What does a grid operator do?

Question

What are the responsibilities of grid operators?

Answer 1

The duties for this position vary from company to company, and locations make a difference as well, but basically...

Operators monitor and track the flow of all power into and out of an area.

They monitor and sometimes control the power output from generators in their area and possibly in neighboring areas as well.

They control, monitor, and verify the status of generators, transmission lines, large circuit breakers, large power transformers, voltage regulating equipment, and many other related items.  

Operators in the U.S. must be trained and schooled extensively.  They are responsible for safe and efficient operation of the transmission (and distribution) systems everywhere.

Operators must communicate via radio, telephone, and digitally  to facilitate switching, maintenance, and power routing. It is common to have a telephone headset on each ear, a radio mic in one hand, and a keyboard under the other hand, all at the same time!

Good computer skills are paramount.  Good verbal and writing skills are also necessary.  Knowledge of complex 3 phase power systems is absolutely necessary.  Making decisions that could affect the power for tens(or hundreds) of thousands of people is a big deal.  If you aren't sharp and up to speed, blackouts happen.

Some say it's like being an air traffic controller at LAX on Friday afternoon, except your dealing with power, not planes.

If you suffer from ADHD or are prone to anxiety attacks,  this isn't the job for you.

If you like details, can carry three separate conversations simultaneously, can write equally well with either hand in the dark, and can balance a full grown labrador retriever on your nose while entering countless numbers into an electronic spreadsheet, you would probably make a great system operator!

Answer 2

It's true, I have a few friends who are also in the business and it's very tedious and can be very time consuming.

There is a program through Enernoc that helps reduces peak demand for grid operators,

http://www.enernoc.com/supply.html