92100

Power engineers and power systems operators

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 92 › 921 › 9210

Definition

Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and other work sites. Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Power engineers
Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as reactors, boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to generate electrical power and to provide light, heat, ventilation and refrigeration for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency
Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure
Respond to emergency situations if required
Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools
Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and write reports on plant operation and non-compliance
May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.
Power systems operators
Operate and monitor computerized switchboards and auxiliary equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution and to regulate the flow of electrical power in the transmission network
Co-ordinate, schedule and direct generating station and substation power loads and line voltages to meet distribution demands during daily operations, system outages, repairs and importing or exporting of power
Monitor and visually inspect station instruments, meters and alarms to ensure transmission voltages and line loadings are within prescribed limits and to detect equipment failure, line disturbances and outages
Issue work and test permits to electrical and mechanical maintenance personnel, assist maintenance and technical personnel to locate and isolate system problems, and assist during routine system testing
Complete and maintain station records, logs and reports.

Example job titles

•apprentice power dispatcher
•auxiliary plant operator
•building systems technician
•control room operator - electrical power systems
•distribution control operator - electrical power systems
•electrical power systems operator
•energy from waste plant operator
•nuclear generating station field operator

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021, Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators are classified under NOC 92100. This skilled occupation falls under TEER 2, making it eligible for key Canadian immigration pathways, including the Express Entry Federal Skilled Worker Program and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These professionals are responsible for operating and maintaining reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, and auxiliary equipment to supply heat, light, refrigeration, or electrical power to industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.

To qualify for immigration under NOC 92100, candidates typically need a secondary school diploma, along with a college program or an apprenticeship in power engineering. Provincial or territorial certification as a Power Engineer (ranging from 1st to 5th class) is often mandatory depending on the facility's capacity. Key duties include monitoring electrical control centers, regulating water levels, conducting routine equipment maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Canadian employers across provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario actively seek qualified power engineers to support utilities and manufacturing sectors. Ensuring your educational credentials and work experience align with the ESDC NOC 2021 criteria is vital for a successful visa application.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official guidance, consult a regulated Canadian immigration professional or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

72202Power system electricians

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.