Pekka Oja, Control Center Operator
To an outsider, it’s hard to grasp what’s really happening on a control center operator’s screens. Sixteen monitors display live power line data, video feeds from hydroelectric plants, and a long list of phone numbers. At first glance, it all seems overwhelming and stressful—especially when you notice the row of phones on the desk, any of which can ring at any moment.
“You can’t stress about what might happen. You take it one moment at a time. A good control room operator is calm, composed, and communicates well—with both customers and colleagues.”
Pekka Oja is part of Herrfors’ control center team, which oversees the operation of the electricity network and continuous delivery of electricity to local customers—24/7, 365 days a year. A certified high-voltage technician who started his career in 1982, Pekka has worked as a control center operator for over 20 years, making him one of Herrfors’ most experienced and knowledgeable team members.
Together with a tight-knit group of operators, Pekka handles everything from customer service to task coordination—although the “real boss” in many cases is the weather.
“When the weather is good and nothing happens, everything is great. But when the weather turns bad and there’s a lot going on, things are not so good. In critical situations, it’s essential to know what you’re doing—and if you don’t, it’s better to stop and find out before acting. The best part of the job is grateful customers; the less rewarding part is the ungrateful ones.”
A good day for a control room operator is when outsiders think they’re just sitting with their feet on the desk reading the paper (which, let’s be honest, can be exhausting in its own way). But in truth, the role requires deep expertise, which builds quickly once you’re immersed in the work.
The shift schedule consists of four working days in a row, followed by six days off—a rhythm that offers time to recharge and think about things beyond the power grid. That is, unless a storm hits, which means multiple operators are needed on site.
But as Pekka puts it:
“You can’t stress about these things in advance.”
Haluatko sinäkin herrforsilaiseksi?
Jos haluat monipuolisen, hauskan ja merkityksellisen työn on Herrfors juuri oikea työpaikka sinulle! Etsimme inspiroituneita ja motivoituneita tekijöitä, jotka haluavat olla mukana luomassa kestävämpää tulevaisuutta.
