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) Western North American Electricity Markets, (3) How Utilities Make Money, (4) Generation Choices, (5) Customers + Emerging Opportunities, (6) Distributed Energy Resources, and (7) Integrated Resource Planning. 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. Registration includes a course binder mailed directly to participant upon request, two half-day interactive course over the web.
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Help Desk + Technology Check
The room will open early with optional time for participants to get familiar with the virtual platform, test their audio and webcam, or ask questions about the agenda before we begin.
Please join early as we will start the class promptly at 9:00 AM.
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Participant Introductions
Students share their own backgrounds within and outside the energy industry and what they hope to learn throughout the day. Please be prepared to share at least three questions you hope to answer during the course.
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Break
We will have several planned breaks throughout the day for participants to check email, answer calls, and check in with daily work requirements.
9:45 AM - 10:45 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
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 2: Generation Choices
– Number ONE rule of the electric grid
– Fossil fuel options
– Traditional low-carbon generation
– Today's renewables
– Energy storage
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Break for Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Common organizational structures
– Balancing interests of stakeholders
– Regulation and rate making fundamentals
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM
GoToWebinar Open for Participants
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Day 1 Review
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Module 4: Western North American Electricity Markets
– Service territories
– Federal regulators and departments
– NERC regions and the WECC
– Energy balancing
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Break
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Module 5: Customers + Emerging Opportunities
– Types and expectations of electricity customers
– Customer care regulations
– Electric vehicles
– Solar programs – utility and customer
– Distributed Energy Resources
– The Trusted Energy Advisor
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 6: Distributed Energy Resources + Module 7: Integrated Resource Planning
– Energy storage
– Energy efficiency
– Electric Vehicles
– Distributed generation
– Demand response
– Meeting demand with resource portfolios
– Scenario planning and modeling
– The preferred portfolio and vetting The IRP.
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.