SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Electrical Network Power Dispatch Controlling 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
57693  National Diploma: Electrical Network Power Dispatch Controlling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Power Plant Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
EWSETA - Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 9900/00  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2023-06-30   2025-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

Learners that obtain the qualification will perform operational activities on national electrical networks and related systems. The qualification will ensure professionalism, proficiency and excellence for controlling the dispatch of power in electrical networks.

Qualifying learners would be able to:
  • Perform load dispatch operations.
  • Explain and apply the fundamentals of power dispatch and electrical systems engineering concepts.
  • Interpret and explain regulatory requirements.
  • Explain and apply power plant engineering concepts.

    Rationale:

    Electrical load dispatchers control power generation capacities and manage the electrical network power demands.

    This qualification is based on industry needs for building competencies in the workplace for people working in the Electrical Network Power Dispatch Operations. This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the Electrical Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution and related industries.

    The National Diploma in Electrical Power Dispatch Controlling: NQF Level 5 is an initiative from Eskom Transmission division in an attempt to give recognition through an NQF qualification for operators functioning in the field of electrical network control.

    The qualification covers the following fields for electrical system control:
  • Local control centre network control operations.
  • Regional control centre network control operations.
  • National control centre network control operations.

    The qualification will provide the foundational requirements for mobility and vertical progression in national and international Electrical Power Utilities. This qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to pursue different careers in the electrical power generation, transmission and related industries associated with local, regional and national electrical grid control. Areas of activity for learners include the fields of process engineering, functional supervision, system specialisation, quality assurance and health and safety.

    Other considerations of national interest addressed by this qualification are:
  • Setting national standards of practice in electrical network power dispatch operations.
  • Building individual capacity in foundational operating competence.
  • Ensuring entry, progression and mobility into life long learning in this specific learning field.
  • Addressing the national electrical transmission control specific employment requirements.
  • Providing access for the previously disadvantaged into this discipline.
  • Providing a qualification to be used in a learnership in this field.
  • Enhancing social and economic development.

    This qualification will provide for recognition of prior learning of existing electrical network power dispatch controllers and allow credits to be obtained in cross- functional learning fields. This qualification will provide the foundational requirements for mobility and vertical progression in national and international electrical power utilities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in:
  • Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification will be achieved in part or in full through recognition of prior learning. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open. However, it is preferable that learners are already competent in electrical heavy current or electrical network control at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • All the fundamental unit standards totalling 23 credits are compulsory.
  • All the core unit standards totalling 173 are compulsory.
  • A minimum of 44 credits should be chosen from the elective component of the qualification.

    A minimum of 240 credits is required to obtain the qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain and apply the fundamentals of Power Dispatch and Electrical Systems Engineering concepts.
    2. Perform load dispatch operations.
    3. Explain and apply power plant engineering concepts.
    4. Interpret and explain regulatory requirements.
  • Range: Includes Regulatory knowledge (High Voltage Regulations and National Key Points)/Integrated electrical system control environment.

    Critical Cross Field Outcomes:

    This qualification addresses the following critical cross-field outcomes, as detailed in the assessment criteria for each exit level outcome and within the unit standards associated with each exit level outcome:
  • Identifying and solving problems related to load dispatch operations.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, when balancing integrated electrical network supply and demand requirements.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities within an electrical network control environment.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information when performing load dispatch operations.
  • Communication on an interconnected power system, and with other team or supervisory members.
  • Using electronic information systems in the control of integrated electrical network.
  • Understand regulatory requirements and how they apply to plant and people. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
  • Electrical systems engineering concepts are explained and applied within the context of electrical power dispatch operations.
    > Range: Explanations cover national and international integrated electrical networks, electrical power transmission functions, effective operation of electrical networks and usage of established literature or engineering conventions.
  • Electrical equipment design and application theories are explained and applied within the context of their application.
  • Effects of system failures and constraints on system frequency and voltage are explained within the context of their application.

    2.
  • Electrical systems engineering concepts are explained and applied within the context of electrical power dispatch operations.
    > Range: Explanations cover national and international integrated electrical networks, electrical power transmission functions, effective operation of electrical networks and usage of established literature or engineering conventions.
  • Electrical equipment design and application theories are explained and applied within the context of their application.
  • Effects of system failures and constraints on system frequency and voltage are explained within the context of their application.

    3.
  • Power plant engineering concepts are explained and applied within the context of plant operations.
  • Concepts related to safe and effective operation of plant processes are explained in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Power plant systems are explained in accordance with requirements.
  • Operating philosophy of steam generator systems is explained in accordance with requirements.

    4.
  • Regulatory requirements in workplace procedures are interpreted and explained within the context of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Non-compliance to statutory requirements and system operating guidelines is explained in terms of the potential impact on the macro environment.
  • Interrelations between related regulatory requirements, system operating guidelines and power pool rules are explained in accordance with specified requirements.
  • Safety principles are explained as they apply to power plant and people.
  • Operating regulations for high voltage systems are explained and applied within an electrical system control environment.
  • Power contracts and agreements are explained within the context of electrical network load dispatch are explained within a context.
    > Range: Southern African power contracts and agreements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a learner is able to achieve all exit level outcomes of the qualification as per the rules specified. Applicable critical cross-field outcomes must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools used must determine the whole person's development and integration of applied knowledge and skills.
  • Certain exit level outcomes are measurable and verifiable through assessment criteria assessed in one application.
  • Applicable assessment tools to assess the foundational, reflexive and practical competencies within the electrical network environment.
  • A detailed portfolio of evidence is required of the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner.
  • Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired by recognition of prior learning (RPL) through any form of learning.
  • Unit standards associated with this qualification must be used to assess specific and critical cross -field outcomes. During integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Formative assessment:

    Assessment criteria for formative assessment are described in the various unit standards. Formative assessment takes place during the process of learning and assessors should use a range of appropriate assessment methods and tools that assess competence holistically. These methods include but are not limited to the following:
  • On-the-job observations.
  • Role-play and/or simulations.
  • Knowledge tests, examinations, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks.
  • Verbal report backs (presentations).
  • Portfolios of evidence (RPL).
  • Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations).
  • Scenario sketching.
  • Incident reports.

    The assessment tools and methods used by the assessor must be:
  • Fair, not to hinder or disadvantage the learner in any way.
  • Valid, to measure what is intended to measure.
  • Reliable, consistent and delivers the same output across a range of learners and
    assessors.

    Summative assessment:

    Summative assessment is carried out at the end of each meaningful competence level achieved by the learner. A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove the practical, foundational and reflective competencies of the learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A detailed study was done by members of the Power Plant Operations SGB in Australia (AQF) and New Zealand (NZQA) in December 2003. The proposed qualification for power transmission and network control compares favourably with their qualification authorities. In above countries the qualifications for electrical grid controllers are still under development, South Africa is currently at the forefront of qualification development in this field.

    Development of the South African qualifications took cognisance of developments within the Canadian training environment, as well as the organisational structure in all mentioned countries. Attempts to benchmark within the African context concluded that South Africa produces approximately 65% of all power generated in Africa. Electrical system controllers of the following countries within Africa are trained at the South African National Control Centre in Simmerpan Germiston. (Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mali, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia.)

    International Benchmark Matrix: Electrical Network System Operations/Control and how the best practice was incorporated into this qualification:

    SA:
  • Utility: Electrical Network Systems Control.
  • Roles: Electrical Load Dispatcher/Voltage Control and System Outage management.
  • Framework levels: 1-8.
  • NQF levels: 4-6.
  • Credits: 980.
  • Accreditation/Quality assurance: ESETA.
  • Entry level requirements: NQF 4.
  • Operators in fields: 614.
  • Number of unit standards: ±186.

    NZ:
  • Utility: Electrical Network Systems Control.
  • Roles: Electrical Load Dispatcher/Voltage Control and System Outage management.
  • Framework levels: 1-10.
  • NQF levels: Under development.
  • Accreditation/Quality assurance: NZQA.
  • Entry level requirements: NZQA 3.

    AUS:
  • Utility: Electrical Network Systems Control.
  • Roles: Electrical Load Dispatcher/ Voltage Control and System Outage management.
  • Framework levels: 1-10.
  • NQF levels: Under development.
  • Accreditation/Quality assurance: AQF.
  • Entry level requirements: AQF 3.

    Canada:
  • Utility: Electrical Network Systems Control.
  • Roles: Electrical Load Dispatcher/ Voltage Control and System Outage management.

    The following information based on the matrix:
  • Roles: Electrical load dispatchers control power generation capacities and manage the electrical network power demands. (System Frequency Control).
  • Framework: Qualifications obtained in this learning field for electrical system controllers consist of one certificate, two diplomas and a proposed B Tech degree.
  • Operators in field: This figure represents system controllers in local, regional and national electrical control centres.

    From the comparability study undertaken, it can be concluded that this qualification compares favourably with one is done internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to pursue different careers in the Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and related industries.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    National Diploma in Electrical System Outage Controlling: NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
    B Tech: Electrical Network Management: NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA'S policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA'S (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards, exit level outcomes as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.
  • A learner wishing to be assessed for this Qualification can only be assessed through an accredited assessment provider or centre. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The assessor must:
  • Preferably be in possession of a relevant qualification at NQF Level 6 or higher.
  • Have at least two years relevant workplace experience.
  • Be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. As per the SAQA decision to re-register all provider-based qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework that meet the criteria for re-registration, this qualification has been re-registered from 1 July 2018. N/A 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  116407  Control frequency and voltages in an Islanding condition on electrical networks  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  242755  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of power plant auxilliary systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  242752  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the integrated Electrical System control work environment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  242769  Describe the operating philosophy of steam driven turbo-generator plant systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  242758  Describe the operating philosophy of steam generator plant systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  9 
    Core  10689  Understand electrical protection systems associated with power generating processes  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
    Core  242767  Commission power plant generating units onto the electrical integrated network  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  11 
    Core  242762  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communication on electrical interconnected power system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  242766  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of operating regulations for high voltage systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  242772  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Southern African power contracts and agreements related to electrical network load dispatch  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  17 
    Core  242754  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of system frequency and tie-line control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  14041  Demonstrate Knowledge and Understanding of the Electrical Technology Associated with the Control of Electrical Energy on a Power Generating Unit in the Power Plant  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  242759  Describe power dispatch under deregulation on the electrical interconnected power system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  242757  Know and understand power dispatch on an electrical interconnected system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  242776  Maintain the quality of power supply in terms of frequency on electrical transmission systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Core  242775  Perform load following on electrical transmission systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  242760  Perform remote operations from an electronic management system on hydro and gas driven power generating plant  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  9 
    Core  242763  Reschedule active power generation shortages on national and international electrical transmission systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  242750  Reschedule surplus power generation capacity on national and international electrical transmission systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Fundamental  242764  Demonstrate knowledge of power system fundamentals  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  242753  Know and understand the operation of Electrical Power Transmission functions  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Fundamental  242774  Operate Electronic Information Systems used in the control of an integrated Electrical Network  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Elective  14045  Apply Transformational Leadership by Interacting with Key Stakeholders  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
    Elective  116434  Control electrical networks from a control centre  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Elective  120377  Identify, suggest and implement corrective actions to improve quality of project work  Level 4  NQF Level 04  7 
    Elective  116453  Perform operations on high voltage integrated systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Elective  14047  Apply Sound Management Practices in Order to Achieve Short to Mid Term Objectives  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  115402  Assist in researching the problem and the solution within a consulting context  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Elective  242770  Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrical network layout and configuration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
    Elective  242773  Describe the implication of electrical system control changes on the electrical interconnected power system  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Elective  242768  Demonstrate knowledge of power system voltage control  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  4 
    Elective  242765  Know and understand system operations under abnormal conditions on interconnected electrical networks  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  4 
    Elective  242771  Know and understand system restoration on the interconnected electrical networks  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  4 
    Elective  242761  Know and understand system security on the electrical network interconnected system  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  4 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.