This course begins with a board overview of how the electric utility industry is structured including the role of generation, transmission, and distribution systems.  The history of the industry, market participants, and the various agencies that regulate the industry are covered.

The operational characteristics of the industry are reviewed including how the system is interconnected, how control areas function, the performance standards that must be met, and how ancillary services are handled in transactions are all reviewed.

Legislation that has affected the industry since its beginning is reviewed including PUHCA, PURPA, and the numerous energy policy acts of Congress.  Finally, the future of the industry is reviewed including RTO’s and locational marginal pricing structures.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

After taking this course the learner should,

• Understand the basic structure of the electric utility industry
• Understand how the grid is interconnected
• Know the purpose of Control Areas
• Understand what is meant by ancillary services
• Know how an RTO operates
• Understand the impact of Federal legislation on the industry
• Be able to explain how LMP may change the future of the industry