The keeper of the pulses of light

Quang Ninh Power Company's Dispatching Department.

Female dispatcher - a journey full of effort

Stepping into the control room, where soft light emanates but the atmosphere is perpetually tense, due to the focused attention of the dispatchers concentrating on their work, one easily notices the contrast between the complex grid diagrams and densely packed technical parameters on the screens, and the image of Ms. Lan Anh: a petite, slender woman with a confident and calm work ethic.

Lan Anh was born in 1985 in Thai Binh province, a land of rice paddies stretching as far as the eye can see, where the people are as kind and simple as the golden rice stalks. She has been involved in the electricity industry since 2014, starting at the Western High-Voltage Grid Branch in Quang Ninh. From an assistant operator, she later became a main operator at the 110kV Cai Lan substation, and in 2021, she transferred to the Dispatching Department of Quang Ninh Power Company.

In 2023, Lan Anh officially passed rigorous exams, becoming the only female dispatcher and shift supervisor at the Quang Ninh Power Company's control center. Over the past decade – her journey from a young woman initially hesitant and anxious to becoming someone who "masters" complex power lines and substations throughout Quang Ninh province – has been a journey of immense effort and determination for this strong and determined woman!

Ms. Lan Anh always strives to improve her knowledge and regularly exchanges ideas and learns from her colleagues in the unit.

“Since childhood, I’ve had a special interest in numbers and technical diagrams. But it wasn’t until I actually entered the dispatching profession that I truly understood the pressure and importance of it,” she confided. “Dispatching work doesn’t allow for any mistakes, no matter how small. A wrong decision or operation can affect power supply to thousands of customers, causing material damage and even endangering people’s safety. Therefore, the core qualities of a dispatcher, male or female, must be absolute accuracy and quick reflexes.”

Given the unique nature of the electricity industry – a profession seemingly reserved for men with their flexible thinking and calm demeanor – meticulousness and diligence, strengths of women, are also crucial in this job! And that is precisely the quality that the Head of the Dispatching Department highly values in Ms. Lan Anh. She always strictly adheres to the Circulars, procedures, and operating regulations, ensuring that every command and every operation is carried out fully and accurately, contributing to the safe, continuous, and stable power supply for the Quang Ninh power system.

Resilience in "The Storm"

Throughout her years of dedication to her work, perhaps 2024 will be an unforgettable memory for Ms. Lan Anh and all her colleagues. That was when Typhoon Yagi struck Quang Ninh, causing serious damage to the power grid.

“When the storm hit, the entire province’s power grid was almost completely shut down. Numerous circuit breakers tripped, 110kV lines and substations were taken out of operation, and widespread power outages affected most of the province, especially the central hub. Those were the most challenging days I’ve ever experienced,” she recalled. “Everyone was worried. At that time, I had only one thought: how to restore the power grid as quickly and safely as possible.”

Amidst intense pressure, colleagues remain deeply impressed by the image of Ms. Lan Anh – a petite woman who displayed an iron will while sitting in the "hot seat" of a power grid operator.

Lan Anh's ability to handle work steadily and consistently has always been highly appreciated by her superiors and colleagues.

Anh Ngoc Khang, a colleague of Lan Anh, shared: “The workload during the storm was enormous, the situation was complex, and there was almost no time to rest. But Lan Anh always remained calm, level-headed, and quickly made accurate decisions, advising leaders promptly. Her unwavering courage and tireless sense of responsibility contributed significantly to the rapid recovery and restoration of the power grid.”

That composure is not just an instinct, but also the result of in-depth professional training, a proactive work ethic, and a continuous learning attitude. She is always proactive in exchanging ideas, debating, and offering constructive suggestions, aiming to improve processes and enhance the operational quality of the entire team.

A strong rear base and unwavering faith.

Working 24/7 shifts, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), is always a major challenge for women with families, particularly for Lan Anh, who has three young children. To fully dedicate herself to her passion for her profession while still fulfilling her family responsibilities, Lan Anh has carefully balanced and allocated her time between work and daily life.

"For shifts during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), the most important factor is the sharing and support from family, especially my husband and children," she confided. "Luckily, I always receive attention and support from the department's leadership to arrange reasonable shifts, helping me balance work and family care."

Ms. Lan Anh observed: “Maintaining the water supply is not just a purely technical job, but also a very close-knit work environment. Everyone cares for and shares with each other both in work and in life. The support from colleagues has helped me gradually adapt and master the job, thereby seeing the responsibility of those who maintain the water supply for Quang Ninh.”

In the eyes of her superiors, she is not only a skilled and principled dispatcher, but also someone who brings meticulousness and a strong team spirit to the group. She is an example of perseverance and overcoming difficulties in a dry, technical environment.

Portrait of the only female dispatcher at Quang Ninh Power Company.

To young people, especially young women, who aspire to work in the electrical industry, she shared this message: “Be strong and pursue your passion. No matter how unique and stressful the job is, meticulousness, perseverance, and self-belief will help you overcome those challenges. Here, you will always find support and sharing from dear colleagues, not only within the unit but also across the country.”

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh is not only an outstanding employee, but also a living testament to the strength and resilience of women in the electricity industry – steadfast, strong, yet gentle and profound… They silently “keep the rhythm” of light, the lifeblood of the nation, contributing to illuminating hope and fostering prosperous development on every inch of our homeland.

Xuan Anh (Quang Ninh Power Company)

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nguoi-giu-nhip-nhung-mach-nguon-anh-sang-3387920.html