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Power Distributors and Dispatchers

The short answer

Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 508 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.

How much AI could touch this job

Middleband 3 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.

AI can help with or automate about 64% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. 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.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Inspect equipment to ensure that specifications are met or to detect any defects.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Industrial Production Managers

    Similar work
    slightly less pay457 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$132,662 vs your $142,573 here.

    What the move takes

    A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree, with 5 years or more of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes two to four years.

    Skills you already have

    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Oral Expression
    • Mathematics
    • Inductive Reasoning

    New skills to build

    • Production and Processing
    • Administration and Management
    • Personnel and Human Resources
    • Management of Financial Resources
    • Chemistry