When you do something as simple as turning on a lamp, you're depending
on a massive network of people, electrical lines and generating equipment.
Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and other equipment
in electrical control centers. They control and regulate electrical power
in transmission networks.
Power systems operators work for electric power generation, transmission
and distribution companies.
Power systems operators go by a variety of names. Some other names are
power dispatcher, system control operator and energy coordinator. Their job,
however, is basically the same. They make sure energy gets where it needs
to go as safely and economically as possible.
Computer systems and software continue to improve. This technology monitors
lines and devices, letting operators know when problems arise.
"The job has changed fairly dramatically over the last five years," says
Jim Hunter. He's with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
(IBEW). IBEW represents 220,000 utility workers in North America.
"We went from a point where everything was done over the phone to more
and more sophisticated systems."
Power systems operators control the electricity that is generated and distributed
to various regions. When repair work needs to be done, part of the system
needs to be isolated and shut down. Operators consult operating drawings of
the power system and prepare switching orders that will isolate the work areas
without causing a power outage.
Also, operators issue permits to line crews so repairs can be done. They
also answer calls from customers who are having trouble with their service.
Much of a power systems operator's job is routine. They monitor control
panels and perform routine tasks. But they never know when problems will surface.
"They sometimes compare us to firemen," says Alden Briggs. He manages 14
power systems operators. "There are times when there's not much to do and
you're sitting around, and then all of a sudden everything hits the fan, and
we've got to react."
Because of electric power grid emergencies, power systems operators need
to stay calm. "We get problems that just have to be dealt with," says Briggs.
Knowing what to do first when situations come up is a valuable skill. "You
have to be able to prioritize your work, because there are times when there's
not a whole lot going on," says John Stolley. He is a control center supervisor
in Iowa.
"And there are other times when you've got 10 things at once, so you have
to be able to prioritize what's most important, and if you need help, call
help in."
Being comfortable with technology is also important. Systems are constantly
improving. Complex technical data has to be processed and responded to, with
little room for error.
Customers need electricity 24 hours a day. This means system operators
have to work shift work. Increasingly, the shifts are 12 hours long instead
of only eight. This gives workers more days off, helping them adjust to the
night shifts. It is common to work four days on and four days off.
Physical disabilities are no barrier to being a power systems operator.
"Anybody who's prepared to do shift work and deal with a stressful environment
can do this job," says Elisha Odowichuk. She works for a hydro company. "If
they had a disability, I don't see any reason why that would prevent them
from doing the job. It's primarily a desk job."
A power systems operator can work toward being a control center supervisor.
This means no more night shifts. They can also become a director of operations
or move into other management positions. Also, many power systems operators
move into marketing, which can be very financially rewarding.