Power Plant Operators - Main Power Plant Operators Power plant operators control the machines that generate electricity. Power distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity to customers. Power plant operators work in plants fueled by coal, oil, natural gas, or nuclear energy. They operate switches that distribute power demands among generators. They can also combine the current from several generators.
Operators decide how much electricity flows to power lines.
When power requirements change, they either start or stop generators. Operators also monitor instruments to see that the proper voltage is maintained and the electricity is flowing correctly. They keep records of any switches they made as well as the demand for energy. They prepare reports about unusual events, accidents, or equipment problems. In newer power plants, the controls are often located in just one room.