350 kV DC lines for the Labrador Island Link. 

Tell us about your role here at Hydro.

At Hydro, my job title is Transmission Project Engineer. I was formerly a Transmission Design Engineer, but slowly transitioned to the Project world. In short, I am a connector. I have the ability to speak to a layperson or a technical specialist, understand everyone’s concerns and pain points and translate them to other parties.

During the construction season, which generally ranges from May until November, I split my time between the field and Hydro Place. When not in the field, I’m creating and managing contracts, evaluating bids and engaging internal and external stakeholders – basically a lot of paperwork, emails, and phone calls. 

But, for me, field work is the best part of the job. Having the opportunity to interact with line crews who have been working on our assets, some for decades, in ever-changing conditions, provides incredibly useful insight which makes me a better engineer when I’m back in the office. User-based design not only includes the customer but also input from the maintenance and application teams.

Being a project engineer means continually adapting and overcoming the various challenges that arise over the course of a project because no matter how we try, no project goes according to plan.

What role do you and your team play in ensuring Hydro can provide safe, reliable power to our customers?

Aging Transmission Assets is a phrase that should ring interest in every person’s ear. Not only are we expanding for greater consumption due to electrification, but a majority of our transmission line assets were built in the 60’s and 70’s, meaning they are at replacement age.

Our goal is to provide continuous reliable power, while servicing the assets and parts that provide continuous reliable power. It’s a very challenging balance as maintenance requires outages. This has challenged me to be more creative, to maximize opportunity, and to be able to pivot on a dime.

What’s the most rewarding thing about your job?

I love being part of a company that has a direct role in improving the quality of lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I’m often found in the mom-mobile shuttling my kids to their activities. Over the past three years, I’ve picked up knitting. It’s incredible how a simple repetitive task quiets a busy mind. I also love gardening and plants – my house and property are an ode to this love.