Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Most important skills

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Active Listening
3. Critical Thinking
4. Monitoring
5. Speaking
6. Complex Problem Solving
7. Operations Monitoring
8. Judgment and Decision Making

Key knowledge

1. English Language
2. Public Safety and Security
3. Mathematics
4. Computers and Electronics
5. Telecommunications
6. Engineering and Technology
7. Customer and Personal Service
8. Mechanical

What the work involves

• Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
• Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
• Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
• Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
• Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
• Distribute or regulate the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users, keeping track of the status of circuits or connections.
• Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
• Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.