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)
- Eric Christenson, Director of Program Curriculum + Engagement
- 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 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: $499 USD
Non-Member: $699 USDMember registration prices increase $100 after August 8, 2023. Non-Member registration price increases $200. Registration includes all course materials including a printed workbook, continental breakfast, and a catered lunch.
- 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, August 15, 2023
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: Extraction + Pipelines
Speaker(s): Larry Thorson, Instructor; Region Manager, Retired, Self Employed
– History of natural gas
– Key terms and definitions
– Natural gas sources and production
– Transmission and distribution infrastructure
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Break
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
Module 2: Distribution Operations
– Essentials of gas operations
– System planning
– Resource management
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: Customers + Usage
– Consumption
– Gas supply and planning
– Factors that drive natural gas demand
– LNG and CNG
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Module 5: Regulation, Codes, and Safety
– Federal and state regulations
– Safety incidents
– Integrity management programs
– Public safety messaging
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Module 6: Emerging Issues
– Infrastructure replacement
– Renewable gas
– Opportunities to grow demand
– Electrification + exports
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Q&A and Wrap-Up
We circle back to the original expectations of students to ensure that they were met.
Hotel + Travel
- Hilton Portland Downtown
- 921 SW 6th Ave
- Portland, Oregon 97204
- Phone: (503) 226-1611