Occupation · SOC 51-8012
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Median wage
$107,240
$70,760–$144,900
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
9,180
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
2 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingOperations MonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingWritingOperation and ControlTime ManagementCoordinationActive LearningSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessQuality Control AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstructingService OrientationPersuasionNegotiationTroubleshootingOperations AnalysisScienceRepairingManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceTechnology DesignManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingEquipment SelectionInstallation
Knowledge areas
English LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsComputers and ElectronicsTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalEducation and TrainingPhysicsAdministrativeAdministration and ManagementLaw and GovernmentGeographyCommunications and MediaPsychologyProduction and ProcessingBuilding and ConstructionChemistryDesignEconomics and AccountingPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationSales and MarketingSociology and AnthropologyTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyMedicine and DentistryPhilosophy and TheologyFood ProductionForeign LanguageBiologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
ABB MicroSCADA Pro DMSABB MicroSCADA Pro SYSABB PSGuardCatapult Software iPower SCADADistribution automation system softwareDistribution management system DMSEnergy management system EMSGeographic information system GIS softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMilsoft DisSPatchOSI monarch/SGPOutage management system OMSRadius NetManRadius Uni-ViewSAP softwareSiemens Energy and AutomationSiemens Spectrum Power TGSiemens Spectrum PowerCC Distribution ManagementSubstation automation system softwareSubstation monitoring system softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareTelvent Responder Outage Management System OMSWide area monitoring system WAMS softwareWide area remote control system software
Representative tasks
Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsWorking with ComputersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesTraining and Teaching OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsPerforming Administrative ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsThinking CreativelyJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleControlling Machines and ProcessesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersCoaching and Developing OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicDeveloping and Building TeamsAssisting and Caring for OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentStaffing Organizational UnitsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentSelling or Influencing Others
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Switchboard and control board readings — record and log under direct supervision to verify that electrical distribution equipment is operating within normal parameters.Basic distribution equipment controls — identify and manipulate under close guidance to adjust power flow on a supervised shift.Standard operating procedures and switching protocols — read and interpret with supervisor support to follow prescribed steps during routine operations.Power system drawings and diagrams — recognize key components and symbols under direction to locate circuits and connections on a distribution network.Routine status checks on circuits and connections — perform under oversight to track the operational condition of assigned distribution lines.Industrial control software interfaces — navigate basic screens and data displays under instruction to retrieve real-time equipment readings.Verbal instructions from senior dispatchers and engineers — listen to and confirm comprehension of to support accurate execution of distribution tasks.Emergency notification procedures — follow established protocols under supervision when alerted to transformer or transmission line anomalies.Incident and shift logs — complete written entries using standard templates to document switchboard activity and equipment status changes.Basic safety and clearance rules — apply under direct guidance to maintain personal and crew safety during entry-level distribution support tasks.
developing
Switching orders for routine isolations — prepare with reference to power system drawings to safely de-energize work areas without causing unplanned outages.Control board and instrument data — monitor continuously and interpret patterns to detect early signs of equipment malfunction during a standard shift.Power distribution adjustments — execute by manipulating controls to balance load flow between substations and distribution lines with reduced oversight.Coordination with field personnel and engineers — conduct via radio and electronic communication to relay clearances and switching instructions accurately.Industrial control and GIS software — use routinely to track the real-time status of circuits, connections, and geographic distribution assets.Responses to common emergency scenarios — carry out established rerouting procedures when a transformer or line failure is detected during normal operations.Control room operators and technicians — direct during routine equipment startup and shutdown sequences by issuing clear, procedure-based instructions.Spreadsheet and database tools — apply to query equipment records and compile operational data for shift reports and performance tracking.Switching and operational logs — maintain with accuracy and detail to provide a reliable record of distribution activities across a full shift.Time-sensitive distribution tasks — prioritize and manage independently to meet load schedules and respond to changing grid conditions within a familiar context.
proficient
Complex switching orders for multi-circuit isolations — develop and execute autonomously, referencing system drawings, to protect work crews without interrupting customer supply.Non-routine emergencies such as cascading line or transformer failures — diagnose and resolve by rerouting current across alternate paths to restore stable distribution.Full scope of distribution equipment and controls — operate and regulate without direct oversight to maintain continuous, reliable power flow across the assigned grid segment.Cross-functional coordination with engineers, planners, and field crews — lead during outage planning and restoration events to align technical decisions with operational safety.Power flow optimization across generating stations, substations, and distribution lines — perform by analyzing instrument and computer data to maintain system balance under varying demand.Abnormal equipment behavior and performance trends — identify through systematic monitoring of control board data and escalate or resolve using sound engineering judgment.Public safety and security protocols during high-risk switching events — apply comprehensively to protect personnel, infrastructure, and service continuity.Inductive and deductive reasoning — apply to evaluate ambiguous system conditions and select the most effective corrective action under time pressure.Technical reports and formal switching documentation — author with precision to satisfy regulatory, audit, and operational review requirements.Junior operators and control room staff — coach on safe switching practices, equipment behavior, and emergency response procedures within the control room environment.
advanced
Organizational distribution dispatch strategy and standard operating procedures — develop and implement to align operational performance with reliability, safety, and regulatory standards.System-wide emergency response frameworks — design and lead activation of during major grid events, coordinating across substations, generation assets, and external utility partners.Workforce competency programs for dispatchers and distribution operators — establish and oversee to build technical proficiency and safety culture across the department.Enterprise resource planning and operational technology systems — champion integration of to improve data-driven decision-making in distribution control operations.Regulatory compliance and public safety requirements for power distribution — interpret and translate into enforceable internal policies and audit-ready documentation.Continuous improvement initiatives for switching order processes and outage management — lead to reduce restoration times and increase operational efficiency at scale.Senior engineers, planners, and executive stakeholders — engage and advise on grid reliability risk, capital investment priorities, and technology modernization for distribution infrastructure.Performance metrics and operational data from GIS and control systems — analyze at an organizational level to identify systemic vulnerabilities and drive long-term grid resilience.Mentorship and succession planning for high-potential operators and lead dispatchers — direct to ensure continuity of advanced operational knowledge within the control organization.Cross-utility and interagency coordination during regional grid emergencies — lead by serving as the senior dispatch authority to protect interconnected infrastructure and restore service at scale.
Also known as
38 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Auxiliary OperatorBoard OperatorControl Area OperatorControl Board OperatorControl OperatorControl Room OperatorDispatcherDistribution A Class LinemanDistribution LinemanDistribution OperatorDistribution System Dispatcher (DSD)Distribution Systems ServicepersonDSO (Distribution System Operator)Electric System OperatorElectrical Energy Distribution Technician (Electrical Energy Distribution Tech)Electrical Energy Storage Technician (Electrical Energy Storage Tech)Feeder Switchboard Operator (Feeder SWB Operator)Load DispatcherMotor Room ControllerPower and Recovery Shift EngineerPower System DispatcherPower System OperatorReal Time OperatorStation OperatorSteam and Power Panel OperatorSteam Plant Control Room OperatorSubstation OperatorSwitchboard and Control Room Operator (SWB and Control Room Operator)Switchboard Operator (SWB Operator)Systems OperatorTransmission OperatorTransmission System Operator (TSO)Utilities OperatorUtility Distribution InspectorUtility InspectorUtility Switchboard Operator (Utility SWB Operator)Voltage InspectorWater Distribution Operator