According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas. | 96% |
| Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems. | 90% |
| Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers. | 88% |
| Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators. | 87% |
| Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes. | 86% |
| 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. | 86% |
| Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly. | 86% |
| Inspect equipment to ensure that specifications are met or to detect any defects. | 84% |
| Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps. | 83% |
| Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines. | 83% |
| Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules. | 80% |
| Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes. | 80% |
| Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings. | 80% |
| Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process. | 75% |
| Repair, maintain, or clean equipment or machinery, using hand tools. | 72% |
