Power system operators monitor and operate equipment on transmission lines and in transformer and power generating stations. They control the distribution and regulate the flow of electrical power in the transmission network. They are employed by electric power generation, transmission and distribution companies.
As a power system operator, you control the electricity that is generated and distributed to a particular region. Your prime responsibility is to monitor the system and ensure that it is operating safely and within the guidelines set by the power company. You monitor and operate computerized or pneumatic switchboards that regulate the flow of electrical power.
The distribution demands on a generating station or sub-station change daily, due to system outages, repair work and other factors. It is your job to coordinate, schedule and direct power loads and line voltages to meet these demands. At any given time, there is repair work or construction that requires part of the system to be isolated and shut down. You consult operating drawings of the power system and prepare switching orders that will isolate the work areas without causing a power outage. You must also take into consideration voltages, load transfers and line capacities in order not to overload part of the system.
Normally, maintenance crews cannot work on a power system without a permit. It is part of your job as a power system operator to issue these permits for maintenance work that must be performed on the system. Before maintenance crews receive their permit, you shut down the power and isolate the section of the system to be worked on. This ensures that the crew can work safely without the risk of electrical shocks. Most of the switching and shutting down of power is done from the computerized control panel.
You must also go outside to inspect the transformers, breakers and other equipment at the station. If there is a problem, you take the appropriate action and call in a maintenance crew.
Power system operators work with a great many people. You not only communicate with maintenance crews and co-workers, but in many power stations, you take calls directly from the public. You also prepare operating records and reports of the activities in the station during your shift.
A power system operator's job is an important one. During your shift, you are responsible for the electrical power that is distributed to your region. Much of your shift may be spent monitoring the system at a control panel and performing routine duties, but if there is a disturbance or malfunction in the system, it is your responsibility to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Communities depend on your skill and knowledge for their electricity. Thunderstorms may cause numerous interruptions to the system. This may cause a lot of stress as you coordinate maintenance crews and deal with customers simultaneously.
You do not have to be physically strong to perform this job, but there are times when you are required to move heavy equipment manually.
There are many times when all you have to do is monitor the system. It is important that you be there, but the hours may seem long, especially when the system is running well and there is little maintenance activity being performed.
Technological changes in power systems require modern power stations to use computerized control systems. As a result, operators must now be much more familiar with computers.
Since the power system must be in continuous operation, you may find yourself working twelve-hour shifts, in the evenings, on weekends and holidays. You are generally paid by the hour.
There can be a lot of satisfaction in this job. You are responsible for monitoring and controlling something that is vital for the community.
If you are reliable, self motivated and enjoy responsibility, this could be the job for you. You usually work without supervision and it is up to you to make the decisions that will keep the system functioning properly.
You must be level-headed and be able to use good judgement whether you are dealing with routine maintenance or a malfunction in the system. The safety of maintenance crews, as well as the power needs of the community are your responsibility.
To do this job, you need good communication skills and you must enjoy working with people since you deal with co-workers and maintenance crews on a regular basis. Also if a problem occurs in the system, you must remain calm and polite, even if you are extremely busy. You also need good writing skills to keep proper records and reports. An enjoyment and understanding of computers and electronics would be an additional asset in this job.