Register Now

Timing

This series comprises two (2) live Zoom sessions from 12 - 3 pm ET on May 19 and 21. There will be two ten-minute breaks during each session.

Unable to make the live sessions? Recordings will be made available (automatically to those who register) within a week after the last session takes place, though continuing education credits can only be provided for attending live events.

Delivery Method / Learning Environment

This course is a Group Internet based offering (via Zoom) and combines real-time presentation, polling questions, real-world examples, knowledge-check quizzes, Q&A, and group discussion.

Series Overview

This two-part virtual course provides an approachable, high-level introduction to how the electric power system works. Through a non-technical exploration of generation, transmission, and distribution, participants learn how electricity moves from power plants to customers and how utilities keep the grid operating safely and reliably.

The course also examines the forces reshaping the industry—from renewable energy and electrification to customer experience and grid modernization—giving attendees a grounded understanding of both today’s operations and tomorrow’s challenges. Participants leave with practical foundational understanding of key utility concepts and basic terminology, structure, and challenges of the electric power sector.

Bonus material: Attendees will receive a complimentary digital copy of APPA’s Electric Utility Basics publication to support their ongoing learning.

Topics include:

  • Electricity basics: key concepts that explain how power is created and flows through the grid
  • Introduction to power generation: how different types of power plants operate and contribute to the energy mix
  • Transmission and distribution systems: how electricity moves across long-distance lines and into local networks
  • Grid components and equipment: the roles of substations, transformers, and meters, and how each supports reliable service
  • Renewable energy and emerging technologies: the basics of solar, wind, storage, and innovations shaping the modern grid
  • Customer experience and engagement: how utilities communicate, support customers, and build trust
  • Industry trends and challenges: the evolving landscape of policy, technology, resilience, and workforce needs

Sample Agenda

Access a sample agenda for the Electric Utility 101 class.

Who Should Attend

Those who are new to the electric utility industry and want a clear, big-picture understanding of how electricity is produced, delivered, and managed.
Professionals looking to refresh their understanding of core utility principles and build confidence with key industry concepts and terminology

Course Level / Prerequisites / Advance Preparation

Basic Level: No prerequisites; no advance preparation. All materials will be available at least 24 hours in advance of the class (through your APPA user portal) with access instructions, so you can download in advance to take notes.

Accreditation

The following continuing education credits will be provided for this Group Internet based event, after successfully completing 90% of the live sessions. Review the guidelines for successful completion in the “Accreditation” dropdown below.

  • Recommended CEUs .6/PDHs 5.5/CPE 6.2 (total for both sessions)
  • CPE Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge

Technology Requirements

  • Computer Access: Each attendee should join from their own computer to fully participate in discussions and exercises. Individual Zoom login links will be sent 24 hours before the course.
  • Zoom Meeting Application: Attendees are required to have strong Internet access, in order to run the Zoom meeting platform.
  • Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and we recommend a webcam, so you can fully engage in the group discussions.
    • Additional details on the Zoom platform can be found under the “More Information” tab.
  • Group Participation: If you plan to join as a group from a conference room, please contact Academy@PublicPower.org in advance.
  • Course Materials: Attendees will receive access to course materials 24 hours before the course begins through the “Documents” section of their My.PublicPower.org user portal. Materials can only be accessed using secure APPA portal credentials and will be provided in PDF format.
  • Download the Kahoot! App: The instructors will be using Kahoot during (and after) live sessions and will provide you with the game PIN number needed for each quiz. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the free Kahoot! app on your phone.

Instructor

Bryan Glenn

Bryan Glenn is a seasoned electric utility professional with 30 years of experience spanning utility, government, commercial, and industrial environments. He has spent 20 years working in electric utility distribution and transmission, building deep expertise in construction, troubleshooting, compliance, and system management. He has also dedicated 18 years to electrical education through the IBEW and Chaffey College, where he developed curriculum and taught courses to industry professionals. In addition to his technical strengths, Bryan brings significant leadership experience in managing engineering teams, guiding strategic initiatives, and supporting organizational change. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate of Science in Electrical Technology, combining strong technical knowledge with a solid foundation in operational and organizational leadership.

Disclosure: The instructor has no proprietary or financial interests in any products, services, or materials discussed in this course.

Questions? 

Registration

Register Now

Registration Fees

Registration is for individual access. If you have multiple people interested in attending, group discounts are available. 

 
Members*
Electric Utilities 101
$595
*Nonmembers pay double the member rate 

Group Discounts

Save money when your organization registers five or more people for the same class or the bundled series. The larger your group, the more you save!

Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders.

If you need assistance, contact Registration@PublicPower.org

Number of RegistrantsDiscount (per person)
1-4n/a
5-9$50
10-14$100
15-24$150
25+200

Registration Help

Check out our Registration FAQs for answers to the most common questions and help with all your registration-related issues. 

Cancellations /No-Show/ Refunds/ Substitutions

All webinars will be recorded and attendees will automatically receive a copy of the recordings, in case you can’t attend live.

Registrants who cancel in writing at least 7 days in advance of the first webinar in the series are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after that will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed for this event only. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel at least 7 days before the course start date are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund. 

Cancellations must be received on/before May 12. 

Cancellation requests should be made through your My.PublicPower portal, or addressed to: Registration@PublicPower.org.

Accreditation & Event Policies

Learn more about APPA’s Accreditation and Event Policies or contact APPA’s Education Team with questions Academy@PublicPower.org.

Code of Conduct

All who register to participate, attend, speak at, or exhibit at an APPA Event, and all participants in APPA committees, work groups, courses, or other APPA groups, must agree to comply with this Code of Conduct (review and acceptance of the Code is included in the registration process).

Questions?

Accreditation

Earn While You Learn!

Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs). Participate in live virtual programs to earn IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and NASBA Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs)—credit availability, completion requirements, and number of credits vary by course and are confirmed with attendees upon registration and before and during a course.

Learn more about APPA’s Accreditation and Event Policies here.

Requirements for Successful Completion: Virtual

Registration is for individual access, so each person participating must register. If you have multiple people interested in attending, group discounts are available. To receive continuing education credits for live learning events, attendees must meet the requirements for successful completion which include:

  • Attendance: Individuals must attend at least 90% of all live sessions (based on electronic timestamps in Zoom).
  • Active participation: Engage in learning event activities (tracked electronically).
    • Activities vary by class: Active participation in class will include engagement activities such as: Zoom polling/check-in questions, reactions and chat box contributions, and knowledge-check quizzes (all tracked electronically). There may also be small group breakout sessions, in-class exercises, and Q&A sessions.
      • Information on participation requirements will be provided at least 24 hours before (and at the beginning of) class.
  • Online evaluation: Each person must complete an online evaluation after the course concludes (tracked electronically).

Important Notes

  • Individual Registration: Each participant must register separately and will receive a unique Zoom login link. Attendees should join from their own computer to fully participate in discussions and exercises. Individual Zoom login links will be sent 24 hours before the course. Group discounts are available for multiple attendees.
  • No Partial Credit: Credit cannot be awarded for partial attendance.
  • Completion Certificates: Certificates will be available within two weeks of course completion via your APPA user portal (instructions provided) for those who meet the criteria for successful completion.
  • Session Recordings: All virtual sessions are recorded (unless otherwise noted). Attendees will receive access within one week of the final session. Recordings remain available for 90 days, but continuing education credits require live attendance.

Guidelines for Group Participation in Virtual Events

  • Individual Logins Recommended: If a group joins from a conference room, each participant should log in individually from a laptop to meet attendance and participation requirements.
  • If Individual Logins Are Not Possible:
    • Designate one point of contact for the group.
    • Email Academy@PublicPower.org before the event with:
      • Name of the person responsible for tracking attendance and participation (APPA can provide a sample tracker).
      • Submit the completed attendance record to APPA within 2 business days after the event.
      • Ensure each participant completes the required online evaluation.

What educational credits are available?

You can earn the following kinds of continuing education credits for attending live sessions — provided the Requirements for Successful Completion noted above are met:

IACETContinuing Education Units (CEUs): The American Public Power Association is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training. For information regarding certification status, attendance requirements and obtaining attendee transcripts, contact Academy@PublicPower.org. Verify our IACET Accreditation.

CPEContinuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits: The American Public Power Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as clarification of requirements, complaints, and refunds, please contact Academy@PublicPower.org. Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.

Contact Us

Additional Information

Format and Log-In Information

These webinars will be offered on the Zoom meeting platform. 

Communication

  • 24 hours after registering: You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of registering, which contains some preliminary information.
  • 24 hours before: You’ll receive your Zoom log in link the day before the first session in a course (sent from the APPA Academy’s Zoom account <no-reply@zoom.us>)
    • You’ll also receive a final logistics email 24 hours in advance of the first class.
  • If you don’t receive this correspondence, email Academy@PublicPower.org

Course Access and Materials

  • Zoom Links: Zoom log in credentials will be sent out 24 hours before the start of the first session.
  • Course Materials: Attendees will receive access to course materials the day before each session through the "Documents" section of their My.PublicPower.org user portal.
  • Recordings: All sessions will be recorded and can be accessed through your user portal as well (within a week of the last class in the program), in case you can’t attend the live versions. Recordings will be accessible for 90 days after the last session. Note: Continuing education credits can only be issued for attending live sessions.

Technology Requirements

  • Zoom Meeting Application: Attendees are required to have strong Internet access, in order to run the Zoom meeting platform. Please see below for more information on downloading the Zoom Web Client.
  • Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions.  
  • Padlet Site: The instructor will also utilize a Padlet site to provide additional resources and post after-session assignments.

New to Zoom?

If you haven't participated in a Zoom meeting before, please download the Zoom web client from the Zoom Download Center. This will enable you to access all of the Zoom tools and functionality vs. using the web version. Then, visit Zoom.us/test to ensure you are able to join a meeting. 

If you are not able to download the Zoom web client, you can still participate via your Internet browser. We recommend using Chrome for the best results.

Privacy and Security

The American Public Power Association takes your privacy and security very seriously. For this reason, we have put the following security measures in place for this course:

  • Each course has a random Meeting ID
  • Meeting is password-protected
  • Enabled waiting room to screen meeting participants
  • Screen sharing restricted to hosts only

Questions?