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) Electric Utility Customers, (6) Distributed Energy Resources, 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)
- Eric Christenson, Director of Program Curriculum + Analytics
- Program Location
- Western Energy Institute Facilities
- 1050 SW 6th Ave, Suite 325 Portland, Oregon 97204
- 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
Member: $499 USD
Regular: $699 USDThe member registration price increases $100 after August 8, 2022 and regular registration price increases $200. Registration includes all course materials, continental breakfast, and a catered lunch.
- General Cancellation Policy
- Due to contractual obligations, cancellations received 15 business days prior to the program will receive a full refund. Cancellations received 6 to 14 business days prior to the event will receive a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. No shows and last minute cancellations, 5 business days prior to the event or less, will be responsible for the full registration fee. Substitutions from your organization for the same event are always welcome.
- Participation Policy
- Western Energy Institute programs and events are open to energy companies (including gas production and electric generation, gas and electric transmission and gas and electric distribution utilities). Select programs and events are open to energy industry product and service suppliers. Programs and events are closed to all media representatives and to the general public. Recording is not permitted for any portion of the event.
- For more information contact Eric Christenson, Director of Program Curriculum + Analytics at (971) 303-2118.
Agenda
Thursday, August 25, 2022
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration and Check-In
Continental breakfast provided.
8:00 AM - 8:30 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.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Module 1: Fundamentals of Electricity
– Key influencers in the history of electricity
– Utility definitions and electricity terms
– AC vs DC power, transformers and the electric grid
– 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 and future sources
– Grid-scale energy storage
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Regulatory bodies
– Financial terms and definitions
– How companies set rates
– Rate-making exercise
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Break for Lunch
Full lunch provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions with your registration.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Module 4: Transmission + Electricity Markets
– Service territories
– Federal regulators and departments
– NERC regions and the WECC
– Energy balancing
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 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
3:15 - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Module 6: Distributed Energy Resources + Module 7: Emerging Issues
– Demand response
– Energy storage
– Energy efficiency
– Transportation Electrification
– Distributed generation
– Grid Hardening + Resiliency
– Solar generation + Impacts from Variable Energy Resources
– Long-Term Resource Planning
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM
Module 7: Emerging Issues
– Grid hardening and resiliency
– Greenhouse gas emission reductions
– Operational and financial impacts from variable energy resources (solar + wind)
– Integrated 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.
Hotel + Travel
- Hilton Portland Downtown
- 921 SW 6th Ave
- Portland, Oregon 97204
- Phone: (503) 226-1611
- Reservation Instructions
The Hilton Portland Downtown is across the street from WEI’s office. Due to the size of the event, there is no defined room block.
Onsite Safety + Health Info
It is WEI’s policy that anyone attending a WEI-hosted program be vaccinated for COVID-19. This policy does allow for a negative COVID-19 test to be submitted in lieu of vaccination if the attendee is unable to receive the vaccine and if permitted by local host cities or venues. This policy applies to all WEI staff, as well as attendees, guests, speakers, and exhibitors.
Fully vaccinated is defined by the United States or Canadian governments. WEI accepts the following as proof of vaccination: (1) a CDC or Provincial-issued vaccination card, (2) a photo of a CDC or Provincial-issued vaccination card (front and back); (3) a document of vaccination from a licensed healthcare provider; or (4) a digital vaccine record issued by the State or Province in which the attendee resides.
Proof of a negative COVID-19 test means a printed document or image on a phone from a test provider, laboratory, or government agency-approved at-home test method that shows a negative result of a PCR or antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours before first entry.
Attendees must show a picture or document with vaccine status or a negative test result upon arrival at the program. Attendees without the required proof will be denied entry. No refunds will be given if any attendee is denied entry due to vaccine and/or testing requirements.
Please refer to WEI’s Safety + Health Code of Conduct for other important considerations.