Duke Energy Florida celebrates Engineers Week, highlights importance of training new power grid dispatchers

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Duke Energy Florida is celebrating Engineers Week (Feb. 16-22, 2025) by highlighting the important role of power grid dispatchers who serve as the 'eyes in the sky' of the power grid serving over 2 million customers across 35 counties.

Becoming an associate power grid dispatcher at Duke Energy Florida's Distribution Control Center (DCC) requires extensive training, including nearly two years of classroom and on-the-job experience. Dispatchers work in 12-hour rotating shifts, providing 24/7 coverage, communicating with line crews, and operating complex computer systems to maintain power flow and reduce outages.

These professionals are essential for maintaining crew safety and ensuring reliable service. The position typically requires electrical engineering degrees or utility line work experience. Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity and serves customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

• Engineers Week is recognized as Sunday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 22
• Dispatchers must complete extensive training to serve as the "eyes in the sky" of the power grid

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Duke Energy Florida is celebrating Engineers Week – recognized as Sunday, Feb. 16, through Saturday, Feb. 22 – by highlighting the work of power grid dispatchers and the importance of training new engineers and technical workers to serve as the "eyes in the sky" of the grid that delivers power to more than 2 million customers across the company's 35-county service territory.

"Not only are power grid dispatchers responsible for keeping our line crews safe – making life-critical decisions all day, every day – but they also help ensure our customers receive the reliable service they need to lead full, productive lives," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "It's a high-risk yet extremely important job, and I'm grateful to all the men and women who have stepped up, or will step up, to support our team and keep the lights on for our customers for years to come."

Becoming an associate power grid dispatcher at Duke Energy Florida's Distribution Control Center (DCC) requires extensive training, including nearly two years of classroom and on-the-job experience, as well as problem-solving skills that are often gained from electrical engineering degrees and/or backgrounds in utility line work.

Dedicated teams of power grid dispatchers work in 12-hour rotating shifts to provide 24/7 coverage at the DCC. They communicate directly with Duke Energy Florida's line crews working in the field – either making upgrades to infrastructure or responding to outage events like storms – following strict processes and protocols to maintain the safety of everyone involved. They operate multiple complex computer systems and alarms to keep the power flowing, while also using innovative tools and technologies that help reduce customer outage times or avoid outages altogether.

A steady pipeline of power grid dispatchers is fundamental to Duke Energy Florida's continued operational success and, in turn, the well-being of its customers. For more information about the job and to view open positions at the DCC as they become available, please visit duke-energy.com/Our-Company/Careers. 

Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.  

Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. 

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. 

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. 

Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How long is the training period for Duke Energy Florida's power grid dispatchers?

Power grid dispatchers at Duke Energy Florida must complete nearly two years of classroom and on-the-job training before becoming fully qualified.

What is the service coverage of Duke Energy Florida (DUK) in 2025?

Duke Energy Florida serves more than 2 million customers across 35 counties, covering a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

What are the work shifts for DUK power grid dispatchers?

Power grid dispatchers work in 12-hour rotating shifts to provide 24/7 coverage at the Distribution Control Center.

What is Duke Energy Florida's (DUK) energy capacity in 2025?

Duke Energy Florida owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity.

When is Engineers Week 2025 at Duke Energy Florida?

Engineers Week is recognized from Sunday, February 16, through Saturday, February 22, 2025.

What qualifications are needed to become a power grid dispatcher at Duke Energy Florida?

Candidates typically need electrical engineering degrees and/or backgrounds in utility line work, along with strong problem-solving skills.