Power Distributor & Dispatcher

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A power plant distributor and dispatcher could...

Overview Listen to this section

Think of all the things in your home or school that use electricity, like the lights, TV, refrigerator, washer, microwave, music players, computer, and electronic devices. Now think of how you feel when the power goes out, even for just a moment. Power plant distributors and dispatchers have an important job—they work to keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses by carefully watching and planning for problems like big storms that could damage transmission lines, heat waves that cause a big surge in demand for power, or normal construction work, which could take transmission lines out of service.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Power Distributor & Dispatcher?

1. 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.
2. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
3. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

6. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
7. Operation Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
8. Operation and Control: ? Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
9. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
10. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Power Distributor & Dispatcher might do:

• 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.
• 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.
• Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.
• Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
• Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
• Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.