RMEL Electric Energy Issue 3 2011

spotlight on critical energy issues

electric

ISSUE 3 / 2011www.rMel.org

Education for the ElectricEnergy Workforce: today and tomorrow

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Departments 44 RMEL About Us

46 Identify Your Section Form

48 2012 Calendar of Events

50 Index to Advertisers

26 Signature Events Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012

30 Identify 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

Features 6 RMEL Sections and Section

Committees See Successful First Year

12 Big Picture Learning: Experimental Program Offers Unique Approach for New EmployeesBy: Nicole Carlson, Communications Specialist, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assn.

16 The Smart Grid’s Impact on the Utility WorkforceBy: 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

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By hosting 30 events every year, rMeL has consistently offered valuable and practical educational program-ming 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.

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 responsi-bilities. Have you already identified with an RMEL Section?

RMEL Sections and Section Committees See Successful First Year

w w w . r m e l . o r g 7

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, transmis-sion 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. Discus-sion 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 BENEFITSRMEL 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.

RoundtablesDiscuss 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

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Electric Energy is the official magazine of rmel. Published three times a year, the publication dis-cusses 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.

www.RMEL.orgPublished Fall 2011


Core EventsReoccurring 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.

ElectivesEvents 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 confer-ence, 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

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

Course CatalogBring 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 SECTIONRMEL 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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w w w . r m e l . o r g 9

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EDUCATION COMMITTEEVice 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 SECTIONChair 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 SECTIONChair 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 SECTIONChair 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

SAFETY SECTIONChair 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

MANAGEMENT SECTIONChair 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

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Based 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 rota-tional 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 accoun-tant. Last summer, one year after its initiation, the program was garnering positive results.

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, Environ-mental/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.

B y : N i c o l e c a r l s o N , c o m m u N i c a t i o N s s p e c i a l i s t , t r i - s t a t e G e N e r a t i o N & t r a N s m i s s i o N a s s N .

Experimental Program Offers Unique Approach for New EmployeesBig Picture

Learning

w w w . r m e l . o r g 13

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.

the first group of tri-State generation & transmission assn. rotational engineers, taken in May 2010.


“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 addi-tion 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

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 renew-able 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 workings of the company and the electric co-op industry. I’m really excited by the program and am looking forward to seeing how it progresses in the future.”

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 Communi-cator certificate and is a Certified Cooperative Communicator. Contact Carlson at (303) 548-6579 or [email protected].

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The Smart Grid’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

w w w . r m e l . o r g 17

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.

The Smart Grid’s ImpacT on the Utility Workforce

“ Preparing a new work-

force 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”


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 ever-changing 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 prem-ises significantly raises the bar on required privacy, communi-cation security, and data integrity. Remote operations require reliable communication and multiply connected communica-tion 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.

Finally, we will pose several workforce questions that to date don’t have answers, but which have significant implica-tions 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 trouble-shoot 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 work-force, 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 deploy-ment 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 well-rounded 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, communica-tions, 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

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 informa-tion and communication technology needs. As a result, Smart Grids are fostering new and growing employment opportuni-ties 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.

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.

Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2008.

Percent distribution of employment, by age group, 2008

AGE GROUP UTILITIESALL

INDUSTRIES

Total 100.0% 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

65 and older 2.2 4.1

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$8,800,000


Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative

Wilcox, AZ

$126,480,000

Term Loan, Revolving Term, Line of Credit

Piedmont EMC

Hillsborough, NC

$5,250,000


Withlacoochee River Electric

Cooperative, Inc.

Dade City, FL

$39,200,000


When U.S. electric distribution cooperatives need a financial partner who understands

their unique challenges, they turn to CoBank. For decades, we’ve focused on rural

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To learn more about CoBank, call 800-542-8072, ext. 04059 or visit www.cobank.com.


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 under-standings, 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 atten-tion to include:

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?

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?

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

There’s more at MerrickMerrick’s client-focused project delivery teams have served the energy industry since the firm’s founding in 1955. At the core of our services is an understanding of your business, operations, industry, and marketplace conditions. That understanding is combined with the expertise of the firm’s talented professionals to deliver vital solutions that work.

When you’re looking for more, call Merrick.

Contact: Chris Biondolilo, PE - Project Manager 2450 South Peoria Street Aurora, CO 80014-5475 303-353-3876

Distributed Generation

Renewable Energy

Biomass Utilization

Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition

Employee Ownedwww.merrick.com

800.438.0790

w w w . r m e l . o r g 23

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 benefit-ting 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 consid-erations 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 replace-ment 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

RMEL Member Companies

e x p e r i e n c e • i n n o v a t i o n • c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e • l o g i s t i c s • s a f e t y

all equipment brands serviced • parts • upgrades • rebuilds • systemsconstruction services • inspections • testing • condition assessment • training

inventory management programs • rebuild programs • rotation programs pulverizers • fuel piping • burners • pressure parts • gearing • electronics

stokers • feeders • bottom and fl y ash handling • electrostatic precipitatorsfabric fi lters • wet and dry fl ue gas desulphurization • gas and steam turbines

generators • rotors • stators • controls & protection systems

POWER

We Will Help YouManage your plant assets • Reduce inventory • Lower maintenance costs

Minimize unplanned down-time • Extend component lifeAssess equipment condition • Solve technical and operational problems

www.power.alstom.com

Alstom Power Inc. – 4880 Havana Street – Denver, Colorado 80239 – Tel: 303.375.8240


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 tech-nologies 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 work-force, 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.

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).

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).

1 http://gridwise.org/uploads/news/GWArelease_SmartGridTrendsReport_8_2_11.pdf2 http://www.ninestarconnect.com/3 http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/cincinnati-bell-begin-offering-energy-

services/2011-06-23?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=internal4 http://www.cewd.org/mem_resources/Smart_Grid_Impact.pdf5 http://gridwise.org/uploads/news/GWArelease_SmartGridTrendsReport_8_2_11.pdf6 BLS, Career Guide to Industries, 2010-2011 Edition,

http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs018.htm7 http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs018.htm#outlook

CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ARTICLE

ThE UnivERSiTy of CoLoRadoThe 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.

(telecom.colorado.edu/DigitalEnergy)

CaELThe Council for Adult and Experiential

Learning (CAEL) is a national non-profit

that links learning to work across a variety

of venues.

CAEL manages the Energy Providers Coali-

tion for Education (www.epceonline.org)

and The National Coalition for Telecommu-

nications 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

nation’s Smart Grid.

w w w . r m e l . o r g 25

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Summerlin, Nevada

Omaha, Nebraska

For more than 100 years, RMEL has

offered two signature

annual events with

unique programming for utility

and service company partici-

pants. 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.

Signature eventS Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012

Proven Track Record –59th Consecutive Year

Competency-Based Curriculum –spearheaded by a nationwide industry advisory committee

World-Class Faculty –senior leaders who know the utility industry

Exceptional Network Building –participants from across the U.S. and around the world

Developing a New Generation of Utility Leaders

“UEC is an extraordinary program. It is an

invaluable learning and development experience

for the future leaders of this industry. There

simply is nothing else like it out there.”Doug Myers, Vice President of IT and Chief Information Officer

Pepco Holdings

For more information contact:Yvonne Sertich, Executive Director

Utility Executive CourseUniversity of Idaho

[email protected]


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 manage-ment. 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 StrategyThe 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 ExecutivesThe 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

leading the way in safe working practices, senior-level networking contacts will be here.

“There were probably several hundred years of experi-ence at this conference, and I valued the wealth of knowl-edge 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 Opera-tions 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

Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention

w w w . r m e l . o r g 29

NEBRASKA

www.southeast.edu

Training tomorrow’senergy plant operatorsand service providers

Milford Campus and OnlineMilford Campus and [email protected] [email protected] uu 402-761-8394402-761-8394

u18-monthprogram

uA.A.S. DegreeuMultiple

focus areas

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, [email protected], 402-761-8394.

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 ServicesAmple time is also provided to network with industry peers and visit with exhibi-

tors. 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 AboundThe 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 confer-ence 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.


v

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.

Identify Your Section to Receive the Latest Relevant 2012 Education Information

w w w . r m e l . o r g 31

The Generation Section is a community of industry profes-sionals 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 plan-ning 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 regula-tory and policy issues. Discussion is based on topics brought by attendees. Each participant is offered a chance to pose ques-tions and share information. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing.

CORE EvENT:

Plant Management ConferenceTopics at this event 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. The 2012 event will take place June 14-15.

Anyone focused on the genera-tion of electricity, such as plant managers, generation engineers and engineers involved in power plant construction, design, operations and maintenance, will benefit from this event, along with non-engineers involved in consulting, HR, asset management and finance.

CORE EvENT:

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.

2012 GENERATION EvENTS:

Preliminary TopicsBiomass

Coal Ash (wet to dry, what to do if EPA rules against coal ash)

Coal Ash Management

Environmental Regulations (RICE)

Generation with Wind-What Do We Build Next?

Holcomb Pant Status

Hybrids

Impact of Cycling on Equipment

Methane Gas from Landfills

NERC CIP Compliance

Neural Net- Plant Optimization

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


The Transmission Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, oper-ating and maintaining trans-mission facilities in the utility industry, including substations.

2012 ELECTIvE:

NERC Planning, Operations and Compliance Conference

The NERC Planning, Opera-tions and Compliance Confer-ence and Roundtable will take place on June 21-22 in Denver, CO. Attendees will also have a chance to discuss top concerns during a roundtable on June 22. Multiple instructors from utilities and consultant compa-nies will cover NERC Rules of Procedure, audit ready vs. investigation ready, NERC alert culture, culture of compliance and communication, staffing strategies for compliance, IT support for document manage-ment, CIP Standards, the impact of CIP Standards on field operations, the Bright Line Test, technology for compli-ance, LiDAR, getting and using data to be compliant, NERC Advisory on facility ratings and vegetation management, understanding the relation-ship between WECC, MRO, NERC and FERC and support resource groups.

CORE EvENT:

Transmission Planning and Operations Conference

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

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.

Attend this event if you’re involved with transmission of electricity. Transmission planners, management and senior management, engineers, consul-tants, regulators and project managers involved in planning, building, operating and main-taining transmission systems and anyone addressing right of way and easement should attend.

CORE EvENT:

Transmission Vital Issues Roundtable

RMEL will host this roundtable to cover topics like planning, permitting, design, construction, technologies, renewable integration and substations and regulatory and policy issues. Discussion is based on topics brought by attendees. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing. Attend this event in 2012 on March 7 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Denver, CO.

CORE EvENT:

Renewable Planning and Operations Conference

Presentations at the Renew-able Planning and Operations Conference will analyze plan-ning, 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 transmis-sion of electricity should attend, including all personnel involved in renewable programs including planning, project development and implementation, operations, and maintenance.

2012 TRANSMISSION EvENTS:

Preliminary TopicsAudit Ready Vs. Investigation Ready

CIP Standards

Culture of Compliance – Communication

Easily Pushing Power Between ERCOT, WECC and SPP

How Facility Ratings, Design and Operations Work Together Panel

IT Support for Document Management – Version Control

Landing on a Plan 20 Years from Now-How can you do it?

Maintaining VARs on the System with New Renewables

NERC Advisory on Facility Ratings and Vegetation Management

NERC Alert Culture

NERC Rules of Procedure

Palo Verde Update

Protection Control Schemes

Socializing the Cost of Transmission

Staffing Strategy for Compliance

Status of DOE Funding

Support Resource Groups

Technology for Compliance

Underground Transmission

Understanding the Relationship Between WECC, NERC and FERC

What are Non-Utility People Willing to Pay for?

What Does your Utility Look Like in 20 years?

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS: 2211 Elk River Road - Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80487 USA970-879-2561 - www.tic-inc.com

is one of the leading industrial

contractors serving today’s Power

industry. With over 40,000 MW of installed

capacity, TIC is differentiated by its direct-

hire capabilities, financial strength and

diverse project experience, including:

EPC: Coal–fired units including large utility

boiler installations (in excess of 750 MW)

IGCC: Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle

for the Polk Power Station project

CFB: Extensive Circulating Fluidized Bed boil-

er experience

AQCS: Major scrub ber, baghouse, FGD, SCR

and DCS installations and retrofits

Renewable Power experience includes:WIND: Over 1,000 US wind turbine units

HYDROELECTRIC: Powerhouse structure

and turbines, major penstock installations

and water distribution systems

GEOTHERMAL: Nearly every major geot-

hermal project in the US, including its first

EPC and first global projects

SOLAR: Large scale solar installations,

nitrate salt technology, water/steam re ceiv -

ers and oil/rock thermal storage systems

TIC is a complete Power contractor.


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 facili-ties in the utility industry, including distributed generation.

2012 ELECTIvE:

New Distribution Engineers Workshop

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 distribu-tion capacitor requirements, sagging and tensioning overhead AAAC and ACSR, motor flicker and starting guide, voltage transformation and regulation and metering.

2012 ELECTIvE:

Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop

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 elec-trical 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

complex loop schemes. The course concludes with an overview of essential system protection practices for designers and technicians.

2012 ELECTIvE:

Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop

The Underground Distribution Design and Protection Workshop is a one-day work-shop 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 elec-tricity should attend this event – 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 over-head 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.

2012 DISTRIBUTION EvENTS:

Preliminary TopicsArc Flash

Transformer Design and Theory

Copper Theft

Circuit Protection (protective relaying, equipment, breaker settings, ext)

Transformer Maintenance and Oil Analysis (substation power transformers)

Renewable Integration Stan-dards 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 Over-head AAAC and ACSR

Motor Flicker and Starting Guide

Voltage Transformation and Regulation

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

3010E600 Series1.5” and 2” Line sizes available

Isolation Valve in Double Block & Bleed Format

The Y&F 9200 Series

1” 2” 3” 4” 6”

Young & Franklin ValvesChoked Flow Valves:

Unchoked Flow Valve:

• 1.5” and 2” Line sizes available• Stainless Steel Construction

Isolation Valve

3010E500 SeriesIntegrated Natural Gas Fuel Control Valve Assemblies

2”3”

1”

A Leader in Electrically and Hydraulically Actuated Combustion Turbine Fuel Controls

Simplicity. Elegance. Reliability. Robust Control.

The Y&F 8641 Series

Integrated Natural GasFuel Control Valve Assembly

Applying over 60 yearsof motion control experienceto the thermal solar domain.

Patented,Multi-Link

Mechanism

RobustDirect Drive with

no expensive gearing

Stows in a maximum of 15 minutes

Up to 240° of trough rotation

OptionalEnd Of Day

LockingMechanism

The Young & Franklin Actuator minimizes cost by design.

The Young & Franklin 8648 Series

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)Parabolic Trough Actuator

The Young & Franklin 8648 Series

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)Parabolic Trough Actuator

Scalable Design • Scalable to any torque requirement • Service, stow loads • Normal operation up to 200,000 in-lbs / 22,600 Nm

Control System Options • Open-loop control based on customer movement commands • Closed-loop control based on customer position requirement • Full integrated sun tracking capability

Hydraulic Power Supply Options • Individual / Integrated supply • Centralized supply based on economics and redundancy

SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS • QUALITY SOLUTIONS • ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS •• YOUR SOLUTION SOURCE SINCE 1918.

Motive force isprovided by a singlehydraulic cylinder

Integrated Accumulator

provides up to 30° defocus


The Safety Section is a community of industry profes-sionals 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 WorkshopThe OSHA Update Workshop will be held October 9,

2012, in Denver, CO. Instruc-tors will cover OSHA 1910.269 issues, OSHA and safe work practices for capital and outage projects, fall arrest and aerial lifts, cranes and derricks, universal chemical marking and identification systems, noise protection and other new safety topics.

CORE EvENT:

Health, Safety and Security Conference

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 discus-sions 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

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 respon-sible for industrial hygiene.

CORE EvENTS:

Safety Roundtables – 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 ques-tions 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.

2012 SAFETY EvENTS:

Preliminary TopicsArial Lifts

Bucket Truck Issues

Contractor Safety

Crane and Derricks Standards

Ergonomics Program

Fall Arrest and Aerial Lifts for T&D

Fit for Work Policy

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

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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 demand-side 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 “Signature Events Headed to Nebraska and Nevada in 2012” article in this magazine.

2012 ELECTIvE:

Introduction to the Electric Utility WorkshopThe 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.

2012 ELECTIvE:

Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable

The Electric Utility Workforce Management Round-table 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 indus-try’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.

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 [email protected].

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w w w . r m e l . o r g 41

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

as identified by

top electric

concerns,energy

industryleaders

rmel programs to focus on

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 oppor-tunities 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

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 depart-ments 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 regula-tions, 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 “green” movement really impacts the grid. How do utilities communicate to

Many 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.


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:

Creating a short, easily repeatable message that will help people understand the truth.

Utilizing Science Centers throughout the U.S. that can tell this industry’s story.

Segmenting and targeting consumers. There are people who are willing to pay more for conve-nience versus those who need assistance paying their bill.

Building business cases that show the benefits of investment into an aging infrastructure.

Disseminating human interest stories about utility employees for the community.

Creating explanations of “here’s what your 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

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.

workforce continuity and knowledge management

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 utili-ties 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.

w w w . r m e l . o r g 43


aBout us

activate your Electric Energy associationPROFESSIONAL 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.

networkingRMEL IS WHERE ELECTRIC ENERGY LEADERS GATHER

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 inter-nationally. RMEL’s community is comprised of companies and individuals that are leaders of the industry.

diversityA UNIqUE MIx OF ALL UTILITY TYPES NOT FOUND ELSEWHERE

Investor-owned utilities, cooperatives, municipalities, generation and transmis-sion 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.

EducationUSEFUL 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 deskRMEL’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.

To provide a forum

for education

and the sharing of ideas to better serve the electric energy

industry and its

customers.

RMEL MISSION STATEMENT

w w w . r m e l . o r g 45

800.878.6806www.stanleyconsultants.com

Feasibility Studies

Siting/Permitting

Power Plant Design

Plant Upgrades/Retrofits

Air Quality Control Services

Transmission & Distribution

Substations & Switchyards

Construction Management Services/ Inspection

Owner’s Engineer

Exponential Engineering Company

• Substationdesignandconstructionmanagement

• Relaying,controlandinstrumentationsystems

•Mapping

• Supervisorycontrolanddataacquisition

• Distributedgenerationandinterconnection

• Transmissionanddistribution

• Planningandstudies

• Right-of-wayacquisition

• Industrialandcommercial

Grounded in the West.Connected nationwide.

exponentialengineering.com

Fort Collins(970) 207-9648

Wheat Ridge(720) 274-0045

Cortez(970) 564-9261

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identiFy your rMeL seCtion

r MeL is enh a nCing your a sso Ci ation 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.

Now Activating Your RMEL

MailorfaxthisforMbackto:rMeL • 6855 s. havana st, suite 430 • Centennial, Co 80112-3837

FAx: (303) 865-5548

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Name: ____________________________________________________________ Last Name: _______________________________________

Job Title: ______________________________________________________________ Company _________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________________________________ State: ________________ ZIP: _______________________

Phone: ______________________________ Fax: ____________________________ Email: ____________________________________________

Purchasing

Finance

Customer Service

Senior Mgmt

HR and Workforce

Energy Marketing

Corporate Management

Engineering(Systems, Planning)

Operations(construction, maintenance)

Commercial

Energy Consulting

Contractor

IT

Marketing and Communications

Administrative

jOB RESPONSIBILITIESCheck your job responsibilities below:

SECTIONSCheck your RMEL Section(s) below:

w w w . r m e l . o r g 47

OSHA 10 Hour Outreach CourseONLINE

wncc.edu800.348.4435

Ideal for supervisors with safety and health re-sponsibilities 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! [email protected]

RMEL Catalog Ad--Final.indd 1 8/9/2011 9:19:07 AM


rMeL 2012 CaLendar

2012 Calendar of EventsJanuary 19, 2012introduction to the electric utility WorkshopDenver, co

February 7-8, 2012new distribution engineers WorkshopDenver, co

February 24, 2012safety roundtableDenver, co

March 1-2, 2012Power supply Planning and Projects ConferenceDenver, co

March 2, 2012generation vital issues roundtableDenver, co

March 6-7, 2012transmission Planning and operations ConferenceDenver, co

March 7, 2012transmission vital issues roundtableDenver, co

March 8-9, 2012distribution overhead and underground operations and Maintenance ConferenceDenver, co

March 9, 2012distribution vital issues roundtableDenver, co

March 20, 2012electric utility Workforce Management roundtableDenver, co

April 11-13, 2012distribution overhead and underground design and staking WorkshopDenver, co

April 24-25, 2012health, safety and security ConferenceDenver, co

April 25, 2012safety roundtableDenver, co

May 20-22, 2012spring Management, engineering and operations Conferenceomaha, ne

June 14-15, 2012Plant Management Conferencelocation: tBD

June 15, 2012Plant Management roundtablelocation: tBD

June 21-22, 2012nerC Planning, operations and Compliance ConferenceDenver, co

July 10, 2012rMeL golf tournamentwestminster, co

August 24, 2012safety roundtableFort collins, co

September 9-11, 2012Fall executive Leadership and Management ConventionSummerlin, nV

September 27, 20122013 spring Management, engineering and operations Conference Planning sessionDenver, co

October 9, 2012osha update WorkshopDenver, co

October 16, 2012renewable Planning and operations ConferenceDenver, co

November 2, 2012underground distribution design and Protection WorkshopDenver, co

November 16, 2012safety roundtablewestminster, co

Continuing eDucation CertiFiCatescontinuing 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.

w w w . r m e l . o r g 49

Connecting

POWER to PEOPLETotal Commitment to Safety & Performance

Electrical Utility ConstructionOverhead DistributionUnderground DistributionTransmissionSubstationsEmergency RestorationAlternative Energy

Exceptional Quality & Service Since 1912

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advertiser index

Alstom Power 23 www.alstom.com (970) 215-1805

AMEC 5 www.amec.com (770) 810-9698

Ames Construction 10 www.amesconstruction.com (952) 435-7106

Border States Electric 49 www.borderstateselectric.com (701) 293-5834

CH2M Hill Inside Back Cover www.ch2m.com (303) 771-0900

California Turbo, Inc. 25 www.californiaturbo.com (800) 448-1446

CoBank 21 www.cobank.com (800) 542-8072

Colorado Powerline, Inc. 49 (303) 660-3784

DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, LLC 25 www.distran.com (318) 448-0274

Empire Electric Association, Inc. 50 www.eea.coop (970) 565-4444

ERG Consulting 19 www.ergconsulting.com (303) 843-0600

Exponential Engineering Company 45 www.exponentialengineering.com (970) 207-9648

Fuel Tech 39 www.ftek.com (630) 845-4500

Great Southwestern Construction, Inc. 22 www.gswc.us (303) 688-5816

HDR, Inc. 11 www.hdrinc.com (402) 399-1000

Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd. 37 www.hitachipowersystems.us (908) 605-2800

Kiewit Back Cover www.kiewit.com (913) 928-7000

Merrick & Company 22 www.merrick.com (303) 751-0741

Nebraska Public Power District 45 www.nppd.com (402) 564-8561

Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc. 50 www.pioneerelectric.coop (620) 356-4111

POWER Engineers Inside Front Cover www.powereng.com (208) 788-3456

RKNeal 3 rkneal.com (270) 442-9880

Sabre Tubular Structures 25 www.SabreTubularStructures.com (817) 852-1700

Sega, Inc. 47 www.segainc.com (913) 681-2881

Southeast Community College 29 www.southeast.edu (402) 761-8394

Stanley Consultants, Inc. 45 www.stanleygroup.com (303) 799-6806

Sturgeon Electric Co. Inc. 49 www.myrgroup.com (303) 286-8000

T & R Electric Supply Co., Inc. 38 www.tr.com (800) 843-7994

TIC – The Industrial Company 33 www.ticinc.com (970) 879-2561

Trees Inc. 47 www.treesinc.com (866) 865-9617

Ulteig Engineers, Inc. 8 www.ulteig.com (701) 237-3211

University of Idaho Summit 27 www.uiueg.org (208) 885-6265

Western Nebraska Community College 47 www.wncc.edu (800) 348-4435

Westwood/ETG 14 www.westwoodps.com (952) 937-5150

Young & Franklin 35 www.yf.com (315) 457-3110

Zachry Holdings, Inc. 15 www.zhi.com (210) 588-5000

© 2011 CH2M HILLatakl201108.001

For more information:

[email protected]

ch2mhill.com/power

Meeting the Power Industry Needs in a Sustainable Manner

With more than 23,000 professionals,

ranked as ENR’s #1 Environmental

firm in the world and a full

service consulting, engineering,

procurement and construction

company, CH2M HILL can offer a

better solution for your power plant

needs, and one that is sustainable.

CH2M HILL is committed to the

sustainability of our environment and the

preservation of our natural resources.

Some may think the building of power

plants is contrary to the environmental

cause. Since both environmental

protection and electricity are necessities

in our livelihood, CH2M HILL works

to implement these together for the

benefit of our clients.

RMEL Electric Energy Issue 3 2011

Documents

Transcript of RMEL Electric Energy Issue 3 2011