GSOPE was conceived and organized by engineers and professionals who were and are members of other licensing agencies. These persons realize the necessity of maintaining a purely third party agency, that is not affiliated with any labor organization or other organization to avoid a conflict of interest.

These persons recognized the need for improved professional standards and testing methods that help provide competency in the diverse field of Power Engineering and help assist individuals seeking to advance in the profession of Power Engineering.

These persons realized the Power Engineer today is a person who practices the profession of Power Engineering in a more diverse field than the previous traditional boiler or steam engine operator. The Power Engineer Today may be charged with facility or building operation and maintenance including boiler and boiler auxiliary equipment operation and maintenance including HVAC, refrigeration, water, steam, air, and electrical systems and controls.

The Power Engineer may also operate and maintain power boilers, turbines, gas turbines, diesels and generators that are connected to a grid for electrical power and co-generation of steam and electric.

While the basic principles of power engineering are the same, the magnitude of the application of varies significantly between facility and power plant operation and maintenance