This program 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
- SCPPA Glendora Training Facility
- 1160 Nicole Court, Glendora, California 97225
- Who Should Attend
Wondering if this course is right 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
Registration to this event is limited to employees or members of the host organization only and their invited guests. For more information on what course options are available to you please contact the Western Energy Institute.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Not Applicable
- Participation Policy
- Registration for this course is limited to employees of Host Member Companies only.
- For more information contact Karen Himes, Program Manager + Member Engagement Specialist at (971) 303-1585.
Agenda
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration Open
Please arrive by 7:45 AM to check in. The course will start promptly at 8 AM with introductions.
Coffee, tea, and other beverages, and light snacks available.
8:00 AM - 8:30 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.
8:30 AM - 9:30 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
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Module 2: Generation Choices
– Number ONE rule of the electric grid
– Fossil fuel options
– Traditional low-carbon generation
– Today's renewables
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Common organizational structures
– balancing interests of stakeholders
– Regulation and rate making fundamentals
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Break for Lunch
Lunch is included in your registration.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Module 4: Transmission + Electricity Markets
– Service territories
– Federal regulators and departments
– NERC regions and the WECC
– Energy balancing and imbalance markets
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Module 5: Electric Utility Customers
– Types and expectations of electricity customers
– Evolution of the energy customer
– Customer touch points and the Trusted Energy Advisor goal
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Module 6: Distributed Energy Resources
– Demand response
– Energy storage
– Energy efficiency
– Transportation Electrification
– Distributed generation
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Break
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Module 7: Emerging Issues
– Grid Hardening + Resiliency
– Solar generation + Impacts from Variable Energy Resources
– Long-Term Resource Planning
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Q&A and Wrap-Up
We circle back to the original expectations of students to ensure that expectations were met.