Power Distributors and Dispatchers
What is a Power Distributors and Dispatchers?
Power Distributors and Dispatchers play a crucial role in the management and distribution of electrical power throughout various regions. These professionals are responsible for overseeing the flow of electricity from power plants to substations and ultimately to consumers, ensuring that energy is delivered efficiently and safely. They utilize sophisticated monitoring systems to track electricity transmission, identify outages, and manage the load to prevent overloads. Additionally, Power Distributors and Dispatchers must respond to emergencies, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with other utility staff to restore service in the event of disruptions. Their work is vital for the stability of the power grid, contributing to the reliability of energy supply for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. With the increasing integration of renewable energy sources and advancements in smart grid technology, the role of Power Distributors and Dispatchers is evolving, emphasizing the need for expertise in both traditional and emerging energy systems.
Tasks
- Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
- Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
- Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Industrial control software
- OSI monarch/SGP
- Outage management system OMS
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Wide area monitoring system WAMS software
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Geographic information system
- Geographic information system GIS software
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Electrical control panels for generators
- Distribution or control board fixtures
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Mainframe computers
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Associate's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Exchange information with colleagues.
- Operate energy distribution equipment.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Record operational or production data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$68360.0 - $138950.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.