This course provides utility and service company employees with a broad understanding of how the electric utility industry works and a better awareness of their own roles within their organizations. Topics include (1) Fundamentals of Electricity, (2) Generation Choices, (3) How Utilities Make Money, (4) Transmission + Electricity Markets, (5) Distributed Energy Resources, (6) Electric Utility Customers, and (7) Emerging Issues. The class is delivered virtually over two half-days or in a one-day format at the host utility's chosen location. WEI provides nearly 100 customized Utility Fundamentals classes each year, hosted by WEI Member Companies on-site, to provide a unique, individualized training experience for their employees. Contact WEI for more information.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Karen Himes, Program Manager + Member Engagement Specialist
- Program Location
- Virtual Event
- No travel required. All agenda times are in Pacific time. Instructions to access the virtual event will be provided to the attendee before the program.
- Who Should Attend
Wondering if this course is for you or your staff…
- Are you new to the energy industry?
- Have you worked in just one or two areas of the organization?
- Are you looking for a broader perspective of the business of electricity and emerging issues?
- Do you work for a service provider to the energy industry who wants to learn more about your customer?
If the answer is yes to any of these, this course was designed for you.
- Registration Options
Member: $249 USD
Non-Member: $249 USDOnly Puget Sound Energy employees and their invited guests may register for this course. Registration includes a course binder mailed directly to participant if requested and registered 14 calendar days before the course. Course is two half-days of an interactive course over the web.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to the uniqueness of this course, registration cancellations received within nine business days prior to the first day of class will be ineligible for refunds. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
- Participation Policy
- Registration for this course is limited to employees of host company employees and their invited guests only. WEI also offers the Electric Utility Fundamentals + Insights course open to anyone four times per year. Contact WEI for more information.
- For more information contact Karen Himes, Program Manager + Member Engagement Specialist at (971) 303-1585.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open at 8:30 AM. Please join early to check your tech and ask questions before we start the class promptly at 9:00 AM.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Participant Introductions
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: Fundamentals of Electricity
– Key influencers in the history of electricity
– Utility definitions and electricity terms
– Basics of how electricity is generated
– Electricity generation and “the Utility loop”
– Keys to power quality
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Module 2: Generation Choices
– Number ONE rule of the electric grid
– Fossil fuel options
– Traditional low-carbon generation
– Today's renewables
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Break for Lunch
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Common organizational structures
– Balancing interests of stakeholders
– Regulation and rate making fundamentals
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
7:45 AM - 8:00 AM
Virtual Room Open for Participants
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Day 1 Review
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM
Module 4: Transmission + Electricity Markets
– Service territories
– Federal regulators and departments
– NERC regions and the WECC
– Energy balancing and imbalance markets
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Break
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Module 5: Distributed Energy Resources
– Demand response
– Energy storage
– Energy efficiency
– Transportation Electrification
– Distributed generation
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Module 6: Electric Utility Customers
– Types and expectations of electricity customers
– Evolution of the energy customer
– Customer touch points and the Trusted Energy Advisor goal
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 7: Emerging Issues
– Grid Hardening + Resiliency
– Solar generation + Impacts from Variable Energy Resources
– Long-Term Resource Planning
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Q&A and Wrap-Up
We circle back to the original expectations of students to ensure that expectations were met.