This program provides utility and service company employees with a broad understanding of how the gas utility industry works and a better awareness of their own roles within their organizations. Topics include (1) Extraction + Pipelines, (2) Distribution Operations, (3) How Utilities Make Money, (4) Customers + Usage, (5) Regulations, Codes, and Safety, and (6) Emerging Issues. The class is delivered virtually over two half-days and in a one-day format at the WEI office in Portland, Oregon. WEI member companies may also host a customized on-line or in-person course exclusively for their own employees to provide a unique, individualized training experience. Contact WEI for more information.
Wondering if this course is right for you or your staff…
If the answer is yes to any of these, this course was designed for you.
Member: $399 USD
Regular: $599 USD
Registration prices increase by $100 after May 6, 2022. This interactive course is delivered virtually over two half-days. A course binder will be mailed directly to participants upon request.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
GoToMeeting Open for Participants
The GoToMeeting will open at 8:30 AM in the morning. Please join early as we will start the class promptly at 9:00 AM.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Participant Introductions and Roundtable
Students share their utility industry background and what they hope to learn throughout the day. Please be prepared to share at least one thing you hope to gain from taking this class.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Module 1: Extraction + Pipelines
– History of natural gas
– Key terms and definitions
– Natural gas sources and production
– Transmission and distribution infrastructure
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 2: Distribution Operations
– Essentials of gas operations
– System planning
– Resource management
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Break for Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Regulatory bodies
– Financial terms and definitions
– How companies set rates
– Rate-making exercise
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
GoToMeeting Open for Participants
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Day 1 Review
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Module 4: Customers + Usage
– Consumption
– Gas supply and planning
– Factors that drive natural gas demand
– LNG and CNG
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Break
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Module 5: Regulation, Codes, and Safety
– Federal and state regulations
– Safety incidents
– Integrity management programs
– Public safety messaging
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 6: Emerging Issues
– Infrastructure replacement
– Renewable gas
– Opportunities to grow demand
– Electrification + exports
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Q&A and Wrap-Up
We circle back to the original expectations of students to ensure that they were met.