This program provides utility and service company employees with a broad understanding of how the gas utility industry works and a better awareness of their own roles within their organizations. Topics include (1) Extraction + Pipelines, (2) Distribution Operations, (3) How Utilities Make Money, (4) Customers + Usage, (5) Regulations, Codes, and Safety, and (6) 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.
General Details
- Program Chair(s)
- Traci Pepper, Program Manager, Western Energy Institute
- 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 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 gas business and emerging issues?
- Do you work for a service provider to the energy industry who wants to learn more about your customers' needs?
If the answer is yes to any of these, this course was designed for you.
- Registration Options
Member: $399 USD
Non-Member: $599 USDRegistration prices increase $100 after February 6, 2024. This interactive course is delivered virtually over two half-days. A course workbook will be mailed directly to participants upon request. All participants will receive a PDF copy of the course workbook.
- 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
- 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 + Engagement at (971) 303-2118.
Agenda
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
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.
9:00 AM - 9:30 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.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Module 1: Extraction + Pipelines
– History of natural gas
– Key terms and definitions
– Natural gas sources and production
– Transmission and distribution infrastructure
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 2: Distribution Operations
– Essentials of gas operations
– System planning
– Resource management
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Module 3: How Utilities Make Money
– Types of utilities
– Regulatory bodies
– Financial terms and definitions
– How companies set rates
– Rate-making exercise
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
7:30 AM - 8:00 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.
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Day 1 Review
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Module 4: Consumption + Customers
– Consumption
– Gas supply and planning
– Factors that drive natural gas demand
– LNG and CNG
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Break
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Module 5: Regulation, Codes, and Safety
– Federal and state regulations
– Safety incidents
– Integrity management programs
– Public safety messaging
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Break
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
Module 6: Emerging Issues
– Infrastructure replacement
– Renewable gas
– Opportunities to grow demand
– Electrification + exports
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
Q&A and Wrap-Up
We circle back to the original expectations of students to ensure that they were met.