Who Should Attend:
For optimal performance, employees must feel valued and be knowledgeable of the industry. This webinar series is perfect to educate employees new to the utility industry or office employees who desire a broader knowledge of field operations of the utility.
Overview:
This series provides a high-level overview of the power industry from generation to distribution to consumer. This series is comprised of six webinars offered each month from February through July 2025. Descriptions for each webinar can be found below. Webinars can be taken individually or as an entire series; by registering for the full series, you will receive all six webinars at a discounted price. Group pricing is also available.
February 11 – Generation to Distribution
Electricity is more complex than flipping a switch. Power is generated using a variety of methods and transported over a vast system called the electric power grid. This webinar discusses the electric power grid from generation to the end user. The presentation provides a high-level overview of basic electric theory as well as discussion of the various types of electric utilities.
March 18 – The Transmission System
The transmission grid moves bulk power from generation resources to local communities. The grid is an open access resource and the rules of the road for sharing the resource are explained. Looped and radial systems, the components for substations, and energy delivery are included in the discussion.
April 8 – The Electric Distribution System
The electric distribution system is a complex network of overhead and underground lines and equipment. The system is designed and built to be safe, reliable, and efficient. This webinar discusses the components of overhead and underground distribution lines, as well as the specifications necessary to ensure the strength of the materials. This session also includes an overview of overcurrent protection methods and the balance between protecting the system and minimizing outages.
May 13 – Special Equipment: Transformers and Meters
This webinar discusses specialized equipment, including transformers and meters. Transformers are a key piece of equipment that makes alternating current (AC) a preferred method for distributing electricity. This webinar addresses transformer function along with specialty transformers, such as voltage regulators. Meters not only record power usage, but meter bases are the line of demarcation between utility-owned facilities and the customers’ facilities. As with all facets of the distribution system, safety is crucial. This presentation discusses the proper methods for installing and removing meters, service entrance specifications, service clearances, and meter safety.
June 10 - Safety
The National Electrical Safety Code sets the clearances for power lines, as well as strength requirements, worker safety zones, and worker safety personal protective equipment. This webinar presents an overview of the National Electrical Safety Code requirements using easy to understand charts, photographs and diagrams.
July 8 – System Reliability and Resiliency
System reliability is an important aspect of electric utility operations. Power is seen as a necessity of life and, as such, power outages can be public relations nightmares. Utilities strive to “keep the lights on” and, in the event of an outage, restore power as quickly and safely as possible. This presentation discusses the typical causes of outages and restoration procedures.
Recordings:
Recordings of each webinar are provided to registrants after the live webinar.
Instructor:
Hi-Line Engineering
Schedule:
All webinars in this series will be held from 11a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Attendees will be admitted 15 minutes before the webinar begins.
How to Participate:
Instructions will be emailed to attendees within 12 hours of the webinar, and we recommend that you test the link to the meeting as soon as you get the instructions. The webinar is best viewed using Chrome as your browser. We recommend that you use a landline for both your phone and your internet connections.
If you are registered individually, that registration is for one person to attend. We manage our webinars on an honor-system basis; if more than one person from a utility wishes to attend, the utility should register for unlimited attendee registration.
Fees:
Please visit the event pages for individual webinar pricing.
Individual Attendee Registration (all 6 webinars):
Utility Member Rate: $630
Associate Member Rate: $945
Non-Member Rate: $1,260
Unlimited Attendee Registration (all 6 webinars): *
Utility Member Rate: $1,575
Associate Member Rate: $2,365
Non-Member Rate: $3,150
*If your organization would like to send multiple attendees to this webinar or the full series, please contact Annie Wittenberg at (360) 816-1443 or annie@nwppa.org for further details.
Cancellation Policies:
For webinars, virtual classes, and section meetings: cancellation at least five days prior to the event, full refund; within 1-4 days or no show, 100% of the registration fee.
When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling; NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please contact registration@nwppa.org, or call (360) 254-0109.
Continuing Hours:
Certificates are issued by Hi-Line Engineering upon completion of the webinar. Please contact Melanie Ward at melanie.ward@hi-line-engineering.com.