Talha Ikram
1470 Evenside Crescent, Mississauga
Summary
Dynamic power system professional with extensive expertise in the North American electricity sector and a solid foundation in bulk power systems. Proven leadership in managing operations of Extra High Tension electricity networks within one of the world's most populous metropolitan cities, successfully spearheading system enhancement projects. Skilled in navigating complex operational challenges, with a strong desire to leverage rigorous experience in an operational planning role to meet evolving demands. Committed to driving innovation and efficiency in power system operations and planning, ensuring sustainable solutions for the future.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Power System Engineering Analyst
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
06.2024 - Current
- Perform power system studies to design and approve optimal day-ahead operating plan for Ontario’s power system.
- Ensure timely completion of asset maintenance programs.
- Collaborate with internal and external entities to ensure stability and reliability of North American electricity grid in real-time.
- Assess and approve critical maintenance outages and energization of new equipment.
- Skills: Communication
- Power System Studies
- Operational Planning
- SCADA
Power System Analyst
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
01.2023 - 06.2024
- Integrate Generation & Transmission element outages in the daily operational plan while ensuring safe and reliable operation of Ontario's power system.
- Perform contingency analysis and assess impacts of outages on overall integrity and stability of the system.
- Devise appropriate re-prep plans for restoration of power system within stipulated time after a contingency.
- Negotiate with market participates, request information, address concerns and develop consensus for overall upkeep of assets and operations.
- Skills: Communication
- Power System Studies
- Operational Planning
- SCADA
Manager – Grid System Operations
K-Electric Limited
06.2014 - 11.2022
- Multiple roles within System Operations department with career progression
- Ensured safe and reliable switching operations of 220kV, 132kV and 66kV Extra High Tension transmission network on minute-to-minute basis.
- Optimized tie-line flows and ancillary services in accordance with NEPRA regulations and reliability standards and in coordination with NPCC.
- Spearheaded system restoration activities (black start and resynchronization) after wide-area blackouts through intensive analysis and application of contingency plans.
- Transformed existing Work Permit system to incorporate highest level of safety standards for maintenance personnel and equipment by devising SOPs.
- Ensured system reliability of the network in scenarios such as loss of tie lines or generation loss in the national grid by devising real-time dispatch strategies.
- Slashed the chances of total system collapse or wide-area blackouts by developing an award-winning Contingency Plan for stable operations.
- Enabled K-Electric to safely draw additional 450MW from National grid by developing a Cross Trip Scheme as a core member of a cross-functional team.
- Approved critical network outages and interim network arrangements for overhauling of complete 220kV and 132kV grid stations – through detailed analysis and coordination.
- Safeguarded electrical equipment (transformers and transmission lines) by ensuring successful completion of annual and biannual maintenance outages.
- Reviewed daily outage plans for any conflicts / technical feasibility and approved planned and forced outages ensuring (N-1) contingency wherever possible.
- Led the development of departmental SOPs for Breakdown Restoration and Economic Merit Order Compliance as off-shift assignments.
- Proliferated organization’s profits by implementing Economic Dispatch of power in KE administered markets and ensured price-competitive and sustainable electricity supply for the consumers.
- Supervised preparation of long-term, medium term and short-term load forecasts and generation schedules.
- Prepared rotational load shedding / rolling blackout schedules for managing exigencies.
- Handled large volumes of calls and emails from high priority consumers and customer services departments in exigencies such as major breakdowns and shortage of generation in professional and courteous manner.
- Supervised preparation of technical reports and ensured maintenance of operation logs as per standards.
Education
Master of Engineering - Electrical Power Systems
NED University of Engineering and Technology
05.2018
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology
12.2013
Skills
- SCADA Operations
- Power system analysis with DSA tools
- Electricity Demand Forecasting
- Problem-solving
- Quantitative analysis skills
- Effective communication
- Analytical Skills
- Leadership
- Effective teamwork in shift environments
Engineering License
Engineering Intern (EIT) - since May 2025
Professional Engineering License application - In progress
Languages
English – Full functional proficiency
Urdu / Hindi – Native proficiency
Accomplishments
- Won prestigious Pakistan Engineering Congress Scholarship during all semesters of undergraduate studies by exhibiting sustained excellence.
- Won KE CARES Value Award for developing a milestone Contingency Plan for K-Electric transmission network during the year 2020.
- Received letter of appreciation from IET Karachi Network for delivering an informative webinar on "POWER GRID IN PAKISTAN: Operations & Challenges".
Courses & Trainings
- Electric Industry Operations & Markets
- Duke University - 2022-01
- Coursera
- Renewable Energy Futures
- University of Colorado Boulder - 2022-04
- Wind Energy
- Technical University of Denmark -DTU - 2021-11
- Interpersonal Communication for Engineering Leaders
- Rice University - 2022-01
- Managing Teams
- LinkedIn Learning - 2021-09
- Complete course on developing a Solar Power Project + Model
- Udemy - 2021-09
- Training on Power System Stability & Control
- SWI Consultants - 2018-09
- Training on Power System Analysis
- Prescon Engineering - 2016-01
Timeline
Power System Engineering Analyst
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
06.2024 - Current
Power System Analyst
Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)
01.2023 - 06.2024
Manager – Grid System Operations
K-Electric Limited
06.2014 - 11.2022
Bachelor of Engineering - Electrical Engineering
NED University of Engineering and Technology
Master of Engineering - Electrical Power Systems
NED University of Engineering and Technology