Power Plant Operators

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: 3 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 8 (27%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 19 (63%)

• Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.AI can speed this up on its own
• Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.AI can speed this up with extra software
• Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.Little or no AI speed-up
• Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.Little or no AI speed-up
• Repair or replace gas piping.Little or no AI speed-up
• Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.Little or no AI speed-up