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Power Plant Operator

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AVG. SALARY

$83,570

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What They Do

Power Plant Operators Career Video

Insider Info

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.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Control the flow of energy

  • Much of the job is routine, but problems can happen at any time
  • You have to be able to prioritize
  • A high school diploma is the minimum, but post-secondary certificates and degrees are becoming more common