**Interview with Liao Liping, a Senior Engineer at State Grid Zhuzhou Company**
In the realm of power production, few can match the dedication and resilience of Liao Liping, a senior engineer at the State Grid Zhuzhou Company. With 27 years of experience under her belt, Liao has garnered numerous accolades, including National Model Worker and Outstanding Female Craftsman from Hunan. We had the privilege of discussing her journey and insights on the significance of her work.
**Interviewer:** Liao, many believe that working on the front lines of the power grid is an arduous task, especially for women. What inspired you to pursue this path?
**Liao Liping:** Indeed, it’s often said that the grassroots level can be tough, and many female colleagues shy away from these roles. However, I view life as a journey of self-discovery and growth. Regardless of the career path we choose, dedication and hard work allow us to uncover our best selves.
**Interviewer:** You’ve spent two decades at the Zhuzhou Power Supply Company. Can you share your initial experiences?
**Liao Liping:** I began my career in 1997 as a duty officer. My father always emphasized the importance of the power grid for national development, and he reminded me that any lapse in attention could have serious consequences. Back then, our equipment was quite outdated, and handling failures was critical. Working in sweltering heat and biting cold was a challenge, but I forged a connection with each piece of equipment, feeling that they all have a certain spirit.
**Interviewer:** Your passion for your work is evident. How do you stay engaged, especially with the technical side of the job?
**Liao Liping:** I keep a small notebook filled with data analyses and schematics because every detail counts when it comes to equipment safety. While I don’t have many hobbies, I find joy in delving into blueprints and understanding the ins and outs of our machinery. This dedication has helped me achieve recognition in technical competitions at various levels.
**Interviewer:** After becoming the leader of the maintenance team in 2021, how has your role evolved?
**Liao Liping:** Leading a team of 200, responsible for 120 substations, has certainly shifted my daily routine. Inspection, maintenance, and emergency repairs are part of my life now. I often find myself working beside my team in trenches or climbing structures. Despite the fatigue, there’s satisfaction in solving problems together.
**Interviewer:** Your achievements are impressive! Can you highlight some of the impactful projects you’ve led?
**Liao Liping:** I’ve guided my team in renovating over 120 substations and commissioning ten new smart substations. We’ve crafted standardized procedures and generated over 200 work tickets, achieving zero errors across 100,000 operations. Our fault management handbook has also become an invaluable training resource.
**Interviewer:** Training the next generation seems to be a priority for you. How do you approach that?
**Liao Liping:** Absolutely! The “Liao Liping Model Worker Innovation Studio” was established in November 2011 to help young talent with career planning and technical skill development. I ensure they learn vital skills—from wiring to pressure testing—so they approach their work with confidence and competence.
**Interviewer:** Innovation appears to be a cornerstone of your work. Can you share an example?
**Liao Liping:** One of our key products, the “Universal Grounding Clamp,” originated from addressing practical challenges. Our maintenance workers struggled with clamps slipping off vertical wires. After extensive brainstorming, we developed a third-generation clamp that significantly improved safety and reduced maintenance time.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like your innovation studio has made a real impact in the power sector.
**Liao Liping:** Indeed! We’ve secured multiple national patents and contributed numerous innovative results, filling gaps in technology. Witnessing the young professionals we’ve trained excel in their roles brings me immense pride.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what is the broader significance of your work?
**Liao Liping:** Our role goes beyond simply providing power; we protect the integrity and stability of the national grid. Each team member is essential in maintaining these critical assets. I aspire to be like a dandelion in the power grid—spreading knowledge and illuminating every corner. My goal is to nurture a vibrant landscape with the light we create together.
