PES University Plain Talk

• Provide overviews of the power and energy industry's technical aspects for power industry professionals and engineers new to the industry
• Offer insight into the demands of regulators, consumer groups, and trends that impact power systems operations
• Are presented live in-person taught in a classroom setting by subject matter experts and Online.

The Course Curriculum includes:

    Day 1:  Power System Basics - Understanding How the Bulk Electric Power System Works
    Day 2:  Distribution System - Delivering Power to the Customer
    Day 3:  Transmission System - The Interconnected Bulk Electric System

Pricing for In-Person Events: ★In-Person events are eligible for 0.8 CEUs per session. You may enroll in one, two, or all three courses.
Three-Course Enrollment Early Bird:     $1,935.00 Regular Fee: $2,150.00	Two-Course Enrollment Early Bird:     $1,360.00 Regular Fee: $1,510.00	One-Course Enrollment Early Bird:     $715.00 Regular Fee: $795.00

 

 

Plain Talk About the Electric Power System

Live Online and On-Demand 

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PES University Plain Talk Library

Browse the PES University Plain Talk Library below for access to recordings of previous Plain Talk events. Courses marked with a star qualify for professional development hours.

There are three Plain Talk tracks: Power System Basics, Distribution System, and Transmission System.

 

Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Power System Basics

Title and Synopsis	Presenter	Length
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Power System Basics, Part 1 Basic understanding of concepts and equipment used in the modern power grid, Fundamentals of electrical generation, transmission, substations, distribution, control center operations and consumption, Important concepts surrounding power grid resiliency and safety, Knowledge of important issues facing planners and operators, Understanding of terminology used by technical personnel in the electric power industry, If you are involved in the electric power industry, you will benefit from attending this easy-to-consume course, conveniently delivered online.	Steve Blume	1 hour, 3 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Power System Basics, Part 2 Basic understanding of concepts and equipment used in the modern power grid, Fundamentals of electrical generation, transmission, substations, distribution, control center operations and consumption, Important concepts surrounding power grid resiliency and safety, Knowledge of important issues facing planners and operators, Understanding of terminology used by technical personnel in the electric power industry, If you are involved in the electric power industry, you will benefit from attending this easy-to-consume course, conveniently delivered online.	Steve Blume	1 hour, 13 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Power System Basics, Part 3 Basic understanding of concepts and equipment used in the modern power grid, Fundamentals of electrical generation, transmission, substations, distribution, control center operations and consumption, Important concepts surrounding power grid resiliency and safety, Knowledge of important issues facing planners and operators, Understanding of terminology used by technical personnel in the electric power industry, If you are involved in the electric power industry, you will benefit from attending this easy-to-consume course, conveniently delivered online.	Steve Blume	1 hour
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Power System Basics, Part 4 Basic understanding of concepts and equipment used in the modern power grid, Fundamentals of electrical generation, transmission, substations, distribution, control center operations and consumption, Important concepts surrounding power grid resiliency and safety, Knowledge of important issues facing planners and operators, Understanding of terminology used by technical personnel in the electric power industry, If you are involved in the electric power industry, you will benefit from attending this easy-to-consume course, conveniently delivered online.	Steve Blume	1 hour, 2 minutes

Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Distribution System

Title and Synopsis	Presenter	Length
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Distribution System, Session 1 Session 1 (of 4) discusses Overview & Terminology and Overhead & Underground. Topics covered include an introduction to the types of distribution systems, issues associated with distribution planning such as outages and reliability, distribution engineering considerations relating to radial and secondary networks, and distribution automation. The course also provides an overview of electrical distribution operations, including the roles of utility personnel, construction and maintenance considerations, and trends in the industry. Smart grid and its impact on the distribution system are explored.	Brent Olsen	1 hour, 30 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Distribution System, Session 2 Session 2 (of 4) discusses Distribution Equipment and Power Quality. Topics include an introduction to the types of distribution systems, issues associated with distribution planning such as outages and reliability, distribution engineering considerations relating to radial and secondary networks, and distribution automation. The course also provides an overview of electrical distribution operations, including the roles of utility personnel, construction and maintenance considerations, and trends in the industry. Smart grid and its impact on the distribution system are explored.	Brent Olsen	1 hour, 30 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Distribution System, Session 3 Session 3 (of 4) discusses Grid Transition and Planning. Topics covered include an introduction to the types of distribution systems, issues associated with distribution planning such as outages and reliability, distribution engineering considerations relating to radial and secondary networks, and distribution automation. The course also provides an overview of electrical distribution operations, including the roles of utility personnel, construction and maintenance considerations, and trends in the industry. Smart grid and its impact on the distribution system are also explored.	Brent Olsen	1 hour, 30 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Distribution System, Session 4 Session 4 (of 4) discusses Operation & Maintenance, Functional Changes and Communication Systems. Topics covered in the course include an introduction to the types of distribution systems, issues associated with distribution planning such as outages and reliability, distribution engineering considerations relating to radial and secondary networks, and distribution automation. The course also provides an overview of electrical distribution operations, including the roles of utility personnel, construction and maintenance considerations, and trends in the industry. Smart grid and its impact on the distribution system are also explored.	Brent Olsen	1 hour, 30 minutes

Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Transmission System

Title and Synopsis	Presenter	Length
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Transmission, Part 1 In Part 1, the overall structure of the electric power system is discussed with emphasis on how the transmission system fits into this structure. Regulation of the U.S. electric transmission system and its development over the years is also discussed. Lastly, the evolution of the U.S. electric transmission system infrastructure from its inception to today is recounted.	Douglas Bowman, PE	1 hour, 24 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Transmission, Part 2 In Part 2, the transmission system is broken down into its constituent parts, describing each structure or apparatus and its function in the overall system. Emphasis is placed on the role that transmission infrastructure plays in the overall power system picture. Design and construction of transmission lines and substations are also covered, and lastly, grounding for safety.	Douglas Bowman, PE	1 hour, 19 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Transmission, Part 3 In Part 3, the transmission system's response during normal and abnormal conditions is explored, thus providing an understanding of the limits by which the system must be operated. Secondly, the method by which utilities protect the transmission system during severe disturbances is explained. Lastly, threats to the grid are discussed, along with steps to ensure grid security.	Douglas Bowman, PE	1 hour, 21 minutes
Plain Talk About the Electric Power System: Transmission, Part 4 In Part 4, we explain the art of transmission planning (including risk-based planning) and how technologies such as wind, solar, and HVDC can change planning assumptions. The future of the grid is discussed by examining technologies on the horizon as well as their function as part of the grid.	Douglas Bowman, PE	1 hour, 12 minutes