Power worker turns frontline ideas into innovation

A veteran power worker in Shaanxi province has completed more than 20,000 error-free switching operations and developed practical tools to improve grid safety and reliability over more than two decades on the job.

Tie Zijia works with his colleagues from State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Co. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Tie Zijia, a substation operations specialist at State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Co, has combined his regimented sense of discipline with an unswerving commitment to frontline innovation since leaving military service in 2001.

His inventions include a multifunctional maintenance clamp that simplifies switching operations and a portable snowplow designed to clear snow at substations in cold regions. The snowplow has been promoted across Northwest China, strengthening emergency response capabilities in extreme weather.

Drawing inspiration from everyday objects, Tie has also developed equipment including rain shields for outdoor switches and an insulated inspection recorder. He has tackled more than 40 technical challenges and received 31 national patents, along with 23 provincial-level and higher awards.

Tie Zijia talks with his colleagues from State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Co. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2016, he established an innovation workshop that was named a key supported innovation center in Shaanxi province later in 2025. He also helps young employees develop problem-solving skills through hands-on training and collaborative projects.

Tie says innovation must solve real problems. For him, improving grid reliability and ensuring a stable power supply remain the ultimate goals of his work.