Eversource Energy : A Day in the Life of an Eversource Dispatcher

With six large computer screens lit up on his desk, Dave Kromidas spends his 8 to 12-hour shifts in the Eversource system operation center, monitoring and responding to any issues with the electric system. As a distribution system operator, Dave is responsible for coordinating jobs for lineworkers-anything from project upgrades or regular planned work to emergencies and repair work.

Dave's computer monitors display maps of substations and the electric grid, a log of calls that come in from customer service, planned work schedules, a map of the territory he's responsible for, and more.

'You have to be able to multitask and work well under pressure,' said Dave, who has been with the company for 10 years. 'Being able to control the electric grid with a click of a button is a lot of responsibility, so you have to be mentally fit for the job as well.'

Dave is one of 29 operators we have working in a series of three shifts over the course of 24 hours and they each handle different areas of the state.

When a call comes in from customer service, Dave prioritizes it, assigns the job, and then dispatches a crew. Emergencies such as downed lines, trees on wires, or a vehicle into a pole take priority.

If a major storm hits, it's all hands-on deck in the system operation center to coordinate restoration efforts and keep everyone who is working to repair the electric system safe. He talks with the lineworkers' supervisors to set up safety boundaries and analyze damage before any work can get started. Dave also has to make sure when a repair on the electric system has been made, that no one is working on the lines before he can turn the power back on in that particular section.

'One big misconception is people think we can just flip a switch to turn the power on and that's not always the case,' said Dave. 'We have specific procedures in place that we follow to keep our lineworkers out of harm's way. At the end of the day, we make sure they get home safely to their families.'

Before Dave started as a dispatcher, he worked as a substation designer with the company, creating blueprints and drawings of the substations. His previous job gave him the background knowledge about how the electric grid works. Dave says he wouldn't change his new position for anything.

'With this job, not only are my days and hours always different, but not one work day is ever the same and I learn something new every day,' said Dave. 'It's thrilling, and I enjoy working to keep the lights on for people.'