RMEL Electric Energy Issue 3 2011 by Alive Publishing Group

electric spotlight on critical energy issues

Education for the Electric Energy Workforce:

today and tomorrow

ISSUE 3 / 2011

www.RMEL.org

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contents

16 12

Features 6 RMEL Sections and Section Committees See Successful First Year 12 Big Picture Learning: Experimental Program Offers Unique Approach for New Employees By: Nicole Carlson, Communications Specialist, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assn.

16 The Smart Gridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Impact on the Utility Workforce By: Timothy X Brown, Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering and Director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado, and Susan Kannel, Executive Director, The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning and Associate Vice President, Employer Services, The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning

electric energy

26 Signature Events Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012 30 I dentify Your Section to Receive the Latest Relevant 2012 Education Information 40 RMEL Programs to Focus on Top Electric Energy Concerns, as Identified by Industry Leaders

Departments

44 RMEL About Us 46 Identify Your Section Form 48 2012 Calendar of Events 50 Index to Advertisers

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RMEL Sections and Section Committees See Successful First Year By hosting 30 events every year, RMEL has consistently offered valuable and practical educational programming for the diverse electric energy professionals who comprise its membership. The value of RMEL is its membership. The companies and people that make up this association develop association resources, so content is by members for members. In 2011, RMEL introduced sections for generation, transmission, distribution, safety and management, along with Section Committees. Section Committees had a very successful first year and helped more clearly define content based on the dynamic interests of the membership. Members and event attendees also helped RMEL do this by updating your profiles on www.RMEL.org or at RMEL events. By taking advantage of new RMEL Sections, members have taken ownership of their role in the association and taken advantage of new resources like communication specific to section topics, core events for each section that reoccur every year, section electives that change each year and a course catalog of programs for members to bring to their locations.

electric energy

Enhanced roundtables have also provided a trusted forum and drive RMEL programs.

Continue Discussing Issues in Your Section on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter RMEL’s trusted network is now accessible on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Join us by visiting www.RMEL.org and clicking the Social Network logos on the top left of the page. Join RMEL’s Social Networks to: Discuss industry news and trends with your peers Connect with RMEL members with similar interests Stay updated on the latest industry and RMEL news Find news and pictures from recent RMEL events

What’s Your RMEL Section? RMEL Sections make the experience of finding tangible value with the association very easy. Once a member updates their profile on www.RMEL.org, RMEL sends targeted information to that member based on their section and their job responsibilities. Have you already identified with an RMEL Section?

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to energy production and supply in the utility industry, including planning and development. Topics covered include renewable generation.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining transmission facilities in the utility industry, including substations.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining distribution facilities in the utility industry, including distributed generation.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to workplace safety at production, transmission and distribution and management facilities in the utility industry.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to the management of assets, planning, operations and workforce of the utility industry, including corporate-wide critical issues and topics that affect different management levels. Discussion may be technical but in general maintains perspective from a higher management level. This section includes demand-side management, energy efficiency and sustainability. This section also incorporates miscellaneous industry areas and fringe topics not covered in other sections.

Take an In-Depth Look at Section Benefits RMEL has services and content focused on utilities’ top priorities that participants can attend year after year. In each section, core events, electives, the RMEL Course Catalog and roundtable events bring a fresh perspective to the RMEL educational experience.

Roundtables

Discuss Your Priorities and Drive RMEL Content These forums allow you to meet in a setting that focuses on trust and peer-to-peer sharing. RMEL roundtables serve as a catalyst for future program development. By increasing your participation in discussion forums and enhancing roundtables, you can maximize the potential of the RMEL community and network with RMEL contacts throughout the year— whether you’re at an RMEL event, your desk, or in the field. Roundtables planned for 2012 include: Quarterly Safety Roundtables Held at RMEL Utility Member Facilities Generation Vital Issues Roundtable Transmission Vital Issues Roundtable Distribution Vital Issues Roundtables Plant Management Roundtable Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable

www.RMEL.org Published Fall 2011 Published For: RMEL 6855 S. Havana St, Ste 430 Centennial, CO 80112 T: (303) 865-5544 F: (303) 865-5548 www.RMEL.org Electric Energy is the official magazine of RMEL. Published three times a year, the publication discusses critical issues in the electric energy industry. Subscribe to Electric Energy by contacting RMEL. Editorial content and feedback can also be directed to RMEL. Advertising in the magazine supports RMEL education programs and activities. For advertising opportunities, please contact Deborah Juris from WiesnerMedia, LLC at (303) 883-4159. Pu b l ish ed by:

6160 S. Syracuse Way, Ste 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 T: (303) 662-5200 F: (303) 397-7619 www.custompublishingco.com vice president – group publisher

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chief executive officer Dan

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chief financial officer Jon vice president – IT John

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Korb

Taylor

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w w w. r mel .o rg

Core Events

Reoccurring Events Let You Plan Ahead Core events in each section reoccur at the same time every year so you can plan ahead. At least one signature event has been established for each section, and section participants can quickly and easily identify with their events. Topics at core events evolve to stay relevant and ahead of electric energy industry trends. See page ___ for a full article on Section Core Events.

Electives

Events Dedicated to Critical Issues of the Day From year to year, RMEL will offer new events in each section to cover the latest technologies, evolving trends and critical issues that aren’t covered at core events. These events will zero in on your top priorities at any given time and may not repeat from year to year. Electives can take the form of an RMEL conference, workshop or roundtable. Electives for 2012 include: Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop New Distribution Engineers Workshop Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop

ERC Planning, Operations and Compliance Conference N OSHA Update Workshop Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop

Course Catalog Bring RMEL Courses to You

Bring an RMEL workshop to your location or region. Refer to the course catalog for your section to choose a course from a listing of successful RMEL events, which will be taught by an instructor RMEL has worked with in the past. These are not scheduled events, and are specifically designed to custom-fit your needs and timetable.

How to Identify Your RMEL Section RMEL participants can zero in on their interests by updating your profile using the form in this magazine (see page 46) on RMEL.org. Then watch for the content and benefits of your section in your inbox. Use this Education Edition of Electric Energy magazine to reintroduce yourself to RMEL Education, and learn more about your RMEL by visiting www.RMEL.org.

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Education Section Committees BOARD OF DIRECTORS EDUCATION COMMITTEE Vice President Education

Ed Wagner

VP, Customer Services

Nebraska Public Power District

Board Director

Jon Hansen

VP, Energy Production & Marketing

Omaha Public Power District

Board Director

Tony Montoya

COO

Western Area Power Administration

Board Director

Stuart Wevik

VP, Utility Operations

Black Hills Corporation

GENERATION SECTION Chair

Jeff Karloff

Plant Manager, Nebraska City

Omaha Public Power District

Member

Curt Brown

Power Generation Operations Project Manager

Black & Veatch Corp.

Member

Pete Ungerman

Plant Operations Manager, Rawhide Station

Platte River Power Authority

Member

Kellen Walters

Director, Enterprise Strategic Development

Zachry Holdings, Inc.

Member

Tom Wos

VP, Sr. Project Manager

HDR, Inc.

TRANSMISSION SECTION Chair

John Quintana

Lead Engineer

Western Area Power Administration

Member

Eric Egge

Manager, Transmission Planning

Black Hills Corporation

Member

Randy Harlas

Manager, Substation & Relay

El Paso Electric Company

Member

David Murphy

Manager, Electric System Maintenance

SRP

DISTRIBUTION SECTION Chair

Bill Caynor

Operations Manager

Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc.

Chair

Marty Hinson

Engineering Manager

Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc.

Member

Ana Bustamante

Superintendent, T&D

UniSource

Member

Bill Galloway

Engineer Principal/Managing

Colorado Springs Utilities

Member

Ebi Kazemi

Manager, Engineering

Black Hills Corporation

Chair

Linda Limberg

Sr. Director, Safety and Training

Xcel Energy

Member

Mike Creighton

Energy Supply Safety Leader

Nebraska Public Power District

Member

Mike Felice

Director, Safety

PacifiCorp

Member

Tom Majors

Occupation Health & Safety Specialist

Platte River Power Authority

Member

Robin Seele

Director Safety, Training & Loss Control

Westar Energy

SAFETY SECTION

MANAGEMENT SECTION Chair

Tom Bozeman

Associate VP, Project Management, B&V Energy

Black & Veatch Corp.

Member

Kirstin Chepeus

Executive Analyst

SRP

Member

Tom Haensel

Manager, Denver Energy, T&D

Burns & McDonnell

Member

Mike Jakulewicz

Training Manager

Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assn.

Member

Kip Moore

Search Consultant

Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC

Member

Roy Steiner

VP, HR & Corporate Support

Nebraska Public Power District

Member

Pat Wisdom

Director, Business Development Construction Group

Zachry Holdings, Inc.

Member

Steve Yexley

EPTC Manager

Western Area Power Administration Electric Power Training Center w w w. r mel .o rg

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Big Picture

Learning

Experimental Program Offers Unique Approach for New Employees B y : N i c o l e C a r l s o n , C o m m u n i c at i o n s S p e c i a l i s t, T r i - S tat e G e n e r at i o n & T r a n s m i s s i o n A s s n .

ased in the Denver suburb of Westminster, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assn. supplies power to 18 member electric cooperatives in Colorado, 12 in New Mexico, eight in Wyoming and six in Nebraska, which in turn provide electricity to more than 601,000 meters or a population of approximately 1.5 million people. In the summer of 2009, five recent college graduates began their Tri-State careers in an unconventional manner — one that involved a lot of uncertainties and variables — but would enable them to gain a “big picture” understanding of the association. Instead of being hired for a specific position, the five employees, each holding varying degrees, embarked on a two-year journey that would lead them through different departments, teaching them the fundamental business of the G&T. Dubbed rotational employees, those in the new hire rotational program spend time working in different functional areas within the association. “The goal of the new program is to grow employees who have a well-developed sense of Tri-State’s mission, how different functional areas act on the mission and how varying strategies and risks affect the mission,” said Tri-State Executive Vice President and General Manager Ken Anderson. Those in the program were selected by Tri-State’s HR department, members of which began visiting college campuses within the association’s service territory last year, recruiting for the program. Once the first round of campus visits was completed, HR sorted through the applicants, narrowing the candidates down to five to six individuals in each area. Those individuals then made a trip to Tri-State, where they took part in numerous interviews. From there, the candidates were ranked and the top in each discipline were offered the positions. “We were given the task two years ago to recruit for five positions,” said Elda de la Peña, Human Resources Manager and supervisor of the rotational employee program. “It was an experimental program, but one we were excited to get off the ground.” The first group includes three engineers (two electrical and one mechanical), one IT professional and one accountant. Last summer, one year after its initiation, the program was garnering positive results.

electric energy

In fact, Tri-State welcomed three new employees in June 2010 — a mechanical engineer, IT professional and an environmental engineer. The program is set up for each rotation employee to spend some time in each functional group. There are currently eight functional groups at Tri-State (each with a Senior Vice President). Those groups are Transmission, Generation, Corporate Services, Legal, Business Strategy, Energy Markets/Resources, Finance/Accounting, Environmental/External Affairs Each participant spends a different amount of time in each group, depending on their area of emphasis. The Engineer Rotation employees will spend six months in Transmission, six months in Generation and the remaining 12 months rotating through the other groups. An Accounting rotation employee will spend six months in Finance/Accounting, six months in Business Strategy and the remaining 12 months rotating through the other groups. Each rotation is unique for each employee because the work varies depending on the projects available in each department. The employees are able to attend a variety of training depending on which functional area they are in. Engineers get the opportunity to go to CAD training, IT employees have the opportunity to go to seminars and conferences, and the other employees’ training varies per department. Jeff Selman, Senior Manager of Transmission Systems Support, is involved in the rotational employee program as a sponsor, representing the transmission organization. Selman provides each employee with a mentor, program and schedule. Additionally, he contacts each employee on a regular to basis to ensure they are keeping busy and getting what they need from the group. “It’s really a great program,” said Selman. “I wish I was offered the opportunity to do this type of program when I began as an engineer. It’s good for Tri-State in preparing the association for the future.” Selman added that he has been very impressed with the learning ability and eagerness of the rotational employees who have been through the transmission department. “Ken Anderson and the HR department have created an excellent program and I’m glad to be a part of it,” he added.

The first group of Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assn. rotational engineers, taken in May 2010. The ability to see how all departments work at Tri-State and how they are integrated with one another gives the rotational employees an enterprise view of the company. Some of the rotation employees have had the opportunity to assist with supplements in the legal group and that alone gives them a whole new perspective on what happens on the legal side at Tri-State. “When each employee is then placed in their regular groups after two years, they have a better appreciation of the work done in each group and how their own work might affect other departments,” said de la Peña. “I believe it also gives these employees the chance to connect with other employees and use these connections to learn and perform their jobs better.” University of Kansas graduate Ali Womack, who recently completed her second year in Tri-State’s rotational employee program, was attracted to the program because of the

nature of the association, as well as the location. “I wanted to move to Denver and get involved in the power industry,” she said. “Tri-State’s rotational employee program seemed to be a place where I could really be submerged in all aspects and have the ability to find a lifelong career.” Womack, an electrical engineer, has high regards for the program and her time at Tri-State. “The rotational program is fantastic and from what I’ve seen, it’s been very well received,” she said. There are also challenges for the rotational employees in the program. Julie Welch, an electrical engineer and New Mexico native who graduated from the University of New Mexico, said factors such as time constraints and limited experience on her part means she hasn’t been able to get the full flavor of each group. She has also been called an intern, which can be frustrating. w w w. r mel .o rg

visit with the employees to ensure the project was going well. “It’s a great way of having new employees get a good, rounded education of Tri-State and our 44 member systems,” said Stave. “Our goal was to provide a project that would help the employees gauge a better understanding of the External Affairs Department, as well as Member Services and Tri-State as a whole.” Two rotational employees have been placed with Stave and the Member Services Group. Both worked on developing a renewable resources toolkit, a web site that will soon be launched to provide information on a variety of renewable energy options. “Both employees did a great job and complemented each other,” said Stave. “Alison’s experience with the transmission group, where she was placed before coming to Member Services, and her engineering background really helped with the research she did for the toolkit. And, Brandon’s skills and background were a perfect match for developing the actual site. It’s a good program and I’m glad to be a part of it.” “I believe the best way to measure success is the feedback I receive from managers at Tri-State,” said de la Peña. “When more than one manager would like a rotation employee to come work for them, it sends me the message that the program is going well.” The first five rotation employees have successfully completed their two-year rotation program and are now being placed in their regular departments. Tri-State also hired two more rotation employees for 2011 – one Civil/ Structural Engineer (from Wyoming) and one MBA graduate (from the University of Colorado). “Overall, I think the program has been well-received,” said De la Peña. “The employees are getting a lot of exposure to the inner Provided Services for more than workings of the company and the Miles of Utility Corridor electric co-op industry. I’m really Across the Country since excited by the program and am looking forward to seeing how it progresses in the future.”

“We are not interns and this is not an intern program,” she explained. However, Welch said overall, her time in the program has been beneficial. “It’s been great so far,” she said. “In addition to the knowledge of the groups I’ve worked in and their relationships, I’ve gained so much in terms of resources. I’ve been able to make meaningful contributions to the groups I’ve visited and have learned so much already.” Colin Stanley, a part of the second wave of the rotational program, began with Tri-State last summer. A Minnesota native, Stanley first came to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, from which he graduated in May 2010 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Although he is one of the newer participants of the program, Stanley relayed a positive experience at Tri-State. “I really like all the people I work with and they all seem to be interested in teaching me what they know,” he said. “I get to work on a variety of projects, so I am able to learn something new every day.” Stanley’s attraction to the rotational employee program at Tri-State stemmed from his interest in energy. “I liked the idea of working in a different department and being able to find my niche here at Tri-State,” said Stanley. “Also, I focused my education on the energy field, so Tri-State seemed like a great fit for my interests.” Tri-State’s Senior Manager of Member Services and Rates, Lowell Stave, has been involved in the rotational employee program as a mentor. In this role Stave decides upon a project for the rotational employees and then sets them up with a direct contact within the group. Stave also made it a point to

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Nicole Carlson is communications specialist with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, a not-for-profit, wholesale electric supplier owned by the 44 electric cooperatives it serves. She has spent the past four years in the electric utility industry and has earned her Master Cooperative Communicator certificate and is a Certified Cooperative Communicator. Contact Carlson at (303) 548-6579 or ncarlson@tristategt.org.

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w w w. z h i . c o m ENGINEERING | CONSTRUC TION | NUCLEAR | INDUSTRIAL SERVICES

The Smart G Impact on Utility Work By: Timothy X Brown, Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering and Director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado, and Susan Kannel, Executive Director, The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning and Associate Vice President, Employer Services, The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning

electric energy

Grid’s the kforce

“ Preparing a new workforce that can make Smart Grid work well from the moment it is deployed will be the electric industry’s central challenge in the next decade. 1” The electric utilities are in the midst of exciting times. Power generation is changing. Upcoming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards are changing the economics of coal generation when compared to other sources of generation. States are setting renewable energy standards that will mandate higher percentages of energy generated by renewable sources, including hydro, wind and solar. Renewable sources quickly rise and fall and require new approaches to match generation to loads. Loads are also changing; electric vehicle energy consumption can double the load of a typical home and change the daily pattern of consumption. Rooftop solar masks underlying loads—until a cloud appears. The aging energy infrastructure requires closer monitoring to maintain system reliability. The emerging Smart Grid is central to all of these changes. While the workforce trends related to Smart Grids are certainly more evident today than they were even a year ago, these trends are still emerging and changing – almost daily. w w w. r mel .o rg

Smart Grids are a set of technologies that include two-way communication, first to customer meters, then through the meter to the customers themselves. Within the grid they include greater deployments of traditional sensing and monitoring, as well as new sensing and monitoring such as synchrophasers and wide area protection. Cybersecurity concerns are prompting the Smart Grid to be more “self aware,” with increased video and centralized access monitoring of substations. The everchanging regulations on energy markets require more dynamic communication and accounting among suppliers, wholesalers, and demand-responsive customers that can be managed by the Smart Grid. To support Smart Grid technology utilities need to include Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The greatly expanded monitoring is generating vast volumes of data which need to be collected through reliable communication networks and processed into useful information, all of which ultimately supports strategic and operational decisions. Collecting detailed customer usage and reaching inside customer premises significantly raises the bar on required privacy, communication security, and data integrity. Remote operations require reliable communication and multiply connected communication links. New meters need to be installed for many millions of customers. Fiber, wireless, and other communication links need to be installed throughout the grid. With more and more installed fiber to substations, utilities stand poised to be a new source of broadband to consumers. We are already seeing indications of the next logical steps as electric utilities merge with telecommunications companies, as in Indiana’s Nine Star Connect2, and when Cincinnati Bell begins offering energy services through a partnership with Viridian Energy3.

The implementation of Smart Grids will have major consequences for the utility workforce. In this article, we will highlight four of those consequences: 1. Current positions are changing. 2. New positions are being created. 3. There are new members in the utility “ecosystem.” 4. The “retirement bubble” is affecting all of these changes.

electric energy

Finally, we will pose several workforce questions that to date don’t have answers, but which have significant implications for the emerging Smart Grid workforce.

1. Current Positions are Changing. There are several examples of these changes. As utilities replace traditional meters with “smart” meters, the need for meter readers will decrease. Each utility company is aware of this shift, and each is approaching it differently. Duke Energy, for example, is proactively training its meter readers to be smart meter installers. Maintenance technicians who traditionally were required to troubleshoot traditional electric components are increasingly required to understand and troubleshoot networking and communication components. These technicians often work alone in isolated areas; so narrow ICT communication and networking skills are no longer enough. We all know that the grid only becomes ‘smart’ when IT workers and software developers leverage the technological capabilities of the infrastructure and data it produces to create new applications that increase energy efficiency. As the grid’s infrastructure is enhanced through a better trained field workforce, efficiency, reliability and customer service applications will be developed by a new breed of energy employee – more software and network focused than infrastructure focused. With the proper support and training, these employees and the applications they create will ultimately make the grid ‘smart’. The key for workers is expertise in emerging technologies.

A study published by the Center for Energy Workforce Development finds that even though existing foundational skills and competencies may not change with the deployment of Smart Grid technologies, the workforce will require new training on new equipment and new procedures4. These sorts of shifting job requirements necessitate forward-looking management, additional training, and a flexible and adaptable workforce. A recently released KEMA report, The U.S. Smart Grid Revolution: Smart Grid Workforce Trends 2011, commissioned by The GridWise Alliance, confirms this and notes that today’s electric utility workforce will need to have growing, broader, and more dynamic knowledge of the electric power system. “The Smart Grid workforce needs a wellrounded education to facilitate the necessary breakdown of functional silos within utilities that impede the fully developed function of Smart Grid.”5

2. New Positions are Being Created. Consider these positions advertised by the electric industry: Systems Engineer, Electric Power & Smart Grid Manager, Smart Grid and Technology Integration Strategy Cyber Security Architect Telecom Project Manager I; II; III Network Engineer Clearly there is a need for Smart Grid, communications, and networking skills. Indeed “network systems and data communications analysts” rank as one of the fastest growing occupations among utility professionals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.6

4. The “Retirement Bubble” will Affect These Changes. There is little question that the utility industry is facing major challenges in the coming decade. As older equipment and plants are replaced with newer, larger and more efficient ones, employee productivity will increase and overall employment will decrease. At the same time, industry leaders have long been aware of an impending “retirement bubble,” as an aging workforce is either ready to or forced to retire. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that as much as one half of the utility workforce will be able to retire within the next several years7. The economic downturn of the last several years has postponed these retirements, but the industry demographics remain clear. The retirement bubble offers both opportunity and risk within the Smart Grid workforce. As older workers retire, there is a significant opportunity to organically change the culture and upgrade the overall technical skill set with the addition of new, younger employees. The challenge, of course, is to find effective methods of knowledge transfer to maintain continuity, safety and stability within the industry. There is likely to be a limited cadre of upcoming managers who are familiar with Smart Grid skill sets, which may force the utilities away from a traditional “grow your own” approach of hiring at the entry level and encouraging workers to naturally rise into the management ranks. Instead, utilities may need to bring in manager-level employees who have the required ICT skills from outside the utility industry.

3. There will be New Members in the Utility “Ecosystem.” The utility ecosystem includes the utilities themselves as well as the supporting manufacturers, engineering consulting firms, contractors and construction firms that are building and maintaining the infrastructure of the Smart Grid. As utilities become more efficient, they will outsource more, from plant construction, to upgrading of key systems, to data management. The growing role of ICT technologies has been recognized by traditional utility vendors but is also viewed as a new opportunity for new entrants such as Cisco, IBM and Alcatel-Lucent, each of which is creating utility focused business units. Beyond these well-known companies, many startups such as Tendril, are rushing to meet utilities information and communication technology needs. As a result, Smart Grids are fostering new and growing employment opportunities throughout the utility eco-system. Industry associations like The GridWise Alliance have made it their mission to bring these formerly disparate organizations together under the auspices of the Smart Grid.

electric energy

Percent distribution of employment, by age group, 2008 AGE GROUP

UTILITIES

ALL INDUSTRIES

Total

100.0%

16-19

0.4

3.8

20-24

4.8

9.4

25-34

18.3

21.6

35-44

23.7

23.0

45-54

34.7

23.8

55-64

15.9

14.3

2.2

4.1

65 and older

Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2008.

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There is increasing and alarming evidence of a national skill shortage within the technical workforce, fed by the impending retirements of baby boomers, the higher levels of skills required of entry-level employees, high schools which are not able to adequately prepare technical students, over-crowded community colleges operating with less and less revenue, and all of this happening at a time when Smart Grid implementation needs a prepared workforce. Several recent studies that forecast this trend can be found in two Manpower 2011 publications, Talent Shortage Survey

Results and “Manufacturing” Talent for the Human Age, as well as in two publications from the Center on Education and the Workforce, The Undereducated American (2011) and Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018 (2010). It truly is a time of both significant opportunity and significant risk.

Smart Grids are new—new uses for technology, new understandings, and new challenges, As a result, our understanding of workforce trends is also emerging. The requirements for the Smart Grid workforce are certainly clearer than they were even a year ago, but several large and important questions remain. Some of the questions we’re paying particular attention to include:

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1. What will emerge as the Smart Grid business model? A single overlay across the existing grid or a federation of cooperating Smart Grids? Utility owned and operated or leased from the telcos?

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Distributed Generation Renewable Energy Biomass Utilization

2. And a corollary question: Who will employ the Smart Grid technical workforce? The utilities or contractors? 3. What will be the true impact of the retirement bubble? Will the utilities be able to successfully manage the related workforce transition?

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4. How will the predicted skills shortage affect the Smart Grid workforce? Will the predictions come true?

anies Will the energy industry be able to compete successfully with other industry sectors that also require a prepared technical workforce (telecom, healthcare, construction, biotech)? These and many other questions are being discussed vigorously across the industry by stakeholders in the Smart Grid. SmartGridNews.com, a trusted industry resource, provides Smart Grid news and analysis with informative daily reports. The GridWise Alliance’s mission is to bring Smart Grid players to the table—industry, government, vendors, providers—all benefitting from and expanding on each other’s ideas and synergy. Some utilities are proactively integrating the Smart Grid and yielding early positive results— Oklahoma Gas & Electric for example has had early success in deploying smart meters that provide customers accurate price and use information to manage their energy use efficiently. We can learn from these entities as we look to the future of a successful Smart Grid.

While communication and networking skills are needed by utilities, standard ICT skill sets are not enough. Many areas of the grid require special considerations for employee safety and equipment operation in the often hostile interference, temperature and vibration environment. Much of the ICT world designs for “success,” meaning design decisions are based on the value brought when the network is operating correctly. However,

in the utility world, reliability is key, with a design for failure attitude that carefully considers failure modes resulting from incorrect operation. Further, utility investments are for decades-long lifetimes, well beyond traditional ICT three to five year replacement cycles. Thus there is a need to bring in new employees who combine ICT and electric utility skills, while at the same time retraining an incumbent workforce to achieve the required skill sets. In 2010, the Department of Energy (DOE) funded a series of projects designed

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Contributing to this article

to jump start this process. The DOE Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector funded 54 training and education projects, with a goal of building capacity to retrain existing employees for new utility careers, train a new generation of entry-level employees, and train the next generation of leaders. These programs are working within the industry to expand the skills of the current workforce, to attract external people with needed skill sets to utilities, and to train them on the unique aspects to the utility environment. As these programs gear up, the utilities should benefit from a larger and more prepared pool of employees. The Smart Grid is not just one technology, but a range of technologies that will help utilities solve a set of emerging challenges. Implementation of the Smart Grid will require new skill sets in information and communication technology. While utilities may draw from an existing utility and information technology workforce, these groups both require additional skills to meet utility Smart Grid needs. This process is being supported on several fronts. First the information technology industry itself is adapting to the utility needs and joining the electric utility ecosystem. Second, the utilities have a pool of existing employees who can be retrained with the new skills. Third, education and training are coming on line specifically to develop these required skills. The workforce challenges of utilities are many, but foresight and attention can lead to a better-trained and stronger industry.

The University of Colorado

Timothy X Brown is a Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering and Director of the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. His research interests include adaptive network control, and wireless communication systems. He is leading a DOE funded workforce training grant to train the next generation of leaders in communication and networking for the electric power sector (itp.colorado.edu/DigitalEnergy).

(telecom.colorado.edu/DigitalEnergy)

Susan Kannel is Executive Director, The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (NACTEL) and Associate Vice President, Employer Services, The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). Since joining CAEL in 1999, Susan led the development of The National Coalition for Telecommunications and Learning (NACTEL, www.nactel.org) and contributed to the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE, www.epceonline.org).

of venues.

http://gridwise.org/uploads/news/GWArelease_SmartGridTrendsReport_8_2_11.pdf

http://www.ninestarconnect.com/

ttp://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/cincinnati-bell-begin-offering-energyh services/2011-06-23?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal

http://www.cewd.org/mem_resources/Smart_Grid_Impact.pdf

http://gridwise.org/uploads/news/GWArelease_SmartGridTrendsReport_8_2_11.pdf

LS, Career Guide to Industries, 2010-2011 Edition, B http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs018.htm

http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs018.htm#outlook

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The Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder is a graduate program in the technology, business, and regulation of modern communication and networking systems. (itp.colorado.edu) ITP received a Department of Energy grant for Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector to train the next generation of leaders in communication and networking for the electric energy sector. The Digital Energy Program offers graduate certificates and M.S. degrees that provide the necessary skills to drive how communication networks will impact the electric power systems and a new generation of green technologies.

CAEL The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) is a national non-profit that links learning to work across a variety

CAEL manages the Energy Providers Coalition for Education (www.epceonline.org) and The National Coalition for Telecommunications Education and Learning (www. natctel.org), both of which develop online education and training for the entry and mid level workforce in telecom and energy. On behalf of EPCE, CAEL received a Department of Energy grant for Workforce Training for the Electric Power Sector to build the next generation of utility workers who will deploy and maintain the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Smart Grid.

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Signature Events Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012 26

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For more than 100 years, RMEL has offered two signature annual events with unique programming for utility and service company participants. These events move to different locations each year to ensure RMEL members in various locations can attend. In 2012, the Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention will be held in Summerlin, NV, and the Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference will be held in Omaha, NE.

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Developing a New Generation of Utility Leaders

Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention The RMEL Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention started in October of 1903. Since that first meeting, the Fall Convention has grown and evolved into one of the industry’s leading events for senior management. The Convention provides a relaxed forum for utility industry executives to network with peers and colleagues to find and share solutions to critical industry issues. The 2012 Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention will take place September 9-11, at the J.W. Marriott Resort & Spa at Summerlin in Summerlin, NV. Visit www.RMEL.org to register.

Programming for Electric Energy Strategy The primary focus of the Convention is the educational presentations, which include a vision and forecasting trends for the future, current and future projects, lessons learned, technology, regulation, compliance, public policy, fuel strategies, workforce development and other topics selected by RMEL’s leaders. Utility executives offer their insight and thoughts on a variety of issues, trends, challenges and the direction they are leading their companies. Speakers are primarily CEOs, senior executives and other top leaders from inside the industry discussing the issues that matter most, and attendees find significant value in the two-day streamlined format. “What a great convention!” said Gregory L. Hager, Vice President & General Manager, Black Hills Corporation said. “The education and networking were top notch, and I highly recommend this event.”

A Continued Focus for Utility Industry Executives The Fall Convention is a unique opportunity for industry leaders to meet and discuss issues of strategic importance to the future of their companies and the electric energy industry. The RMEL Fall Convention attracts over 300 senior-level utility managers and executives. Find chief executives, company officers, vice presidents, general managers, decision makers and senior management of energy companies. Attendees represent the many utility ownerships including IOU, G&T, municipalities, cooperative and government agencies. Key representatives from suppliers, engineering firms, construction and manufacturers round out the one of a kind diversity only found at RMEL. Participants have responsibilities spanning the industry including generation, transmission, distribution, safety, human resources, information technology, compliance, customer service and executive leadership. Whether it’s building or operating a power plant, planning or constructing transmission and distribution systems or

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leading the way in safe working practices, senior-level networking contacts will be here. “There were probably several hundred years of experience at this conference, and I valued the wealth of knowledge about the power industry,” said Richard Threet, Plant Manager, Reeves Station, PNM Resources.

Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference The Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference has been a tradition since RMEL’s early beginnings. Known for providing outstanding continuing education and networking opportunities, this conference is a must attend event for engineering, operations and management personnel in the electric energy industry. The 2012 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference is slated for May 20-22 at the Hilton Omaha in Omaha, NE. Register online at www.RMEL.org.

Customizable Format Provides a Unique Educational Experience With 30 presentations, this conference covers issues in generation, transmission, distribution, safety, customer service, human resources and other management topics. The timely

topics and breakout structure of the conference allows attendees to customize their education experience to focus on presentations and resources that address their needs.

Exhibition Features Latest Technologies and Services Ample time is also provided to network with industry peers and visit with exhibitors. Maximize your time and training budget with this value priced and content rich event. Continuing education certificates are provided for the sessions attended. “Of all the events I attend, I appreciate this one the most because of the people I meet,” said Dale Beckmann, Vice President, Westwood Professional Services. “Everyone here is as much focused on building relationships and networking, as they are on the sessions and program.”

Diverse Networking Opportunities Abound The Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference attracts over 300 management, as well as engineering and operations personnel from the many electric energy companies and supplier and service companies that are members of RMEL. Utilities of all types of ownership participate including IOU, G&T, municipal, cooperative, and others. Vendors of all types are valued participants in the conference and community dialogue to improve operations and enhance customer service. Companies from outside RMEL’s membership will also be in attendance. Anyone managing people or projects, engineering, planning or operating systems in the electric utility industry should attend this event.

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Southeast Community College (Nebraska) Energy Generation Operations Program Southeast Community College has begun an associate degree program designed to satisfy the need for entry-level operators at utility power plants, ethanol production facilities and wind farms. The program is taught face-to-face on SCC’s Milford (Neb.) Campus and online. This program is intended to train workers to be operators at nuclear, fossil fuel, biofuels, wind, solar, and other types of energy generating facilities, including electrical and liquid/fluid fuel systems. SCC has designed the program based on common core skills and competencies required by operators at all types of energy facilities. The program enhances SCC’s Electronic Systems Technology (I&C) and Electrical (Electrical Maintenance) programs, which have been supplying highly qualified technicians and electricians to the utility industry for decades. The program consists of five quarters of instruction in core competencies common to all types of energy generation operations. The final sixth quarter is our focus quarter in which students choose from Nuclear, Fossil Fuels, Biofuels or Wind focuses. Other focuses will be added as needed in Solar, Geothermal, Hydro, Fuel cells, etc. SCC collaborated with various service providers in developing the program, including the Nebraska Public Power District, Lincoln Electric System, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, and the Nebraska Wind Working Group. Persons wanting more information about the Energy Generation Operations program should contact John Pierce, jpierce@southeast.edu, 402-761-8394.

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Identify Your Section to Receive the Latest Relevant 2012 Education Information RMEL events are easily identifiable by sections that include Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Safety and Management. Each section features core events that repeat every year at the same time, so everyone can plan ahead, and event content is designed based on current, critical topics. Section descriptions and preliminary details about 2012 events and descriptions are listed in this article according to their section.

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Core Event: The Generation Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to energy production and supply in the utility industry, including planning and development. Topics covered include renewable generation.

Core Event:

Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference This conference addresses subjects related to fuel mix, fuel costs, fuel availability, renewables, fossil fuels, resource planning, plant siting, facility development, technologies and demand-side management, along with regulatory and policy issues. The 2012 event is slated for March 1-2 in Denver, CO. Those involved with generation of electricity will find value in this event. Attendees will include planning managers, project managers, resource planners, corporate power supply managers, facility development engineers, scientists and fuel supply managers.

Core Event:

Generation Vital Issues Roundtable The 2012 Generation Vital Issues Roundtable will take place March 2 in Denver, CO. This unique forum for peer-to-peer sharing of experiences, critical issues and expertise will include topics like fuel mix, fuel costs, fuel availability, renewables, fossil fuels, resource planning, plant siting, facility development, technologies and demand-side management, along with regulatory and policy issues. Discussion is based on topics brought by attendees. Each participant is offered a chance to pose questions and share information. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing.

Plant Management Conference

Topics at this event cover construction, operations, maintenance, emissions, water quality, plant personnel, fuels, planning, security, safety and technologies. Regulatory and policy issues, strategies and 2012 generation events: procedures that plant personnel can use to optimize the operations Preliminary Topics and performance will also be Biomass covered. Attendees will also learn Coal Ash (wet to dry, what to do about best practices to improve if EPA rules against coal ash) efficiencies, reduce costs and extend the life of their existing Coal Ash Management plants. The 2012 event will take Environmental Regulations place June 14-15. (RICE) Anyone focused on the generaGeneration with Wind-What tion of electricity, such as plant Do We Build Next? managers, generation engineers and engineers involved in power Holcomb Pant Status plant construction, design, Hybrids operations and maintenance, will Impact of Cycling on Equipment benefit from this event, along with non-engineers involved in Methane Gas from Landfills consulting, HR, asset management NERC CIP Compliance and finance. Neural Net- Plant Optimization Core Event: Plant Management Conference Plant Retirements (decommission, dismantle, personal issues) Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference Predictive Maintenance PV Renewable Integration Repowering Solar on Waste Management Landfills Solar Thermal Solar Thermal Case Study Sorbent Injection Storage Technology Water Issues Wind

Plant Management Roundtable

On June 15, 2012, RMEL will host this roundtable and a plant tour to cover topics like cover construction, operations, maintenance, emissions, water quality, plant personnel, fuels, planning, security, safety and technologies. Regulatory and policy issues, strategies and procedures that plant personnel can use to optimize the operations and performance will also be covered. Attendees will also learn about best practices to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and extend the life of their existing plants. Discussion is based on topics brought by attendees. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing.

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cover regulatory and policy issues. In 2012, this event will take place March 6-7 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO. The Transmission Section is a community of industry Attend this event if you’re involved with transmission professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and of electricity. Transmission solutions of all issues related to planners, management and senior planning, engineering, opermanagement, engineers, consulating and maintaining trans2012 transmission events: tants, regulators and project mission facilities in the utility managers involved in planning, industry, including substations. Preliminary Topics building, operating and mainAudit Ready Vs. Investigation 2012 Elective: taining transmission systems and Ready anyone addressing right of way NERC Planning, CIP Standards and easement should attend. Operations and Compliance Conference Culture of Compliance Core Event: The NERC Planning, Opera– Communication tions and Compliance ConferTransmission Vital Issues Easily Pushing Power Between ence and Roundtable will take Roundtable ERCOT, WECC and SPP place on June 21-22 in Denver, RMEL will host this roundtable How Facility Ratings, Design and CO. Attendees will also have a to cover topics like planning, Operations Work Together Panel chance to discuss top concerns permitting, design, construction, IT Support for Document during a roundtable on June technologies, renewable integration Management – Version Control 22. Multiple instructors from and substations and regulatory and utilities and consultant compapolicy issues. Discussion is based Landing on a Plan 20 Years from nies will cover NERC Rules on topics brought by attendees. All Now-How can you do it? of Procedure, audit ready vs. attendees are encouraged to bring Maintaining VARs on the System investigation ready, NERC alert issues for discussion and materials with New Renewables culture, culture of compliance for sharing. Attend this event in NERC Advisory on Facility Ratings and communication, staffing 2012 on March 7 at the Denver and Vegetation Management strategies for compliance, IT Marriott South at Park Meadows support for document managein Denver, CO. NERC Alert Culture ment, CIP Standards, the NERC Rules of Procedure Core Event: impact of CIP Standards on Palo Verde Update field operations, the Bright Line Renewable Planning and Test, technology for compliance, LiDAR, getting and using data to be compliant, NERC Advisory on facility ratings and vegetation management, understanding the relationship between WECC, MRO, NERC and FERC and support resource groups.

Core Event:

Protection Control Schemes Socializing the Cost of Transmission Staffing Strategy for Compliance Status of DOE Funding Support Resource Groups Technology for Compliance Underground Transmission

Transmission Planning and Operations Conference

Understanding the Relationship Between WECC, NERC and FERC

This conference addresses subjects related to planning, permitting, design, construction, technologies, renewable integration and substations. It will also

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Presentations at the Renewable Planning and Operations Conference will analyze planning, integration, operations, and new technologies related to renewables. Presenters will also cover regulatory and policy issues. This event will take place on October 16, 2012, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO. Those involved with transmission of electricity should attend, including all personnel involved in renewable programs including planning, project development and implementation, operations, and maintenance.

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complex loop schemes. The course concludes with an overview of essential system protection practices for designers and technicians. The Distribution Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining distribution facilities in the utility industry, including distributed generation.

2012 Elective:

New Distribution Engineers Workshop

2012 Elective:

2012 distribution events: Preliminary Topics Arc Flash Transformer Design and Theory Copper Theft Circuit Protection (protective relaying, equipment, breaker settings, ext)

New distribution engineers will have a unique opportunity to hear from a wide range of utilities during the New Distribution Engineers Workshop, which is set for February 7-8, 2012, in Denver, CO. Instructors will cover distribution overcurrent protection, distribution pole strength, considerations for distribution pole sizing and loading, pole materials, electric residential and commercial design, coordination of urban and rural philosophies, analysis of distribution capacitor requirements, sagging and tensioning overhead AAAC and ACSR, motor flicker and starting guide, voltage transformation and regulation and metering.

Transformer Maintenance and Oil Analysis (substation power transformers)

2012 Elective:

Motor Flicker and Starting Guide

Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop

Voltage Transformation and Regulation

The Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop will take place April 11-13, 2012 in Denver, CO. This workshop will provide students with an overview of the tools, techniques and practices associated with the design of safe, reliable overhead and underground distribution systems. A review of electrical design formulas and the National Electric Safety Code is included. The course will cover single and three phase residential and commercial design practices, including subdivisions and large commercial developments with

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Renewable Integration Standards for End User Standby Generator Connection Standards and Policies LED Lighting Distribution Overcurrent Protection Distribution Pole Strength Electric Residential and Commercial Design Analysis of Distribution Capacitor Requirements Sagging and Tensioning Overhead AAAC and ACSR

Introduction to Metering Practical real-world overview of safe and reliable distribution system design Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop Electric Distribution System Design Schemes Equipment Types and Uses Coordination Basics Equipment Standards Installation Considerations Enhanced Designs for Increased Reliability

Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop The Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop is a one-day workshop with two panels of four utility speakers each. The event is slated for November 2, 2012 in Denver, CO. Panelists will cover electric distribution system design schemes, cost considerations, reliability, power quality, maintenance challenges, equipment types and uses, coordination basics, equipment standards, installation considerations and enhanced designs for increased reliability.

Core Event:

Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference Presenters at this event will discuss both overhead and underground distribution systems, distribution operations and maintenance topics and substations topics. Planning may be touched on, but is not the focus of the conference. Regulatory and policy issues would be discussed but are not the focus. In 2012, the event will take place March 8-9 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO. Those involved with distribution of electricity should attend this event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially operations personnel. Distribution personnel involved in capital projects, operations, planning, engineering, environmental regulations, safety, maintenance, design or installation are also encouraged to attend. There is an added focus for cooperatives.

Core Event:

Distribution Vital Issues Roundtable The roundtable will focus on both overhead and underground distribution systems, distribution operations and maintenance topics and substations topics, along with regulatory and policy issues. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing. The 2012 event is slated for March 9 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO.

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The Safety Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to workplace safety at production, transmission and distribution and management facilities in the utility industry.

2012 Elective:

OSHA Update Workshop

This event is for those involved with safety in the electric energy industry. Attendees will primarily include safety managers, safety directors, safety program coordinators for generation and T&D, all personnel with responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and oversight of safety programs, safety consultants for electrical utilities, supervisors and crew foremen, linemen and operations personnel with an interest in on-the-job personal safety and those responsible for industrial hygiene.

The OSHA Update Workshop will be held October 9, 2012, in Denver, CO. Instructors will cover OSHA 1910.269 issues, OSHA and safe work 2012 safety events: practices for capital and outage projects, fall arrest and aerial Preliminary Topics lifts, cranes and derricks, Arial Lifts universal chemical marking Bucket Truck Issues and identification systems, Contractor Safety noise protection and other new safety topics. Crane and Derricks Standards

Core Event:

Ergonomics Program

Health, Safety and Security Conference

Fall Arrest and Aerial Lifts for T&D

One of the most critical areas of focus for every utility is safety. Safety concerns impact every area of the business. The increase of additional threats to the industry, its people, assets and infrastructure has expanded safety concerns to those focused on security and health. The conference will include broad safety, security and health initiatives and programs and take that focus throughout the organization to include discussions about personal efforts to stay safe. Topics will include health issues, personal security and industrial hygiene, and will also will cover regulatory and policy issues. In 2012, the event will take place April 24-25 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO

Fit for Work Policy

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Fluidized Accelerated Corrosion Studies Hearing Conservation Program LEED Platinum Certification Material Data Sheets (MSDS) New Universal Chemical Marketing and Identification System Noise Protection Noise protection OSHA 1910.269 issues OSHA Education for Engineers Training engineers regarding OSHA and safe work practices for capital and outage projects Universal chemical marking and identification system

Core Events:

Safety Roundtables â&#x20AC;&#x201C; February, April, August and November Safety Roundtables are an opportunity to discuss corporate safety issues in the electric utility industry, issues for operations and craft safety, and other electric energy safety issues. Each participant is offered a chance to pose questions and share information. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing. 2012 Safety Roundtables will take place February 24 at Xcel Energy in Denver, CO; April 25 at the Denver Marriott South in Park Meadows in Denver, CO; August 24 at Platte River Power Authority in Fort Collins, CO; and November 16 at Tri State Generation & Transmission Assn. in Westminster, CO.

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2012 Elective: The Management Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to the management of assets, planning, operations and workforce of the utility industry, including corporate-wide critical issues and topics that affect different management levels. Discussion may be technical but in general maintains perspective from a higher management level. This section includes demandside management, energy efficiency and sustainability. This section also incorporates miscellaneous industry areas and fringe topics not covered in other sections. Read more about core events for the management section in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Signature Events Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012â&#x20AC;? article in this magazine.

Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable The Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable will take place March 20, 2012 in Denver, CO. Workforce issues continue to be a challenge to the utility industry today and it does not look like they are going away any time soon. Predictions that much of the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent and experience will be eligible to retire within the next five years are not myths but realities. At the same time, the pool of young talent coming into the industry may not be sufficient to replace this aging workforce. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? These presentations will look at programs and strategies that are under way to deal with this issue.

2012 Elective:

Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop The Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop is set for January 19, 2012 in Denver, CO. This course is designed to acquaint non-technical utility employees with the basics of their industry from the generation to the distribution of electricity. The workshop will focus on five areas: an overview to electricity and electrical power systems, information on conventional production methods, alternative technologies, transmission and distribution systems and customer service. The course places emphasis on understanding various words, terms, and phrases unique to the electric power industry. Participants will gain a clear insight into how electricity works for the end-use customer.

electric energy

send us your ideas The 2012 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference and Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention topics are being planned in the Fall of 2011. Visit www.RMEL.org and use the Education Hotline Page to send us your ideas. You can also email them to editor@rmel.org.

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rmel programs to focus on

top electric

energy concerns, as identified by industry leaders

A group of electric energy executives gathered to discuss the most critical challenges and issues facing electric utilities on September 12th during RMELâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM.

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any of these topics have kept utility employees up at night for years, but a renewed sense of urgency was apparent throughout the conversation. The barrage of pending regulations, economic uncertainty and ever-increasing speed of communication are pushing utilities

to act fast. RMEL events, publications, member services and resources will stay narrowly focused on enabling the electric energy industry to face these challenges, as they are more urgent than ever before.

Staying Ahead of Grid Impacts: New Regulations, Renewables and Transmission The electrical grid is reliable, but new generation sources, new transmission, new technology, new regulations, added oversight and coal plant retirements are all quickly adding even more challenges for utilities and strain on the grid. How can utilities of all types continue to stay ahead of grid impacts? What opportunities exist with distributed generation? What does a cost effective, reliable grid look like with a high amount of renewable generation? The bottom line is the grid has to stay reliable. The uncertainty surrounding regulations along with the speed in which utilities are expected to comply with regulations and implement new technologies will most likely create a trend of fast fixes. However, fast fixes are not known for reliability, especially in the long term. Technology itself is improving quickly, which is helpful

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but also expensive. Even when costs on technologies like LED lighting decrease, regulatory expectations have to be factored in. Are compliance and reliability the same thing, and if a utility focuses on compliance is it really focusing on reliability or not? With all of the focus on compliance, are there other utility departments that are suffering from lack of attention?

Reaching Consumers with an Affordable and Reliable Electricity Message Utilities must hold the line on affordability, but rates and rate payers will absolutely be impacted as regulations, renewable integration, aging infrastructure and other challenges increase the cost of electricity and put more strain on the grid. Consumers need to see through the hype and understand why their electricity rates are increasing and how the â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? movement really impacts the grid. How do utilities communicate to

consumers in the fast-paced climate of social media to help them understand what they are investing in? The communication game has changed. One comment from a politician or one power outage can spark a social media tailspin of untruths within minutes. With all of the misinformation out there, it’s recipe for public relations and legislative disasters. Many projects are at a standstill because electric utilities lose these social and political battles. In some ways, utilities may even play into the hype by touting their own renewable generation, sometimes making it seem like an easy implementation. There are a lot of decisions made by politicians and the public based on the information out there, which in many cases is controlled by opinion leaders. Figuring out who those opinion leaders are is difficult. They probably aren’t at the coffee shop in the morning or the town hall meeting. The Internet and social media have changed all of that. The electric utility industry has credibility providing affordable, reliable electricity. Strategies to start and continue getting that message out, and helping consumers understand their bill include:

planning for plant operations. What is going to happen to those reservoirs with all of the pending coal plant retirements? There are many success stories from utilities that use effluent or reclaimed water and work to improve the relationship with water utilities. Those successes point a way forward for the industry.

reating a short, easily repeatable message C that will help people understand the truth. tilizing Science Centers throughout the U U.S. that can tell this industry’s story.

Workforce Continuity and Knowledge Management

S egmenting and targeting consumers. There are people who are willing to pay more for convenience versus those who need assistance paying their bill.

The industry is dependent upon its workforce to tackle all of these critical issues. With a huge percentage of retirements looming and a lack of new, qualified employees, utilities are facing a knowledge gap and knowledge loss. The current solution for many utilities is buying back retirees to fill that gap, but that is not a permanent solution. Where will new employees come from? How can utilities attract engineers to the industry, and hold on to employees they’ve trained? Utilities have been hard at work on recruitment and retention strategies, and many have had success with innovative programs like new employee rotational programs that provide an overall sense of company culture and promote professional development, inspiring employees and motivating enthusiasm for the company and the utility industry. What other ways can utilities grow the workforce? With all of the challenges and opportunities an electric utility employee will embark on through the next five, 20 and even 50 years, RMEL is stepping up to the challenge of educating utility employees and unifying member companies to weather uncertainties and take advantage of new opportunities. Whether it’s a conference, roundtable, Electric Energy Magazine, or www.RMEL.org, leverage your member benefits to stay tapped into a trusted community of thousands who ensure that RMEL content is by members, for members.

uilding business cases that show the benefits B of investment into an aging infrastructure. isseminating human interest stories about D utility employees for the community. reating explanations of “here’s what your C bill goes to”.

Water: An Important Utility Resource In the midst of tackling regulatory and consumer communication challenges, there are valuable resources for utilities that will never be predictable, like water. Water has a huge impact on many aspects of electric utility operations. It is a generator of electricity and enables power plants to run, and there are challenges and opportunities associated with water. Water is unpredictable, and its variability can put a utility in a state of need or overabundance. There is no average utilities can use for planning. From year to year, there are extreme highs and extreme lows that affect a utility’s operations. When it comes to power plants, large reservoirs have been created to enable more reliable

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about us

Activate Your Electric Energy Association Professional Development for Your Top Concerns Begins Here RMEL is a not-for-profit energy trade association that has served the electric utility industry with a variety of education and networking services since 1903. Dedicated to fostering a thriving community of electric energy professionals, RMEL’s 300 corporate members share ideas, techniques and programs to better serve the industry and its customers. Lobbying is not part of RMEL’s mission. The association is only focused on education for utility personnel.

RMEL MISSION STATEMENT

Networking RMEL is Where Electric Energy Leaders Gather

To provide a forum for education and the sharing of ideas to better serve the electric energy industry and its customers.

electric energy

RMEL is a diverse community of utilities and service companies from throughout the United States that you’ll recognize. The association’s reach even extends internationally. RMEL’s community is comprised of companies and individuals that are leaders of the industry.

Diversity A Unique Mix of All Utility Types Not Found Elsewhere Investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, generation and transmission associations, public power districts, government owned utilities and service companies (consultants, engineering firms, manufacturers, etc.) all find value and participate in RMEL. Everyone learns from peer-to-peer sharing and subject matter experts in an open environment.

Education Useful and Practical Education Helps Utilities Provide Affordable, Reliable Power RMEL’s resources and 30 annual events help everyone at your organization do their best. Content is designed to help attendees and members feel productive and knowledgeable as they get back to work armored with practical takeaways. Continuing education credits are given at each event, and members can even bring an RMEL event to their location. Events are focused on topics like plant management, public policy, the Smart Grid, power supply planning and projects, finance, system operations, generation, growth, OSHA, renewable technologies, safety, transmission, reliability, overhead and underground distribution, workforce issues, keeping rates low, giving back to the community, NERC/FERC, transmission line design, IT, grounding, arc flash, sustainability, customer service, green building, substation design, distribution line design, health, energy efficiency, security, management, customer service, government regulations, engineering and many other top concerns for the electric energy industry.

In Person and At Your Desk RMEL’s Resources are Available Wherever You Are Whether you’re at an RMEL event, in the field or at your desk, RMEL is your resource for professional development. RMEL’s web site is full service and members can use the library of resources to develop their knowledge and expertise, network and register for an event. The searchable member directory and evolving online community functionality bring thousands of electric energy professionals to your computer. Visit www.RMEL.org to access RMEL today.

Grounded in the West.

Connected nationwide. • Substation design and construction management

• Distributed generation and interconnection

Feasibility Studies

• Relaying, control and instrumentation systems

• Transmission and distribution

Siting/Permitting

• Mapping

Power Plant Design

• Supervisory control and data acquisition

• Planning and studies • Right-of-way acquisition • Industrial and commercial

Plant Upgrades/Retrofits Air Quality Control Services Transmission & Distribution

Fort Collins

Wheat Ridge

Cortez

Steamboat Springs

(970) 207-9648

(720) 274-0045

(970) 564-9261

(970) 871-1178

Substations & Switchyards Construction Management Services/ Inspection Owner’s Engineer 800.878.6806

www.stanleyconsultants.com

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Exponential Engineering Company w w w. r mel .o rg

identify your rmel section

Now Activating Your RMEL R M E L i s e n h a n c i n g yo u r a s s o c i at i o n experience to give you easier access to the content and community you need for professional development. You’re busy at your job – you won’t be busy figuring out which RMEL information relates to you. RMEL’s growth now can support educational sections. Each section offers roundtables, annual events, events for emerging trends, and courses to bring to your location. By categorizing programming, resources and benefits

according to these sections, it becomes easier for you to find relevant information and events. Additional benefits for each section are planned for the coming months. Identify your interests by updating your profile at www.RMEL.org or by filling in this form and mailing it to RMEL. Then watch for the content and benefits of your section in your inbox. You can select the section(s) you wish to participate in, along with identifying your specific area of expertise and responsibility.

Contact Information First Name:_____________________________________________________________ Last Name:________________________________________ Job Title:_______________________________________________________________ Company__________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP: ________________________ Phone:_ ______________________________ Fax: _____________________________ Email: _____________________________________________

Sections

job responsibilities

Check your RMEL Section(s) below:

Check your job responsibilities below:

Purchasing Finance Customer Service Senior Mgmt HR and Workforce Energy Marketing

Operations (construction, maintenance)

Commercial Energy Consulting Contractor IT

Corporate Management

Marketing and Communications

Engineering

Administrative

(Systems, Planning)

Mail or fax this form back to: RMEL • 6855 S. Havana St, Suite 430 • Centennial, CO 80112-3837 Fax: (303) 865-5548

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OSHA 10 Hour Outreach Course

ONLINE

Ideal for supervisors with safety and health responsibilities and for employee safety and health awareness. Students will be introduced to OSHA policies, procedures, and standards as well as general safety and health principles covered in OSHA Act Part 1910 or 1926. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate. In 4-6 weeks, you will receive a card from OSHA and the Department of Labor in the mail.

Reviewed and accepted by OSHA. Register Now! osha.outreach@wncc.edu wncc.edu 800.348.4435

RMEL Catalog Ad--Final.indd 1

8/9/2011 9:19:07 AM

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rmel 2012 calendar

2012 Calendar of Events January 19, 2012

April 11-13, 2012

September 9-11, 2012

Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop Denver, CO

Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop Denver, CO

Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention Summerlin, NV

February 7-8, 2012 New Distribution Engineers Workshop Denver, CO

February 24, 2012 Safety Roundtable Denver, CO

March 1-2, 2012 Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference Denver, CO

March 2, 2012 Generation Vital Issues Roundtable Denver, CO

March 6-7, 2012 Transmission Planning and Operations Conference Denver, CO

2013 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Planning Session Denver, CO

April 25, 2012

October 9, 2012

Safety Roundtable Denver, CO

OSHA Update Workshop Denver, CO

May 20-22, 2012

October 16, 2012

Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Omaha, NE

Renewable Planning and Operations Conference Denver, CO

June 14-15, 2012 Plant Management Conference Location: TBD

June 15, 2012 Plant Management Roundtable Location: TBD

June 21-22, 2012

Transmission Vital Issues Roundtable Denver, CO

NERC Planning, Operations and Compliance Conference Denver, CO

March 8-9, 2012

July 10, 2012

Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference Denver, CO

RMEL Golf Tournament Westminster, CO

March 9, 2012

Safety Roundtable Fort Collins, CO

March 20, 2012 Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable Denver, CO

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September 27, 2012

Health, Safety and Security Conference Denver, CO

March 7, 2012

Distribution Vital Issues Roundtable Denver, CO

April 24-25, 2012

November 2, 2012 Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop Denver, CO

November 16, 2012 Safety Roundtable Westminster, CO

August 24, 2012

continuing education certificates Continuing education certificates awarding Professional Development Hours are provided to attendees at all RMEL education events. Check the event brochure for details on the number of hours offered at each event.

Connecting

POWER to PEOPLE

Total Commitment to Safety & Performance Electrical Utility Construction Overhead Distribution Underground Distribution Transmission Substations Emergency Restoration Alternative Energy Exceptional Quality & Service Since 1912

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Construction with Pride and I ntegrity 5401 N. Peterson Rd Sedalia, CO 80135

303.286.8000

303 - 66 0 -3784

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advertiser index

Alstom Power

www.alstom.com

(970) 215-1805

AMEC

www.amec.com

(770) 810-9698

Ames Construction

www.amesconstruction.com

(952) 435-7106

Border States Electric

www.borderstateselectric.com

(701) 293-5834

www.ch2m.com

(303) 771-0900

CH2M Hill California Turbo, Inc.

www.californiaturbo.com

(800) 448-1446

CoBank

www.cobank.com

(800) 542-8072

Colorado Powerline, Inc.

(303) 660-3784

DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, LLC

www.distran.com

(318) 448-0274

Empire Electric Association, Inc.

www.eea.coop

(970) 565-4444

ERG Consulting

www.ergconsulting.com

(303) 843-0600

Exponential Engineering Company

www.exponentialengineering.com

(970) 207-9648

Fuel Tech

www.ftek.com

(630) 845-4500

Great Southwestern Construction, Inc.

www.gswc.us

(303) 688-5816

HDR, Inc.

www.hdrinc.com

(402) 399-1000

Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd.

www.hitachipowersystems.us

(908) 605-2800

Kiewit Merrick & Company

Back Cover 22

www.kiewit.com

(913) 928-7000

www.merrick.com

(303) 751-0741

Nebraska Public Power District

www.nppd.com

(402) 564-8561

Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc.

www.pioneerelectric.coop

(620) 356-4111

POWER Engineers

Inside Back Cover

Inside Front Cover

RKNeal

www.powereng.com

(208) 788-3456

rkneal.com

(270) 442-9880

Sabre Tubular Structures

www.SabreTubularStructures.com

(817) 852-1700

Sega, Inc.

www.segainc.com

(913) 681-2881

Southeast Community College

www.southeast.edu

(402) 761-8394

Stanley Consultants, Inc.

www.stanleygroup.com

(303) 799-6806

Sturgeon Electric Co. Inc.

www.myrgroup.com

(303) 286-8000

T & R Electric Supply Co., Inc.

www.tr.com

(800) 843-7994

TIC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Industrial Company

www.ticinc.com

(970) 879-2561

Trees Inc.

www.treesinc.com

(866) 865-9617

Ulteig Engineers, Inc.

www.ulteig.com

(701) 237-3211

University of Idaho Summit

www.uiueg.org

(208) 885-6265

Western Nebraska Community College

www.wncc.edu

(800) 348-4435

Westwood/ETG

www.westwoodps.com

(952) 937-5150

Young & Franklin

www.yf.com

(315) 457-3110

Zachry Holdings, Inc.

www.zhi.com

(210) 588-5000

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Meeting the Power Industry Needs in a Sustainable Manner

CH2M HILL is committed to the

With more than 23,000 professionals,

sustainability of our environment and the

ranked as ENR’s #1 Environmental

preservation of our natural resources.

firm in the world and a full

Some may think the building of power

service consulting, engineering,

plants is contrary to the environmental

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protection and electricity are necessities

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