Preconference seminars offer longer class times, smaller class sizes, interactive formats, and experienced instructors. Dive deep into hot topics to add value to your conference experience.
Separate registration and fee required. Registration fees increase by $50 on March 20th.
Back to E&O Conference Agenda
Preconference Seminars - Sunday, April 19
- Improving Your Overhead and Underground Line Design Practices (morning)
- Building Back Stronger: Disaster Recovery and Resilience Funding (morning)
- Integrating New Technologies to Future-Proof Your Utility (afternoon)
- Grounding and Lightning Protection Best Practices (afternoon)
Registration fees: $350 members (each) / $700 nonmembers (each)
Sunday, April 19
Improving Your Overhead and Underground Line Design Practices
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8:30 a.m. - Noon
Recommended CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Specialized Knowledge
Improve your overhead and underground distribution line design practices with modern tools and techniques…and consistent processes and protocols. Dive into line design criteria, construction standards, joint-use standards, software applications, and assessment of field conditions.. Learn about best practices in overhead and underground line design, including proper preparation of as-built records, engineering reports, and design documentation. Review laws, regulations, and industry standards — including the NESC, and OSHA — that apply to the design of overhead and underground distribution lines and see examples of violations resulting from inadequate engineering practices. Review the risk exposures of distribution lines as well as the ethical and legal requirements of professional engineering practice that are intended to ensure safe and reliable line designs.
Tom Black, P.E., Management Consultant, Collaborative Learning, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado; and John Miner, P.E., President, Collaborative Learning, Inc., Austin, Texas
Building Back Stronger: Disaster Recovery and Resilience Funding
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8:30 a.m. - Noon
Recommended CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Specialized Knowledge
Learn how your utility can access all mitigation and recovery funding available before and after disasters. Learn about the different types of funding available and the key factors to maximize funding. Explore the role of the engineering and operations team in applying for, using, and tracking these funds. Hear case studies of utilities that have obtained significant disaster funding. Develop policies and procedures to integrate your recovery efforts. Assess key steps required before, during, and after disaster to ensure access to funding. See how you can get funded to build back stronger after declared disasters.
Bradley Nichols, Partner; Carlos Zapata, Senior Manager; and Kara Yost, Manager, Ernst & Young Insurance and Federal Claims Services Group
Integrating New Technologies to Future-Proof Your Utility
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1:30 - 5 p.m.
Recommended CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Specialized Knowledge
Today’s electric grid supports millions of smart and interactive ‘energy-aware’ devices. Electric vehicle sales are escalating, microgrids are maturing, solar costs are declining, behind the meter battery storage is growing, and virtual power plants are increasing. Understand what’s behind these changes and why they will accelerate. Explore emerging technologies driven by complex IT models and the challenges and opportunities to integrate them into the grid. Assess the implications for your utility’s business model, distribution system architecture, and engineering and data requirements. Keep up with changing customer preferences and adopt new technologies to better serve your community.
Peter Kelly-Detwiler, Co-Founder, NorthBridge Energy Partners
Grounding and Lightning Protection Best Practices
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1:30 - 5 p.m.
Recommended CEUs .3 / PDHs 3.25 / CPEs 3.8, Specialized Knowledge
Grounding and lightning protection go hand-in-hand to ensure the safety and reliability of your underground and overhead distribution systems. Understand the electrical shock hazards associated with distribution lines and equipment. Review the purpose, principles, and approved methods for grounding in overhead and underground distribution applications. Go over NESC requirements for effectively grounded systems. Learn about lightning surges and their effects on the distribution system. Get up to date on the principles and practices of insulation ratings and coordination, and the application of lightning arresters on overhead and underground lines.
Tom Black, P.E., Management Consultant, Collaborative Learning, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado; and John Miner, P.E., President, Collaborative Learning, Inc., Austin, Texas
