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 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
- 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 business of gas 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 for this event is now full. Please consider registering for one of the following courses scheduled for Puget Sound Energy employees:
Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights – May 31-June 1, 2023
Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights – October 17-18, 2023
- 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
- Registration for this course is limited to employees of host company employees and their invited guests only. WEI also offers the Gas Utility Fundamentals + Insights course open to anyone four times per year. Contact WEI for more information.
- For more information contact Karen Himes, Program Manager + Member Engagement Specialist at (971) 303-1585.
Agenda
All session times are listed in Pacific time.
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM
Virtual Room Open for Participants
The room will open at 8:45 AM in the morning. Please join early to check your tech and ask questions before we start the class promptly at 9:00 AM.
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
Break for Lunch
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
Thursday, March 16, 2023
7:45 AM - 8:00 AM
Virtual Room Open for Participants
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM
Day 1 Review
8:15 AM - 9:15 AM
Module 4: Customers + Usage
– 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 expectations were met.