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 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: $499 USD
Regular: $699 USD
The member registration price increases $100 after October 21, 2022 and regular registration price increases $200. Registration includes all course materials, continental breakfast, and a catered lunch.
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration + Continental Breakfast
Doors will be open at 7:30 AM. The course will begin promptly at 8:00 AM with introductions.
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 learn by taking this class.
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Module 1: Fundamentals of Electricity
– How an electric Generator works
– AC vs DC power
– Transformers and power poles
– 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
– Future sources
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
Hosted Lunch
Full lunch provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions with 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
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Module 5: Distributed Energy Resources
– Demand response
– Energy storage
– Energy efficiency
– Transportation Electrification
– Distributed generation
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Break
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
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
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
Break
4:00 PM - 4:45 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.