From apprentice to leader, Huw Greenhill has spent more than two decades helping keep the lights on across NSW. He reflects on his journey, the challenges and achievements that shaped his career, and what excites him about the future of energy.
Careers
From first day to decades of service: 25 years of adaptability and resilience with Huw Greenhill
12 January 2026
From nervous beginnings to leading the way
When Huw Greenhill walked through the doors on his first day more than two decades ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. However, he didn't shy away from the great task ahead of him.
“I was nervous starting on my first day. Wasn’t sure what I was in for,” Huw recalls. “I knew a couple of people, which was helpful, and I quickly saw the team camaraderie. I was welcomed and fit in quickly. I was surprised by the area we covered and the work involved in what was, at the time, a very under-the-radar industry. If no one knew who we were, we were doing our job, keeping the lights on.”
Behind the scenes: what might surprise you about Huw's role
Huw works in the routine maintenance space, a role that might sound predictable but is anything but.
“There are rarely two days that are the same,” he explains. “My team monitors the maintenance program across the business. We look ahead, manage the forward workload, and bundle packages of work for field teams. The variety of equipment and locations keeps things interesting. Even similar pieces of equipment can have their differences, so our field staff need a broad range of knowledge. My team supports them, advising on actions when things don’t go right, monitoring results, and shaping long-term strategies.”
A career of growth and evolution
Huw's journey began as an electrical apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship, he became an Electrical Fitter, now known as a Substation Technician, working in maintenance and construction in the Orange area.
“I progressed to a grade 3 sub tech and then became Team Leader for the Orange-based team, leading up to 24 staff,” Huw says. “After privatisation, we restructured, splitting works management and people management. I moved into works management, and over time, that evolved into my current role leading the Routine Program for the Orange and Wagga areas.”
Standout achievements in his career so far
Huw's career has been filled with challenges and triumphs.
“After my apprenticeship, I was based at Wallerawang for a couple of years. For a while, I was the only one there, which taught me responsibility and self-starting,” he shares.
“One standout was replacing a failed transformer at Wallerawang. It wasn’t a straight swap, there were constraints and design challenges. We worked closely with the design team to make it happen quickly.”
Huw also managed construction at Wellington for the second 330kV line, improving system stability for the Central West.
“My proudest achievement? Seeing the people I once led grow and succeed. Knowing I played a part in their development means a lot.”
Guidance for future energy leaders
Huw looks forward to what the future holds where we will need to adapt to new generation sources, changes in technology and the way we maintain equipment to adapt to the evolution of our network.
He encourages the next generation to embrace opportunities:
“Take opportunities. Try different things. Put in for the role you’re thinking about. There have never been so many opportunities as there are now. Learn your role and build on that skill."
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