AI exposure score

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Power Distributors and Dispatchers score 38 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #447 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 15 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 1 on its own and 8 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 2 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

38/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #447of 923 jobs
US workers: 8,520BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $106,730a year
In real AI use: 2 of 15tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (7%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (53%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 6 (40%)

Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
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 can speed this up with extra software · core task
Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Inspect equipment to ensure that specifications are met or to detect any defects.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Repair, maintain, or clean equipment or machinery, using hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about power distributors and dispatchers and AI

Will AI replace power distributors and dispatchers?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Power Distributors and Dispatchers score 38 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #447 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 9 of the job's 15 tasks, 1 of them on its own, while 6 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which power distributors and dispatchers tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings".

Which power distributors and dispatchers tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas"; "Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines"; "Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 2 of the 15 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as power distributors and dispatchers, and what do they earn?

About 8,520 people in the US, with median pay of $106,730 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Task by task

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Questions about power distributors and dispatchers and AI

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