Fundamentals of Power Delivery for the Non-Electrical Professional
interpro.wisc.edu/RA01590 See upcoming datesCourse Overview
This course introduces the core concepts of power delivery, from generation to distribution, in a format designed for non-electrical professionals. Participants will explore key utility terminology, system components, and the roles of regulatory bodies, while also examining how emerging technologies like DERs and energy storage are reshaping the grid. Whether you're in customer service, project management, or operations, this course provides the foundational knowledge needed to engage confidently in utility-related discussions and decisions.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the structure and function of the electric grid, including generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
- Identify the major players and regulatory bodies in the power industry and their roles.
- Recognize the impact of new technologies such as distributed energy resources and battery storage on utility operations.
Who Should Attend?
- Utility professionals in customer service, supply chain, regulatory, or management roles.
- Project managers, consultants, and contractors working with utility clients or infrastructure.
- Engineers and technical staff new to the power industry or transitioning from other disciplines.
Course Outline
Basics of Electricity
- What is it?
- History
- Types of loads
- Definitions of terms
The Electric Grid
- Generation
- Transmission
- Distribution
- Changes to system with advent of distributed energy resources and storage
Substations
- Main equipment
- Control systems
- Difference between generation, transmission and distribution substations
Generation
- Types of fuel
- Generators
- Renewables
Transmission
- Components
- Transmission voltages
- Challenges
- Transmission reliability
- Overhead vs underground transmission
- High Voltage DC transmission
- Transmission Control center operations
Distribution
- Distribution voltages
- Distribution planning
- Reliability
- Overhead vs underground distribution
- Metering
- Distribution control center operations
Major Players
- NERC
- FERC
- Public Service Commissions
- ISO
Safety Practices
New Technologies
Instructor
Steven Blume
Steve is a registered professional engineer with a master’s degree in electrical engineering specializing in power systems, a bachelor’s degree specializing in telecommunications, and a NERC certified reliability coordinator. Steve’s 40 years in engineering and operations includes generation, transmission, distribution, protection, safety, and high voltage testing. He is active in IEEE and has published two books. Steve is the founder of Applied Professional Training and APT College.
Upcoming dates
Fundamentals of Power Delivery for the Non-Electrical Professional
Location: Online
Course #: RA01590-D722
Fee: $1,595
interpro.wisc.edu/RA01590
Fee
- $1,595
-
Fee covers live online course instruction and primary course materials. Students must purchase a copy of the textbook, Electric Power System Basics for the Nonelectrical Professional, 3rd Edition separately. The book will be released in June 2025.
Discounts
When three or more sign up from same employer, your course fee is $1,395.00
Credits
- CEU: 1.8
- PDH: 18
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
9/16/2025 8:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 9/16/2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
- 9/17/2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
- 9/18/2025 9:00am - 4:00pm Central Time
Course Notes
Required Textbook purchase: Electric Power System Basics for the Nonelectrical Professional, 3rd Edition. Students will need to purchase the textbook before the course start date.
PURCHASE THE 3RD EDITION IN JUNE 2025
This is a live online course that uses the Zoom and Canvas platforms. The registration confirmation will guide students through accessing the Canvas course site.
Students will create and log in to the Canvas course site with a NetID. Course assets such as instructional materials, participation certificates, and course evaluations will be available to all students through the Canvas course site.
- Course materials are all digital and only available on the Canvas course website.
- Students will access sessions via the Zoom web conferencing platform. The Zoom link will be provided a few days before the course.
Please watch the email address that you provide during registration for release dates and pre-course information.
Instructor
Steven Blume
Location
This is an online course.
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Cancellations received after this date and no-shows are subject to a $150 administrative fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts. Once you have accessed the online course, exam and/or materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.