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Balancing Authority System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Systems Operations

System Operator

Tucker, GA · On-site

The System Operator II has the responsibility and the authority to take any required action up to and including shedding firm native load to preserve system or Interconnection reliability. Incumbent ...

EverLine

NERC System Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Communicating with Independent System Operators (ISO), Reliability Coordinators (RC), Balancing ... Responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable ...

APS

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Experience operating a Balancing Authority and making real-time control decisions to maintain system reliability within design limits. * Knowledge of FERC, NERC, and WECC policies , and a proven ...

Symbotic

System Operator

Centralia, WA · On-site

What we do The system operator is part of the site operations team, which is part of the Customer ... balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. * Must be capable of occasional and/or continuous ...

JEA

System Operator

Jacksonville, FL

As a training role, with direct supervision assists in performing operational planning, monitoring, coordinating and operating the transmission and distribution system and the JEA balancing area in ...

LCEC

System Operator

North Fort Myers, FL · On-site

System Operator Location: North Fort Myers, FL Work Hours: Rotating and Non-Rotating Shifts. 24 ... Balancing Rarely, Stooping Rarely, Kneeling Rarely, Crouching Rarely, Crawling Rarely, Reaching ...

Entergy

Real Time Market Operator

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... System Operator (MISO) in compliance with the MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market Tariff and ... the Local Balancing Authority (LBA). Specific duties include submitting generation facilities ...

Symbotic

System Operator

Centralia, WA

What we do The system operator is part of the site operations team, which is part of theCustomer ... balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. * Must be capable of occasional and/or continuous ...

Entergy

Real Time Market Operator

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... System Operator (MISO) in compliance with the MISO Energy and Operating Reserves Market Tariff and ... the Local Balancing Authority (LBA). Specific duties include submitting generation facilities ...

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Balancing Authority System Operator information

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$10

$32

$83

How much do balancing authority system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for balancing authority system operator in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Balancing Authority System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Balancing Authority System Operator, you need a strong grasp of power system operations, grid reliability concepts, and typically a background in electrical engineering or a related field. Proficiency with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA platforms, and certifications such as NERC System Operator Certification are commonly required. Exceptional situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the electrical grid, preventing outages and maintaining system stability.

What are the main challenges Balancing Authority System Operators face during grid emergencies, and how are they addressed?

Balancing Authority System Operators often encounter significant challenges during grid emergencies, such as sudden generation outages, unexpected demand spikes, or extreme weather events. In these situations, operators must rapidly assess system conditions, coordinate with neighboring balancing authorities, and implement contingency plans to maintain grid reliability. Effective communication, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of grid operations are crucial for successfully navigating these high-pressure scenarios. Ongoing training and real-time system monitoring tools help operators stay prepared for such events.

What are Balancing Authority System Operators?

Balancing Authority System Operators are professionals responsible for maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand within a specific region, known as a balancing authority area. They monitor grid conditions in real-time, coordinate with power plants, and manage energy imports and exports to ensure the stability and reliability of the electric grid. Their work is critical to preventing blackouts and ensuring energy is delivered efficiently to consumers. These operators typically work in control centers and use advanced software and communication systems to perform their duties.

What is the difference between Balancing Authority System Operator vs Power Dispatcher?

AspectBalancing Authority System OperatorPower Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field; certifications like NERC Reliability Coordinator or System Operator license are commonOften requires similar technical knowledge; certifications like NERC Reliability Coordinator or System Operator license are also relevant
Work EnvironmentWorks within control centers managing grid stability and real-time operationsWorks in control rooms or dispatch centers coordinating power flow and responding to system needs
Employer & IndustryUtilities, independent system operators, and regional transmission organizationsUtilities, grid operators, and power companies

The main difference is that a Balancing Authority System Operator oversees the entire balancing of the electrical grid within a specific area, ensuring supply matches demand in real-time. A Power Dispatcher focuses more on directing power flows and managing specific generation or transmission assets. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What states have the most Balancing Authority System Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Balancing Authority System Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Balancing Authority System Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Electric System Coordinator I, II or III

Electric System Coordinator I, II or III

PPL Corporation

Simpsonville, KY • On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Company Summary Statement
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company, part of the PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) family of companies, are regulated utilities that serve more than 1.3 million customers and have consistently ranked among the best companies for customer service in the United States. LG&E serves 334,000 natural gas and 433,000 electric customers in Louisville and 16 surrounding counties. KU serves 569,000 customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. LG&E and KU are major employers and active supporters of the communities they serve. They empower employees, community members and initiatives across their service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability and wellbeing.
Overview

Job Purpose

Responsible for operating the LG&E and KU transmission systems to ensure security and reliability.  Activities may include coordinating equipment maintenance outages, maintaining system voltage, coordinating transmission and energy schedules, and performing all necessary balancing authority functions as mandated by FERC, NERC, and SERC reliability standards, operating policies, and codes of conduct.



Responsibilities

Responsibilities

  • Monitors and controls the transmission system.
  • Coordinates equipment maintenance outages for internal equipment and coordinates with neighboring utilities and the Reliability Coordinator if necessary.
  • Monitor and maintain proper transmission system voltage and coordinates with neighboring utilities to control interconnected voltage across the bulk transmission system.
  • Independently direct and coordinate the restoration of electrical service to wide areas of the state after storm outages and equipment failures of high voltage transmission facilities.
  • Coordinates the testing of lines, bus sections and transformers with the transmission service groups and substation maintenance department during power outages.
  • Maintains daily logs for transmission system operations, AVR control, Voltage Deviation, develop Line
  • Outage Request and Equipment Failure Reports for both normal and emergency operation and various other system logs.
  • Coordinate energy emergency plans within the Balancing Authority including up to load shed if necessary.
  • Coordinates Line-Loading-Relief procedures with transmission engineering support staff and follows directives as given by TVA Reliability Coordinator.
  • Performs all necessary balancing authority functions (e.g., monitoring of ACE, monitor interchange scheduling, tie line monitoring, hourly and daily tie line checkout, time error correction, transmission system monitoring, etc) and all others as deemed necessary by management.
  • Work with Reliability Coordinator when re-dispatch of generation is required to maintain system reliability if compromised.
  • Verify and update hourly schedules with all Load Serving Entities (LSE’s).
  • Monitor and ensure remote operation of substations via the Energy Management System (EMS) and by directing Field Operations.
  • Work with Operations Support Engineers to develop operational changes and maintain up-to-date data.
  • Must achieve applicable NERC system operator certification. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards

Qualifications

Required Education

  • Associate's degree in engineering/electrical technology, mathematics, or related technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis

Required Experience

  • Applicable experience includes technical knowledge and proficiencies acquired through work-related experience in the power industry, including electrical substations, line maintenance and/or generation
  • Must be proficient in PC word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Qualifications

  • Must obtain NERC Reliability Coordinator (RC) certification within required 180 days

Preferred Qualfications

  • Above average ability to analyze and evaluate technical material and data.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator (RC) certification

#LG&EKU

#INDLGE

Qualifications:

Required Education

  • Associate's degree in engineering/electrical technology, mathematics, or related technical discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience on a year-for-year basis

Required Experience

  • Applicable experience includes technical knowledge and proficiencies acquired through work-related experience in the power industry, including electrical substations, line maintenance and/or generation
  • Must be proficient in PC word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Qualifications

  • Must obtain NERC Reliability Coordinator (RC) certification within required 180 days

Preferred Qualfications

  • Above average ability to analyze and evaluate technical material and data.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator (RC) certification

#LG&EKU

#INDLGE

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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