Electrical power distributor
Also known as: power line worker, distribution control operator, electrical power systems power dispatcher
About this occupation
Electrical power distributors operate and maintain equipment which deliver the energy from the transmission system to the consumer. They supervise power line maintenance and repairs, and ensure the distribution needs are met. They also react to faults in the distribution system which cause problems such as outages.
A specialisation of power production plant operator.
Essential skills and knowledge
- respond to electrical power contingencies
- ensure equipment maintenance
- electrical power safety regulations
- develop electricity distribution schedule
- ensure safety in electrical power operations
- inspect underground power cables
- supervise electricity distribution operations
- adapt energy distribution schedules
- electric current
- ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule
- electricity
- inspect overhead power lines
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Power Distributors and Dispatchers (O*NET 51-8012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
- Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
- Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
- Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
- 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.
- Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$106,730 a year (2025), 8,520 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.5)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalImportant (3.3)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Gas Plant Operators
- Geothermal Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Biomass Plant Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.