Power engineers and power systems operators

Power engineers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to provide heat, ventilation, refrigeration, light and power for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
• Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and co-ordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
• Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to make sure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency
• Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure
• Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools
• Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and write reports about plant operation
• May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures

Power systems operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate and monitor computerized switchboards and auxiliary equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution and to regulate the flow of electrical power in the transmission network
• Co-ordinate, schedule and direct generating station and substation power loads and line voltages to meet distribution demands during daily operations, system outages, repairs and importing or exporting of power
• Monitor and visually inspect station instruments, meters and alarms to ensure transmission voltages and line loadings are within prescribed limits and to detect equipment failure, line disturbances and outages
• Issue work and test permits to electrical and mechanical maintenance personnel, assist maintenance and technical personnel to locate and isolate system problems, and assist during routine system testing
• Complete and maintain station records, logs and reports

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.