احدى �رشكات جمموعة مناء Member of Nama Group

11th Edition of Official Magazine of RAECO S.A.O.C

Power Transmission Project in Musandam Province

www.reefiah.com

Rural Areas Electricity Company Photographer: Adnan Al Wahaiby CONTENTS

4 Definition of Strategy

7 Musandam Transmission Project

September 2015 Commercial 8 Operation of the Solar Energy Project

Rural Areas Electricity Company 9 Wins Award for Omanization

Several Agreements Signed During 9 Third Business Opportunities Forum

The Rural Areas Electricity Company participates in the second Al Daqum 10 Forum

RAECO Celebration 16 `the 45th Glorious National Day

Editorial Staff

Editor-in-Chief Coordinator Samira Al Mughairi Ameera Al-Aufi Production Head Coordinator Photographer Communication and Media Department Amal Al-Wahaibi Mazin Al- Abri

Rural Areas Electricity Company CEO' Message

Definition of Strategy

The definition of the word strategy goes back to ancient The reader may now begin to understand that strategy wars. It meant the maneuvers of military units to reach a is linked to the objectives of the company. Whether they certain point or place before the enemy. In the previous were achieved by a set of decisions or programs. Henry definition, strategy meant relocation. However, ifthe Mitzeberg stressed on the notion of strategy in his book enemy has reached the desired place or they were located "The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning". He indicated there previously, a different term will be used, which is that people commonly used implications of that: tactics. B. H. Lindall Heart defined military strategies as • Strategy is the plan or method that can change the the art of using battles, to achieve the purpose of the war. current state into a desired situation. This is a fine clear statement, and it was widely used, but the meaning has changed since the word strategy was • The set of tasks that the company adopts through a used in the world of business. period. The godfather of the strategic planning George Steiner • An organization or a position that affects decisions in used this term in his book "Strategic Planning", and presenting specific products or services for a targeted defined the word strategy in business by saying: "strategy customer market. is what one does to counter a competitor current or In the last definition by Henry Mitzberg, he added to expected move". He indicated that strategy is used in the strategy definition the word "Position". This position three areas: affects the fatal decisions of the company, and distinguish • Work done by the supreme management, and it is of it from others. This meaning corresponds with the extreme value. definition of the author regarding shared strategies, where he defined strategies as a sample of decisions in • The set of main decisions, which achieve the task or the company, which sets the goals and purposes, and objective. defines the general policies and plans to achieve the aim • Strategy contains the main duties and tasks, which of the company. It also sets the course of work, identity, fulfil the objectives of the company. economical and non-economical nature, that leads the company, the employees and society.

4 Rural Areas Electricity Company Strategy is Away Current or Potential Competitors Compete

Therefore, any company with a clear distinguished identity • Products and services must have a clear known strategy. Here are some major • Market companies that have their own strategies like General Electric, Walmart, and Microsoft …etc. We understand • Customers that by developing a distinguished identity, we develop • Geographical region a different definition which is captivity, and that what To simplify the term strategy, imagine that it is a bridge makes it unique. Michel Porter adapted the definition that starts with (general policies, and objectives), and it of competitive strategy. Where he saw that competitive ends with programs, activates and practical initiations. strategy is the choice between a set of activities to achieve Let me say that strategy means moving ourselves from a mixture of values that defines the own unique identity the current position to a much more desired state. Finally, of the company. This means that strategy is related to when we say a strategy we mean a plan, and therefore a a competitive situation, by distinguishing yourself from clear vision and objective that define us from others. others in the eyes of the customers. Also< it means creating your own values that define your identity from other competitors. Hamed Salim Al Maghderi By working on a strategy, you develop a direction CEO to follow. That is what Kepner-Tregoe meant by his definition of strategy "the frame that guides the options which define the nature of the company's direction". We interpret two things from this simplified definition, and they are the selection of products or services provided by the company, and the targeted market. Michele Roberts explains the markets, products and the direction of the management. Who emphasized that making a fatal decision depends of four elements:

Rural Areas Electricity Company 5 Communication & Media Manager Message Communication is the Key to Success

Due to the importance of communication, most of us of verbal and non-verbal communications. In the desire to be better communicators. As leaders and team workplace, verbal and non-verbal communications are members, we use both professionally and personally frequently exchanged, often without planning. since communication is the key to success. The purpose of Having communication skills help us to understand communication is to get a message across to others that others not just their words, but also their tone of voice, involves both the sender of the message and the receiver. their nonverbal gestures, or the format of their written Everyone perceives the message different than others. documents provides us with clues about who they are The message is only considered successful when both the and what their values and priorities may be. Hence, active sender and the receiver perceive it in the same way. listening and reading are also part of being a successful Many individuals continue to struggle with the communicator. communication skill and are unable to communicate their There are many ways to enhance our verbal and non- thoughts and ideas effectively in both written and oral verbal communication for example: format. This essential incapability makes it challenging for them to compete effectively in the workplace, and may • Eye contact is important in sending and receiving stand in the way of career progression. Ensuring your messages. As it can be a signal of interest, respect, or message is understood is vital to progressing. To achieve even a sign of honesty. this, we must understand our message, the audience we • Facial expressions reflect attitudes and emotions. intend to send to, and how the audience will perceive the message. • Be aware of people's personal space when communicating. Do not invade personal space by In order to communicate effectively, we must remember getting too close, and do not confuse communication the importance of removing all barriers. These barriers by being too far away…. possibly create confusion and misunderstanding. To be an effective communicator and to get your point across Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills are without confusion and misunderstandings, we should essential in all aspects of life. In order to continue to perform minimize these barriers with clear, accurate, and well- better in our carrier, and to surge our chances of success planned communications. in life, we need to be mindful of effective communication strategies. On the other hand, when looking for transition into the workforce, we need to continue to raise good communication skills by ensuring successful communications within our organization. It is recommended to start with basics such as our knowledge

6 Rural Areas Electricity Company Cover Story

Musandam Transmission Project

Rural Areas Electricity Company aims to support the the central grid-transformers station in Wilayat growing demands of electrical energy in Musandam in Mahas area. The central grid-transformers station Governorate, by establishing a 132 kilovolt overhead includes a 132 – 33 KV voltage reduction transformers, transmission grid. The grid will cover Wilayat , each with a capacity of 125 megavolt/ampere. This , and Khasab; along with establishing central grid project also includes stretching an overhead power line transforming station in Tibat area in Wilayat Bukha; (132 KV) from the transformers station in Khasab to the Mahas in Wilayat Khasab; and Khab Al Shamsi in Wilayat main grid-transformers station in Wilayat Dibba in Khab Dibba .The 132 kilovolt electricity transmission grid has Al Shamsi area through rough mountainous terrain across been designed to transmit electrical current up to 240 65 Kilometers, which include laying 237 electricity towers. megawatts, to assure the strategic importance of this The new transformers station in Dibba will include two project in supporting the growth of the electricity sector, 50-megavolts/ ampere of 132 – 33 KV transformers. The developing the infrastructure and services in Musandam project will also include the connection works of the new Governorate. grid to the existing grids in Khasab, Bukha and Dibba. Oil Company will construct a gas powered plant Rural Areas Electricity Company seeks to provide a to generate electrical energy in Taibat area in Wilayat sustainable electrical current with quality and safety, Bukha, with a production capability of 120 megawatts, along with maintaining a healthy environment. To achieve where it will be linked with The RAEC central transformers these objectives, RAEC is constructing a control and station in the area, and transmitting energy through the monitoring center according to high global standards in transmission grid. Wilayat Khasab, to control and monitor the distribution and transmission of electricity through the Governorate. Transmission project in will This will raise the credibility of the grid in addition to include: construction of a central grid transforming providing a credible and secure database. This project station that contains two 36 megavolt/ampere, which will be executed by The National Saudi Constructions can produce 132KV/33KV, and the company will stretch Company with a total cost of (37,699,991-/) Omani Rials. a 132KV line from Taibat station across 18 Kilometers and laying 75 towers across a rough mountainous terrain to

Rural Areas Electricity Company 7 Farshat Qatbeet Project Projects department in the RAEC is implementing several 300 m3/day in capacity, Water treatment station, 50 projects in , some of these projects m3/day capacity, Importing and installation of a 10 ton is building electricity grids in Farshat Qatbeet, Marsodad, crane, Importing and installation of 2 x 10 megavolt /H Manader Al Dhibyan, and Mashash. The construction of transformers, Importing and installation of 2 x 3 megavolt the electricity plant in Farshat Qatbeet is considered to /H capacitators, Importing and installation of 2 x 1000 be one of the important developmental projects in the megavolt/H transformers. area. It costs around 4.4 million Omani Rials. The projects This project will be ready in October, which requires 550 consists of electricity generating plant, and distribution days for the study, design and construction. grid that covers different projects in the area along with residential and tourist area. The projects include: Importing and installation of 6 X 10 megawatts diesel generators, along with all their mechanical and electrical accessories, Building diesel generators room, Building 11-kilovolt switch room, Building 33-kilovolt switch room, Constructing a fire extinguishing system, with tool storage and water tank, Building 2 diesel tankers,

Commercial Operation of the Solar Energy Project

The solar energy project has been launched in Wilayat Al Mazyoona in Dhofar Governorate. This project is the first project of its kind that will be linked to the main grid, which is one of the government's plan to utilize renewable energy in generating electricity. The estimated annual production of this project will be around 558 megawatts\ plant. This project is expected to cover This project will help in testing this hour, where two types of solar panels all the electrical need of Al Mazyoona mechanism in the sultanate's climate, has been used. The 1617 solar panels during the winter season, at least for which will provide data that will be were stretched across 8000 square the first years of its launch, keeping valuable in developing such projects, meters, and they are connected to the in mind expansion possibilities in the in addition to training local work force main electricity grid in Al Mazyoona. future. in this field. According to the agreement signed Rural Areas Electricity Company aim The commercial operation of this plant with the investor (energy purchase to achieve many goals from such has officially started in September agreement) the RAEC has to purchase projects, such are reducing the harmful 2015, where the Authority for all the produced energy from the plant, emissions of produced by fossil fuel Electricity Regulation granted Bahwan with the tariff set by The Authority for combustion, which is estimated by Stonefield energy the license of Electricity Regulation (AER) for a period 433 tons of Carbon Dioxide per year ownership, construction and operation of 20 years. This project will support released into the air we breathe. of this plant, which its combined electrical energy by feeding the main Also, this project saves burning 155 capacity is estimated for 307 Kilowatts. grid, and support the diesel-powered thousand liters of diesel each year.

8 Rural Areas Electricity Company Several Agreements Signed During Third Business Opportunities Forum News

The third Business Opportunities of 170 MW and 20% for small and Forum, which was organized by Oman medium companies, for the supply of Chamber of Commerce and Industry local materials. on November 16 and 17 at the Oman The main agreements were: International Exhibition Centre, An agreement with Al Maha Petroleum aimed to enhance partnerships and Product Marketing CO with the value in-country value for products and of (49.846.881) for the supply and services through the forum. delivery of fuel "gas oil" for power Major companies had disclosed their plants to RAEC Power Stations existing purchase orders and the An agreement with Global Chemical tenders they have signed for 2016 & Maintenance Systems worth as well as their growth plans for the (18.966.578) for the construction coming years. The forum allowed Eng. Hamad Al Maghderi, CEO of of Masirah New Power Station in Al participants to sign or renew contracts RAECO Said: "Supporting the (SMEs) is Sharqiyah South Governorate and with SMEs and major companies the key to boosting the economy. Also, another project for new power station this is where most of the innovation Rural Areas Electricity Company at Saih AL Khairat in Dhofar Governorate comes from. As part of our Group's CEO, Engineer Hamad Al Maghderi for the value of (19,947,652/850) basic values, we endeavour to build had signed number of agreements An agreement with Al Jood Trading a sustainable future for the country worth 110 million Omani rials. These & Contracting Company for the value and that can happen only when events agreements comprised on supply of (24,851,300) for the Construction such as the Business Opportunities of fuel for power plants and the of Khasab New Power Station in Forum receive support from corporate construction of three electricity Musandam Governorate. entities”. production plants with a capacity "Multaqa" The new portal for the company

The Information technology to a place to store files and forms to department has launched its internal share with other departments, there's portal for the company under the name a specific place to store department of "Multaqa". This portal contains only files where it is only accessible many features, like a general page and by the employees of the department specific pages for each department only. in the company. Each department The name "Multaqa" has been chosen technical form. This form is available page contains information about the because it literally means getting on the main page; any employee who administrative structure, and names together, where all files, documents, faces any technical difficulty can log in, of employees associated with their and important data is gathered in one fill the form and send. After saving the pictures, which makes it easier for place as neatly as possible. data, the IT employees will receive an employees of other departments to email, so they can look it up and clear The Multaqa serves many great identify the suitable employee for the the situation. Then an email will be features for the employees, it also procedure or transaction. Also the sent to the employee to notify him/ saves time and effort. It contains pages contain general pictures of the her that the issue has been taken care many electronic forms, like requesting events of the department, in addition of. Rural Areas Electricity Company Wins Award for Omanization The Rural Areas electricity company has been awarded for Omanization jobs. The award was handed in the 32 meeting of the work ministers of the gulf countries in Qatar. Also, private sector enterprises awarded also for localization of jobs, and entrepreneurs awarded in the area of small enterprises in the gulf countries.

Rural Areas Electricity Company 9 Rural Areas Electricity Company Participation in the Job Opportunities and Recruitment Forum The Rural Areas electricity Company auspices of H.E. Sheik Khalid Omar Said represented by the customer service Al Marhoon, minister of civil service. The department in Musandam has department has presented projects, participated in the exhibition of job which the company has assigned to opportunities forum, which was small and medium enterprises, like organized by Oman's Chamber of electricity connecting works, cleaning Commerce and Industry, under the and hygiene and various other projects.

The Rural Areas Electricity Company Participates in the Second Al Daqum Forum Due to the importance of the Duqum economic zones, by making it a global zone, which covered by RAEC, and due investment station. to the major development of the area, The forum aimed to discuss the and the government's interest in the promising opportunities, which will economic zone and its surrounding be presented by the authority of environment. RAEC participated in Al Daqum economic zone, for the this forum, it was represented by citizens and residents of Al Wusta customer service manager in Al Wusta Governorate. In addition, the forum Governorate, Engineer\ Abdullah Al aimed to establish a communication Mamari. The forum came under the channel with enterprises that slogan "Society and Economy" which are targeted by the investment focused on the economic zone, the strategies. Also, it aimed to provide a promising investment opportunities, venture for the global, medium and and upcoming projects. This forum small enterprises to enlighten the is the following of the first successful investment opportunities available, forum held in 2013, under the and the important projects that will forum contained an exhibition where government strategy which hopes enable medium and small enterprises RAEC presented the new services and to make this zone one of the largest to invest in these opportunities. The provided brochures and booklets.

Rural Areas Electricity Company Participates in the First Gulf Customer Service Conference Rural Areas Electricity Company The Public Authority of Electricity and participated in the first customer Water, Excellences, undersecretaries, service forum in the gulf region. and specialists' from Gulf countries The forum was hosted by The Public accompanied by a group of customer Authority of Electricity and Water, service sector employees. under the slogan "Future visions, and This forum aimed to exchange expertise leading a change in the systems of between the participants. Also it shows customer service". The opening forum the methods and approaches used in was under the auspices of His Excellency this field. Finally, the forum delivered Engineer\ Al Abri, undersecretary of its dedicated purpose, which is sharing The Ministry of Regional Municipalities the experiences in the dedicated field and Water Resources. The conference of customer service. was attended by CEO Chairman of

10 Rural Areas Electricity Company Technical Training for RAEC Network Engineers News A group of 8 Networks Engineers attended a one week course in Corby, UK (near Cambridge). The course was focused on providing practical experience of the RAECo Electrical Safety Rules and network operations procedures, including correct use of Switching Schedules, issuing Permit to Work and Sanction for Test documents. Switching exercises were carried out Merlin Gerin, etc). Operations were the operator stands on the ground in live training centre network (11 kV) also carried out on primary substation using an insulated rod). The engineers which provides the candidates with switch gear (GEC) whilst the equipment also practiced the difficult operation of a realistic experience whilst being was live at 11 kV. applying earthing connections on the protected for their safety (the source is The outdoor part of the training centre overhead line, after testing dead with a an LV to HV supply with earth leakage includes a full height construction of 11 kV neon indicator. protection). The candidates were several sections of 11 kV overhead line, The final part of the course covered able to familiarise themselves with including pole mounted equipment the procedure for identifying 11 kV the detailed operation and earthing such as auto - re closes, section switches underground cables with a signal procedures for a range of different and drop-out fuse units. Operations coding device and the use of a spiking types of Ring Main Units from different were carried out live on this equipment gun for safely cutting the cable to prove manufacturers (York shire, Lucy, Brush, using long pole operating rods (where it is dead. Chapala Cyclone The Communication and Media additional generators and department in cooperation with the assigning maintenance customer service department in RAEC and emergency teams. has been in touch with the customers RAEC also participated during the rough weather conditions of in committee meeting the cyclone Chapala, by educating the for (Chapala cyclone), customers and sending SMS texts about and discussed some to Wilayat Al Jazer during the rough the safe usage of electricity during precautionary measures and which are: weather, and providing an additional rough times. The customers have been Transporting generators to be used electrical generator for Rabkout area, in notified about the dangers that may in case of an emergency in Wilayat Al Wilayat Thamrait. occur, and have been given emergency Jazer. contact numbers to dial in case of any Assigning maintenance teams in emergency. Assuring administrative and logistic selected locations in Dhofar and support in case the company needed Al Wusta Governorates, capable of RAEC continued updating the customers to transport electrical parts and accessing and dealing with any power for the arrangements, and preparation equipment to Al Wusta and Dhofar shortages caused by the rough weather with the Civil Defense committees, Governorates. conditions in the affected areas by the The Wally Office, and the government cyclone. to provide them company update Providing additional generators for and which has been arranged, from the affected areas, to prevent power Therefore, the company has expressed providing emergency team customers shortages. their gratitude for the employees for preparation and electricity generators, Providing Al Thuraya Phones for their efforts and dedication in their duty power cables, and transformers for the Wilayat Al Kahel , Al Khadra station and for providing outstanding service for affected areas of the company in Dhofar Al Daqum, and supporting them with RAEC customers, and also appreciate and Al Wusta Governorates. In addition, additional maintenance team. customers for following the company the company provided the shelters with Transporting electrical generators alerts through media channels.

Rural Areas Electricity Company 11 The procurement and contract department in the company electrical lines and adding electrical feeders. Another is, do their job according to high standards of quality, their supplying diesel for the electricity plants for, Khasab, Al job is to get competitive prices, monitor contracts, and Bayah, , Masrooq, Al Duqum, Ras Madrakah, Al analyze the general performance of the contractors and Khadra, Al Haj, Al Khuwaimeiah, khaloof, Serab, Al Ajaez, suppliers. That is to ensure a high operational level, and hitam, Al Najdah, and Al Dhafrat. The project was granted providing excellent service to the customers. to Al Maha Petroleum with a total cost of over 50 million Omani Rials. These projects are important in developing the The other departments work in accordance with the rural areas. The total cost of the company's procurements procurement and contracts department to ensure until this period of the year has reached 88 million Omani achieving the objectives and identifying the requested Rials. The company is analyzing and granting many other item, so that the department can get this item efficiently. projects such as designing and supplying of an electricity By knowing the requested items clearly, it helps the distribution station in Khasab in Musandam Governorate. procurement team to choose the suitable executives for Also, designing, supplying, constructing and expanding the demand, plus it is time efficient. the electricity plant in Shahab As'eeb. The projects of the company: Tendering process: The company has launched many electrical and Companies and enterprises follow certain procedures to developmental projects this year some of them are get a competitive rate in presenting services; one of it is the projects of designing, supplying, constructing and tender floating. Tender floating enables the enterprises to expanding the electricity generating plant in Shahab obtain many offers and services provided by contractors' As'eeb in Dhofar governorate. Supplying chemicals for and suppliers. The rural Areas Electricity Company uses this desalination plants of the Rural Areas Electricity Company. process to serve high quality services for the customers, The project of designing, supplying and constructing a and to achieve the best outcome of the developmental 33-Kilovolt electricity grid and substations in Museerah projects. For those reasons, the company is floating many in Al Sharqiah South Governorate; and the geographical tenders each year to be executed in its working areas. The information technology project for the surveying and expected sum of the tenders that has been floated this data collection in the Rural Areas Electricity Company in year is 60 tenders. Let us look at the mechanism of tender Musandam. floating, first the company announce the tender through The Rural Areas Electricity Company has contracted to local media, such as newspapers, and in the company's establish many projects and services; some of them are website (www.reefiah.com). Then the company enables supplying lubrications for the plants of The Rueal Areas the specialized companies to get the tender documents. Electricity Company; also, extending many grids and

12 Rural Areas Electricity Company News

Form No.: RAEC-SDP-F-03B The contract: MONTHLY SCORECARD Rev. No.: 2 The contract is an agreement between two parties to provide a service or execute a task for some financial ………../ 2015 Sr. Contractor/Supplier Evaluation Status Creteria in outcome. The parties in these contracts are The Rural Percentage of Areas electricity Company and the executing company, 100% the contract contains many clauses some of them are: 1 2 • Job type: it means the type of work to be done, and 3 4

the way it should be executed, and the technical 5 standards of executing the projects to satisfy the 6 client. 7 8 • Project cost: the total cost of the project agreed by 9 10

the parties of the contract. 11 • Payment method: which means the amount of money 12 13 that the contractor will receive by completing each 14 phase of the project. By the end of each phase, the 15 This16 program has been launched in 2013. Where 100 owner must pay an agreed percentage of the total companies17 has been registered until the end of 2013. amount for the contractor. In the18 year of 2014, contractors and suppliers has been contacted19 to register their companies in the system, and it • Guarantees: the benefit of guarantees entitles the 20 owner of an insurance document that ensures got 21a good response. Almost 90% of contractors has been registered22 until May 2015, and the total of the registered the project has been executed according to the 23 companies has reached (350) different companies. The agreement, and to avoid any future defects and extra 24 financial burdens or not executing the work properly. company25 plans to register all the contractors and suppliers in this system. • Fines: the fines are a punishment for the contractor who failed to deliver the project in due time. Improving the companies of contractors and suppliers: • Laws: are the Omani law, and the Omani Arbitration The supplier relations department provides a monthly, law to clear any disagreements occur among the and quarter annual report about the performance of the parties of the contract. contractors and suppliers companies. This is to identify weak points in these companies and enables them to The electronic register of the companies: develop. To prepare such report, the department follows This resulted for the challenges we faced in document these steps: management. And to ensure a quick neat process of • Preparing a table with the department requirements organizing and updating the data of the companies. Also, to assess these companies. doing transactions electronically is much more accurate. • The table is sent to the concerned departments to be Benefits of the system: filled monthly. • The companies can receive a direct invitation for the • The departments send back the table after filling it. system (procurements). • The department analyse the data and prepare the • Easy search. report. • Getting reports about the companies with ease. • The companies with weak status are informed and • Getting the required document efficiently. monitored. • Lowers the cost of administrative expenses. • The companies are informed with their weak points, and monitor the correction of those points.

Rural Areas Electricity Company 13 The Organizes a Program Called "Wahhaj Friends" for the Children of the Employees The program "Wahhaj friends" was organized by the vocational creativity committee, began its events for the children of the employees of the company. This fun educational program lasted for 5 days. This program included field visits to Bait Al Zubair Museum, Fine Arts Exhibition, The Higher College of Technology and The Royal Hospital. Also, the children visited the Civil Defense department, to raise awareness among the young. Mrs. Samira AL Mughairi Communication and Media Manager, assured that employees. Such programs create to invest the long free time of the the company aims to create a well a nurturing family atmosphere. summer vacation, in providing the kids established relations with the In addition, the company wanted with new insights and skills. The Rural Areas Electricity Company Celebrates 10th Anniversary Rural Areas Electricity Company electrical energy for RAEC areas. who spent a decade with the company. celebrated its 10th anniversary during Some of these important projects are Also, creativity committee has awarded May in The Holiday Inn . The the solar and wind energy plants in the winning employees with the most ceremony contained many segments, Dhofar. These projects aim to provide creative ideas for the months of March one of which was the speech of the CEO clean energy sources cut cost and help and April. Engineer\ Hamed Salim Al Maghdari, in reducing harmful emissions that Notably, all customer service offices where he thanked everybody for their damage the environment. in the company have celebrated hard effort since the establishment of In addition, The Company awarded the the anniversary in their regions, the the company in May 1, 2005. He also employees who spent 10 years with ceremonies included poetry, and folk valued the company achievements' the company. The awarding came to dances; in which employees expressed and it’s innovation in providing honor the merit of these employees their joy.

14 Rural Areas Electricity Company Mobile Application News Is an application to the Rural Areas This application contains many Electricity Company operates on features that enables the user an the devices (iPhone, Android) and is easy access to different features like: one of the ideas promulgated by the monthly bill statement, power failure Creativity Initiative Committee on report, company news, information April 2014, the most creative ideas about the company, suggestions, were won by: locations of customer service offices, vacancies, and the services provided Abdulwahed Meer, Mohammed by the company. Said Al Humaimi, Khalid Ahmed Al Madhari, Mohammed Said Al Shuhhi, This app will be updated to support Rashid Ahmed Al Sa'adi, Abdulhamid the services provided by the company, different features with the touch of a Abdullah Al Badri, Dawood Al Khanjari. and to enable the customers to use button. Under the slogan "Health, Cooperation, Communication" The Rural Areas Electricity Company participates in the program by Dibba hospital The Rural Areas Electricity Company the equipment and services provided represented by Dibba Electricity office by the company. Also, the company has participated in the awareness presented a paper that contained program organized by Dibba Hospital. information about the important Under the slogan "Health, Cooperation, projects of the company. It also and Communication" the events were contained some information about held, many government department the correct use of electricity, and how attended the event. The purpose was to avoid the misuse that can danger to raise awareness among the society. lives and properties. The paper was The office has participated with a mini presented by Mr. Ali Khamis Al Shehhi, by Issa Al Shehhi, accounts auditor and exhibition, which contained some of an electrical engineer, accompanied Said Al Shehhi, customer service clerk. Volunteering and Culture The Rural Areas electricity Company with The Omani Network of Volunteers has organized in cooperation with to train 600 employees of the group the Omani network of volunteers in the principals of voluntary work, "Taawoon" a workshop about the and then participate in a whole day fundamentals of volunteering, and of voluntary work with the group as that came under the social service the first phase of the program. Also, for the continuity policy in Nama many employees will be enlisted in voluntary and developmental projects Group. The workshop contained many the program later on, and that is as the for the voluntary teams, which practical implications, and presented first initiative in The Sultanate in such supports the society as a part of the many skills that will help strengthen programs. In addition, the agreement continuity policy. This competition the concept of cooperation between has contained a competition for the had many interest among the youth society and volunteering as its result. best voluntary project, and that is group, whether they were from active The workshop also presented many to encourage the voluntary work in voluntary teams, or newly formed. vold projects that might be adopted, The Sultanate, and the volunteers to The number of participants in this to spread awareness and increase the register and get their own volunteer competition were 95 teams from voluntary work portion in the society. card. This project spreads awareness different regions of Oman, which had about this field, by supporting many Nama Group has signed an agreement 3800 volunteers in total.

Rural Areas Electricity Company 15 RAECO Celebration the 45th Glorious National Day

On the occasion of the 45th National Day of Oman, Rural Areas Electricity Company celebrated last Wednesday in the head office for the National day. The event was attended by Company’s employees, managers and senior managers. The celebration extended to RAEC brunches in AL Wusta, Dhofar and Musandam. The CEO, Engineer Hamad Salem Al Maghderi spoke about the stages of the Renaissance of the Sultanate during the auspicious of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin said "May Allah protects him". He also took the moment to acknowledge employees of the month for their contribution and effort during their work. Eng Rashid Ahmed Mohammed Al Shehhi, Senior Project Site Engineer in Musandam was announced as employee of the month of August. For September employee of the month announced Eng. Iman Saleh Al Salti, Electrical Engineer in Musandam as well. Last employee of the month was announced Eng. Ahmed Saud Said Al Farsi, Network Engineer in Masirah. The company had also celebrated the launch of creative Idea in creativity competition career which was launched in 2012 with the aim of spreading the culture of innovation by developing various programs to encourage and stimulate creativity among employees. The Chief Executive Officer had launched the winning idea (Mechanical Pocket) by Eng. Al Mukhtar Saleh Al Saifi.

Forum اservice ل�شـركة Gulf customerتنظم first برنامج in the »�أ�صدقاء participates وهاج« لأبناء Company موظفيهاRural Areas Electricity Rural Areas Electricity Company The Ministry of Regional Municipalities participated in the first forum and Water Resources. The conference customer service forum in the gulf was attended by CEO Chairman of region. The forum was hosted by The Public Authority of Electricity and The Public Authority of Electricity Water, Excellences , undersecretaries, and Water, under the slogan "Future and specialists' from Gulf countries visions, and leading a change in the accompanied by a group of customer systems of customer service". The service sector employees. this field. Finally, the forum delivered opening forum was under the auspices This forum aimed to exchange expertise its dedicated purpose, which is sharing of His Excellency Engineer\ Ali between the participants. Also it shows the experiences in the dedicated field Mohammed Al Abri, undersecretary of the methods and approaches used in of customer service.

16 Rural Areas Electricity Company News RAEC Adventure Team

We all seek an opportunity to relief ourselves of the works 3. The Joint Iftaar. The team prepared an Iftaar in one stress, experience adventure, work as a team, and self- of the farms. The event contained sports activity, development. by holding the first football tournament where the team (Winners) won first place with their captin RAEC Adventure Team has organized many trips and Fahmy Al Busaidi. The team also organized swimming gatherings, some of them are: activity. The CEO attended this event that created a 1. Wahiba Sands trip. This trip lasted for three days, moral support for the team, also these gatherings and it was one of the best trips, because it was a strengthen the relationship among the employees. new experience for some, and it required patience, The adventure team has expanded in numbers and in tools exploration skills and grossing through the sands. and equipment. We hope that all employees join us and The trip started from Bidiyah to Ras Al Ruweis. We we hope that we can provide the necessary equipment all bonded through this trip. We discovered hidden for different trips and events. The team management aim talents through the situation we went through. This to establish a fund for the team, where it will be used to is one on the goals of creating such trips, bonding assist the members of the team. Helping each other is outside the work field. what unify us as a team. 2. Al Jabal Al Akhadar trip. It was a unique trip due to Adventure Team management expend their gratitude to the location, and the layout of the camp. Al Jabaal the members that helped in arranging such wonderful Al Akhdar is considered one of the best tourist events, also the managements extend their gratitude to destination in Oman in all seasons. For the first time the company management for their constant support, on a trip we cooked goats by our self, the catering last we thank the communication & media department committee surprised us with their organization and for their continues cooperation with the team. cooking skills in the tough terrain of the camp.

Rural Areas Electricity Company 17 BUSINESS CONTINUITY AND HOW TO IMPROVE CORPORATE RESILIENCE

A very valid and commonly asked question concerning and ‘Cure’). It was heartening to note that except for Business Continuity (BC) is pertaining to the “best a few, most of attendees replied that being proactive is approach” for BC Planning and building Resilience. the right way of handling a situation. Now, let me ask a Although the approach of an Organization towards slightly difficult question: We all know that a risk event Business Continuity Management (BCM) is driven by should have two basic elements such as ‘Probability’ and its business requirements and constraints, the seven ‘Impact’. If you are told to choose between these two common characteristics of a BC Plan e.g. : (Probability and Impact) what would be your choice? Let us analyze the following scenario: 1. Establishing Recovery Objectives. During the holy month of Ramadan you decide to buy a 2. Identifying and prioritizing threats. new car and the Salesman tells you to choose one of the 3. Identifying and implementing Contingency Strategies following two safety features which will be provided in 4. Preparation of Plans. your car free of charge:- 5. Validating and continuous improvement of strategies 1. Airbags and plans. 2. ABS (anti-lock braking system) 6. Increasing BC awareness and knowledge through If you choose ABS over Airbags, you are being smart and regular training. proactive because having an ABS system enables you to 7. Monitoring and BCM Audit) remain the same. deal with an accident before it escalates into a full blown issue. Moreover, by being proactive, you save in terms of In simple terms BC Planning means planning for the cost, time and the lives of your near and dear ones! inevitable. If implemented fully, a BC Plan can aid an Organization in minimizing the impacts arising from a Being proactive is an essential characteristic of Resilience. normal incident and even a major catastrophe (e.g. black So, what exactly is meant by ‘Resilience’? And how do we swan incident). improve it? It is a well known fact that all Corporate Entities are Resilience of an Organization means the capability of the constantly in pursuit of value. An Entity needs to Organization to bounce back (and return to Business as concentrate on Creating (adding), Sustaining and, Usual (BAU) situation) in the face of adversity (crisis). When Preventing erosion of Value. The amount of risk an Entity implemented fully, resilience enables an organization is willing to take in its pursuit of value is known as the Risk to transform extreme challenges into opportunities and Appetite (COSO). achieve good outcomes from the setbacks. During one of the BCM Workshops conducted by the Organizational Resilience relies heavily on the personal RAECO Performance & Business Continuity Dept., the resilience of the Senior Management Team of the attendees were asked to indicate their choice of being Organization. The following six elements are necessary proactive or reactive to a given situation (in other words for organizational resilience:- the participants were told to choose between ‘Prevention’

18 Rural Areas Electricity Company Articles

1. Consistency – of culture, communication, message, with less, what could be more important than sustainable values, style, decision making and trust. and resilient performance? In reality, resilience is one of the few major untapped sources of potential in the 2. Consensus – inclusive and collaborative culture economy of Oman – one that has the power to drive, learning culture. support and sustain our business into the future. 3. An attachment/binding between the Organization and the Employees. Farook Ahmed Shakir 4. Ability to deal with challenges (stress and work load) (Head of Business Continuity) 5. Transparency The most challenging aspect for building and sustaining resilience of an organization lies in building its Adaptive Capacity. The adaptive capacity is like a driving motor creating energy between internal resources and external goals. Here are some ways to build and sustain Corporate Resilience:- • Always have an alternative plan (Plan “B”) • Always avoid Single Point of Failure (SPOF) • Introduce wellness and resilience programs for employees to increase their productivity • Identify talent and encourage versatile and creative workers • Integrate resilience into HR strategy and processes Last but not the least, in these changing times, when every organization is expected to do more

Rural Areas Electricity Company 19 Part two of the Western Hajar

You see the mountains laying firm, for its agricultural products such as, on some of the aspects of rural life, hiding secrets and many tales that you pomegranates, roses, apples, oranges, which are rarely found in the civilized can write volumes. Ancient history nuts, olives and many other products. cities. Every time I go there, I find new and stories told across the ages, about Also, The mountain is famous for a stories, see new scenery, and I notice a mountain that has many blessings. herb called "Ala'alan"- it only grows how people live there. They live a Al Jabal Al Akhadar is in Al dakheliah there. There are many resorts and normal life, without any complain, Governorate in wilayyat Nizwa, it is hotels, but they are a bit expensive due they are always happy and friendly. about 200 KM to the summit from to the rough terrain and remoteness The rich and poor living together, Muscat. This mountain is famous for from town. they are hardworking – knowing that its relatively low temperatures all it is difficult to move between the In all of my writings about rural places, year and lowest during November to mountains. You will notice the effect you notice that I focus on nature, but February. The mountain is famous of the modern life, yet the people in this Article, I am going to focus

20 Rural Areas Electricity Company Rural information Mountain Range (Al Jabal Al Akhdar)

there still keep their traditions. While Wadi Bani Kharous, Wadi Bani Oaf, that area. Until the year 2005, any strolling through the roads there you Izki, Birkat Al Mouz, and Nizwa. What visitor would have to get a permission will find people of all ages, selling their you will notice is that it was a cross from Waly Nizwa. In the year of 2005, harvest, always a smile on their faces. path, not a place to settle, because His Majesty Sultan Qaboos granted By going deeper through the pathway the people that live there belong to access to all and ordered to construct in Al Shareeja area – which is one of the the same tribe, and they are loyal to roads. It became a tourist destination oldest agricultural areas, and famous that place. This mountain was known after it was closed for centuries. The for its scalar farms. You would not find as (Jabal Oman), I have read about mountain is one of the most beautiful a local that will not treat you for a cup it in foreign traveler's journals. They tourist destination in Oman, where one of traditional coffee and make you feel mentioned that it is a fortified place, can see amazing scenery, heritage and like one of them. and difficult to access. One traveler practice many mountainous sports. was Wilferd Thesiger – Mubarak bin This mountain was a cross path for London, he warned about approaching the other mountainous areas like

Rural Areas Electricity Company 21 Interviews

Ahmed Barham There is a creative mind behind every success, productivity, development and change.

Bio: determination and clear objectives Wahaj friends I first joined the electricity sector by they aim to achieve. They do not fear • RAECO APPs failure; they are initiative, positive and working for the Ministry Water and And many others under study. Electricity during the 80s. I strived to hopeful. Challenges: get a college degree, and managed to Whoever wants to be creative has to get a Bachelor's degree in Business devise a written plan that contains his There were many challenges, but with Administration from The University of or her set of aims, and constantly revise the support of the CEO, we managed Cairo in Egypt. After I came back from it, until he or she realize what has been to overcome the challenges the Egypt, I ascended the professional made possible, and determine the committee encountered. That had a ladder from an Accountant to the Head percentage he achieved. From this huge impact in bringing up talents and of Customer Accounts Department, point of view, there was this creative creative ideas of the employees of the then I was assigned the position of idea, that was adopted by the CEO, Eng company to see the light. These ideas the head of general accounts and after Hamed bin Salem AL Maghderi, who helped in improving, and creating that, I became the Head of Internal established a professional creativity a successful, attractive working Audit. committee, so that The Rural Areas environment. Later, I was promoted and assigned Electricity Company nurture these We extant our appreciation to as the administrator of the Finance creative ideas, keeping in mind that this department managers and every Department in the Directorate General support in every mean and method, single employee in the company for of Housing, Water and Electricity levitate this ideas to a higher level their dedication and support to the in Dhofar Governorate. After that that results in excelling the services committee. department, I have been to different provided by the company. Last word: departments such are: procurements', According to that the management The management of Rural Areas general accounts, budget, store decree 19/2012 was issued to form Electricity Company does not stop with accounts, customer accounts, the development committee, which a certain achievement; they carry on commercial accounts and treasury I was honored to lead along with giving and seeking higher achievements department. outstanding members. We worked as a according to plans and strategies. I moved to The Rural Areas Electricity team and aimed to develop the work Although the company specializes Company after the privation of the environment in the company, and all in generating and transmission of electricity sector in 2005 due to a thanks to Allah we achieved most of electricity and desalination of water ministerial decree, and was appointed our aims in this sensitive area. in remote areas, it has succeeded in as The Head of Administration and We have accomplished many ideas, providing these services with quality, Finance Department in Dhofar like: by using natural resources to generate Governorate, finally in 2008, I was • Paper recycle electricity such as wind power and appointed as an expert in the CEO's • Projects quality and protecting solar energy. RAEC is a leader in the office, till date. grids from corrosion area of such projects in the area. Creativity Committee • Mechanical pocket Last but not least, I hope for more Behind every success, productivity, development and prosperity for Rural • The Reefiah Library development and change is a creative Areas Electricity Company, and a mind. Someone with creativity is • Soft register of suppliers better future for every employee, and always looking for methods and ways to • 5S training on office organization I hope they achieve more under the improve, and does not sticks with one • E-newspaper wise command of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos – May Allah grant him with solution. They also have will-power, • RAECO family then it became grace and protection. 22 Rural Areas Electricity Company