Abstract
Power system monitors (or operators) are responsible for viewing and synthesizing data collected from all aspects of the power grids infrastructure. Operators take appropriate action based on incoming data, ensuring that power is available to all entities within their region. Given the volume of information available to operators, it is no surprise that information overload and filtering are common practices. Cognitive task analysis (CTA) is a technique used to identify system aspects that impose large cognitive (mental) demands on the operator. The objective of this effort was to conduct a CTA for three desks within power utility companies in the southeast. Results illustrated that while there were similarities in the tasks and there is a strong interdependency between the desks, operator performance is variable with operators placing emphasis on different informational sources.
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