Course 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.

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Fundamentals of Power Delivery for the Non-Electrical Professional