Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop

Enhance your utility knowledge at the Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop

February 19, 2025 | San Antonio, TX

This intensive one-day workshop offers a comprehensive overview of the U.S. electric utility industry. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of the industry’s history, infrastructure, financial models, and current issues shaping the future of electric utilities. This workshop provides insights into the evolution of power generation and fuels, transmission and distribution systems, operational dynamics, and financial structures, equipping attendees with a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s past, present, and future.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the electric utility industry, including those with a background in engineering, operations, finance, customer service, or management. It is especially valuable for professionals new to the industry, regulatory staff, policymakers, and anyone seeking a well-rounded foundation in how the U.S. electric utility industry operates.

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Location

CPS Energy

Emergency Management Center Training Facility

4514 Frank Bryant Lane, San Antonio, TX 78219

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Workshop Schedule & Details

*Schedule subject to change.

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WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

All times in Central Standard Time (CST)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2025

» 7:30-8:00 a.m. Arrival & Breakfast Available

» 8:00 a.m. Workshop Begins

» 12:00-1:00 p.m. Networking Lunch

» 1:00 p.m. Workshop Continues

» 4:00 p.m. Workshop Adjourns

WORKSHOP OUTLINE

1. History of the U.S. Electric Utility Industry

Explore the key milestones and regulatory shifts from the late 19th century to the present, tracing the evolution of electric utility infrastructure and policies.

2. Power Generation and Fuels

Overview of current generation technologies in use, from traditional steam turbines to solar, wind, and battery technologies.
Analysis of fuel types, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables, with a focus on the environmental and economic trade-offs.
Comparative cost analysis of different generation methods and insights into the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for new power plants

3. Transmission & Distribution

Explanation of the transmission and distribution flow, from high-voltage transmission lines to local distribution networks.
Insight into critical transmission equipment, including substations and transformers, and the design of the national grid.
Overview of distribution systems and equipment, along with the role of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems in monitoring and managing grid stability.

4. Operations

Exploration of generation costs, including the factors influencing power pricing. • Overview of dispatching principles and how utilities meet customer demand, focusing on the load curve and physical response strategies

5. Financials

Understanding the differences in business models between investor-owned utilities vs. non-profit utilities.
Analyzing income statements and utility-specific financial statements, exploring how rates and rate increases impact both customers and utilities.
Examination of bond ratings and their implications on utility funding and operations.

6. Future Directions for Utilities

Customer choice initiatives and their impact on utility services.
Evolution of customer service practices in response to new demands and technological advancements.
Industry trends in sustainability, renewable energy integration, and grid modernization.
Key drivers for the industry’s future, including regulatory changes, environmental goals, and advancements in energy technology.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify significant historical events and trends that have shaped the U.S. electric utility industry.
Distinguish between the types of power generation and understand the benefits and challenges associated with each.
Identify transmission and distribution systems, along with the critical equipment involved in delivering electricity to consumers.
Recognize key operational considerations, including cost, reliability, oversight, and monitoring practices.
Analyze the financial requirements and structures of investor-owned utilities versus non-profit utilities, and how these affect decision-making.
Discuss emerging customer service models and key future considerations impacting the industry.

Workshop Instructor

Richard Peña

Principal Consultant, C.M. Lantana Consulting; Senior Consultant, Llewellyn Consulting; & former Senior Vice President - Energy Supply & Market Operations, CPS Energy

Richard has over 40 years of experience in the Electric Utility field. His experience includes investor-owned Public Service Company of Colorado, and municipally owned CPS Energy in San Antonio. His areas of responsibility included Power Generation Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, Training and Development, new Plant Construction, Environmental, Fuels, Market Operations, and Nuclear Oversight.

After his retirement at CPS Energy as Senior Vice President, he started his own company C.M. Lantana Consulting, performing feasibility studies on new Engineering projects and Foreman Leadership courses. He also teaches a course on Utility Financial Decision Making titled Biz Bucks and BTU’s, and is a Certified Professional Coach. He is a Lifetime Member of Alltricity Network.

His undergraduate degree is in Mechanical Engineering from University of Texas at El Paso, and his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio Texas. He serves on the board of Prospera Housing Community Services. He and his wife Barbara reside in San Antonio, Texas.

Pricing

Registration fees include: Breakfast, breaks, lunch, electronic handouts (if applicable), attendee roster, and upon completion, a continuing education certificate for 6.0 professional development hours (PDHs).

Individual and group registration packages available. Take advantage of discounted rates when registering a group of 5 or 10 attendees! Group registration rates are only available to members. To become an Alltricity Network member and receive significant discounts for this workshop, all other Alltricity Network events, as well as other membership benefits, contact Alltricity Network at info@alltricitynetwork.org for more information.

MEMBER

STANDARD

FULL WORKSHOP

$545

Closed

NON-MEMBER

STANDARD

FULL WORKSHOP

$845

Closed

**STUDENT

STANDARD

FULL WORKSHOP

$275

Closed

GROUP (5)

STANDARD

5-PACK FULL WORKSHOP

$2,425 ($300 discount!)

Closed

GROUP (10)

STANDARD

10-PACK FULL WORKSHOP

$4,695 ($755 discount!)

Closed

**To receive the Student Member price, you must be a full-time student at an Alltricity Network member university. All student registrations must be called in, and a copy of your student ID and full-time class schedule are required.

Cancellation Policy: Fees are refundable if cancellation is received on or before 5 p.m. MT on February 9, 2025. If cancellation is received after that date, half of the registration fee will be refunded. Payments will be processed for those who do not attend or do not cancel by 5 p.m. MT the day before the event. To have someone take your place, please notify Alltricity Network anytime before the event.

Thank You, Alltricity Network Vital Issues Committee!

The Alltricity Network Vital Issues Committee plans all Alltricity Network Vital Issues events. If you’d like to send the committee suggestions for future event topics, content, or other information, please email Ciara Cole at ccole@alltricitynetwork.org.

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