Career Profile: Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 9,700 people employed as power distributors and dispatchers in the United States. The median annual salary is $98,530. Entry level employees earn approximately $61,670 per year and senior employees earn approximately $129,900 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.
• Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
• Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
• Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
• Inspect equipment to ensure that specifications are met or to detect any defects.
• Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.
• Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process.
• Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
• Repair, maintain, or clean equipment or machinery, using hand tools.
• 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.

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