CMP Celebrates Company’s First Fully Credentialed Female System Control Room Operator

Kara Pease is the first female in this position in CMP’s 125-year history. 

Augusta, ME — April 10, 2025 – Central Maine Power (CMP), a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., is proud to announce Kara Pease is the company’s first fully credentialed female system control room operator.  

 

A system operator monitors and controls the flow of electricity within the bulk electric system, ensuring a stable and reliable grid through CMP’s Energy Control Center (ECC). To become a System Control room operator, candidates must pass the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification Program, which includes the Transmission Operator certification, along with more than one year of hands-on training in CMP’s distribution, sub-transmission, and system control rooms.  

 

The intense and comprehensive qualification progress tests an individuals' knowledge of skills, processes, and standards to ensure mastery of the electrical system.  

 

“It is an honor to be the first female to be fully credentialed as a system control room operator at CMP. It is important to recognize the accomplishments of women who paved the way and inspired me,” Kara Pease, CMP’s first fully qualified female System Control Room Operator said. “My advice for all girls and women is to continue chasing our ambitions and to never give up.” 

 

Daily tasks include: 

  • Continuously monitor the performance of the entire system, including generators, transmission lines, and substations, using real-time data and control systems. 
  • Communicate with ISO New England to ensure that all control centers in New England are aware of any potential impact planned or unplanned jobs could have on our neighboring utilities. 
  • Maintain safe reliable operations while adhering to appropriate limits. This includes voltage and thermal limits on CMP’s system.  
  • Operators are responsible for taking timely and appropriate action during system emergencies which include but are not limited to, motor vehicle accident, device failure, blackouts, voltage collapse, system restoration, to restore power and prevent any further damage to the system  
  • Coordinating with other control centers, and field personal to ensure safe, smooth operations 24 hours a day.  
  • Operators must adhere to all established procedures and regulatory requirements.  

 

“We are proud to have Kara on our CMP team, and her expertise and dedication to achieving this position will pave the way for so many other women in our industry,” said Joe Purington, CEO of Central Maine Power. “We’re looking forward to watching Kara continue to succeed as we provide safe and reliable service to our customers.” 

 

CMP’s ECC monitors and operates the electric transmission and distribution systems in real time to ensure it remains in a secure and reliable state. As part of this process, CMP coordinates closely with Independent System Operator New England (ISO-NE). ISO-NE is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for operating the bulk power grid, administering the region's wholesale electricity markets, and planning the power system for the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont).  

 

Click here to download interview segments and B/Roll of Kara Pease in CMP’s ECC. News media may use this footage rights-free. 

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