Name: Brian Graybeal, federal employee

Title: Power System Dispatcher

Location: Loveland, Colorado

Region: Rocky Mountain ​

When did you start working with WAPA? I started working with WAPA July 4, 2010. 

What is the most interesting thing you have worked on at WAPA? ​The most interesting thing I have worked on at WAPA is the Operations Consolidation Implementation. The Operations staff in Loveland and Phoenix cross-trained so that we could back each other up in emergencies. Bringing together two distinct work cultures and making common policies and procedures has been a challenge. It has given all of us an opportunity to learn a new power system and balancing area and to see how different regions execute WAPA's mission.

What do you wish people understood about your job and the work you do? I absolutely love my job, but it can be a real challenge to meet the demands of the schedule and the needs of Operations. We work rotating 12-hour shifts and operate the power system 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most of us have missed Christmas, children's birthdays, ballgames and other important events throughout our careers. And if someone is not available, there can be times when others must work many 12-hour days or nights in a row. We do the work because we love the challenge and the ability to learn something new every day.

Tell us something about yourself we wouldn't find on your resume. One of the things that I really enjoy is getting out and seeing new trails and hiking through Colorado's beautiful places. I grew up in Virginia and thought I knew what mountains looked like. I moved here for my job, and will never leave Colorado's outdoor recreation opportunities and fantastic views.

How is what you do tied to WAPA's mission? My job is to ensure the power generated at the various hydroelectric powerplants gets delivered safely and reliably to our customers. We are responsible for responding to emergencies and keeping WAPA employees, WAPA equipment and the power system safe.