info@operationalnetworksolutions.com
587. 590. 5025
A Bit About Me
My name is Bob Schouten and I am the founder of Operational Network Solutions located in Edmonton, Alberta. We provide OT networking and cybersecurity consulting within the energy sector.
I have been in this business for 15 years, originally starting with ATCO Electric as part of a team onboarded to start the critical infrastructure protection program. I have had the opportunity to work on and take a central role in several major project and with major customers throughout my tenure with that company such as the EATL HVDC line, AESO CIP interconnects and major vendor upgrade/conversion projects.
I bring my experience and passion for the services I provide to the companies that make changes happen. Taking my wide range of experience solving problems for as many providers as I can to tackle the challenge's I have seen in my extensive experience within the industry.
I bring a focus of safety, uptime, and rapid problem solving to your business. Call me at 1 587 590 5025 or email me at bob@operationalnetworksolutions.com today to discuss your visions with your project.
Work Experience
2011-2024
ATCO Electric
Operations Technical Resource Technologist
2023
LOW BES Regulatory Compliance and Infrastructure Upgrade Project
2022-2023
40 Mile Wind Farm Green Energy Acquisition and SCADA Integration
In my role, I brought a focus on safety and reliability to grid operations by fostering collaboration across departments and building strong relationships with vendors and partners. I ensured seamless server deployment and maintenance in both physical and virtual environments, while managing and optimizing critical network infrastructure using technologies like Ruggedcom, SEL, ABB, Cisco, and Check Point. I contributed to and led high-impact projects, consistently delivering them on time and within budget, and served as a 24/7 on-call resource to maintain system stability and address issues proactively.
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One of my key contributions was developing and implementing a Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) response program, which strengthened compliance and enhanced the organization’s resilience. I also prioritized workplace safety through my active participation on the ATCO Joint Health and Safety Committee. My work on major projects has driven meaningful organizational impact, and I’ve always been committed to delivering results that support the team and the broader mission.
I led a key project to encrypt all site-to-site traffic, ensuring compliance with new regulatory requirements for Low-BES impacting sites. Working closely with engineering teams, I assessed current capabilities and optimized the existing architecture, which reduced equipment and maintenance costs while maintaining system integrity. To minimize disruption, I tested equipment and configurations thoroughly and developed a coordinated, multi-team process for converting on-site equipment. The result was an average downtime of just 30 seconds—far exceeding the project goal of 15 minutes. This initiative not only achieved full regulatory compliance but also improved system reliability and operational efficiency across the organization.
As the point person for a green energy acquisition project, I successfully interconnected new stations to meet strict regulatory requirements under an unusually short timeline. I reviewed external documentation and provided guidance to ensure full compliance, while developing site-specific design guides for integrating these stations into the ATCO Electric SCADA system. These guides offered multiple options and budgets to suit varying needs.
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To streamline implementation, I created detailed processes and configuration guides tailored for junior staff, and conducted training sessions across the new sites to ensure smooth adoption. Additionally, I facilitated secure VPN cloud access for external vendors using next-generation firewalls, enhancing collaboration while maintaining security.
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After project completion, I provided ongoing support for 12 months, ensuring long-term stability and success. This project not only achieved regulatory compliance but also strengthened internal capabilities and operational efficiency.