rmel electric energy issue 3 2013

spotlight on critical energy issues

ISSUE 3 / 2013www.rMel.org

generating a new electric

energy workforce

What New Electric Energy Employees Want | On-Site Utility Education | 2014 RMEL Event Details

ISSUE 3 / 2013 | www.rMel.org

2013_AMEC_RMEL_Ad.pdf 1 6/17/2013 12:46:57 PM

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4 e l e c t r i c e n e r g y | f a l l 2 0 1 3

Departments 06 Board of Directors &

Foundation Board of Directors

46 RMEL Membership Listings

48 2014 Calendar of Events

50 Index to Advertisers

41 Your RMEL Sections

44 Signature Events Headed to Texas in 2014

Features 08 Straight From the Source:

What New Employees Want

16 The Retirement Bubble is ComingBy Jim Duffy, Training Coordinator, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn. and Christine Carpenter, EPCE Director, Energy Providers Coalition for Education

23 RMEL Foundation Awards Twenty Two Scholarships

28 RMEL Events are Traveling More Than Ever in 2014

34 Sustaining a Way of Life: America’s Electricity 2013 Vital Issues Forum Summary

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rmel information

RMEL Board of Directors

OfficersPRESIDEnT Steve Bridges Zachry Holdings, Inc. VP & Power Executive, Regional Projects Group

VICE PRESIDEnT, FInAnCE Rebecca Shiflea Leidos Senior Project Manager

VICE PRESIDEnT Walter D. Jones Intermountain Rural Electric Assn. Assistant General Manager, Operations & Engineering

CHAIR, FunDRAISInG James Helvig AMEC Director, Power Delivery

CHAIR, MEMBER DEVELOPMEnT Michael A. Jones SRP Director

Board of DirectorsH. Kent Cheese TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. VP Sales

Paul Compton Kiewit Sr. VP, Business Development

Dennis Finn Wärtsilä north America, Inc. General Sales Manager, Mtn Region

Cathy McCartney LEADERSHIP A Business Imperative, Inc. Owner/Consultant

Mike McInnes Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn. Sr. VP, Production

STAFF LIAISOn natalie Andersen RMEL Manager, Member Services

STAFF LIAISOn Rick Putnicki RMEL Executive Director

Foundation Board of Directors

OfficersPRESIDEnT Dan Schmidt Black & Veatch Corp. Sr. VP, Power Generation Services

PRESIDEnT ELECT Stuart Wevik Black Hills Corporation VP, utility Operations

PAST PRESIDEnT Andy Ramirez El Paso Electric Company VP, Power Generation

VICE PRESIDEnT, MEMBERSHIP Scott Fry Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC Managing Director

VICE PRESIDEnT, EDuCATIOn Tony Montoya Western Area Power Administration, COO

VICE PRESIDEnT, FInAnCE Tom Kent nebraska Public Power District VP & COO

VICE PRESIDEnT, VITAL ISSuES Richard Peña CPS Energy Sr. VP, Energy Supply & Market Operations

VICE PRESIDEnT, MEMBER SERVICES Mike McInnes Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn. Sr. VP, Production

DirectorsDoug Bennion PacifiCorp VP, Engineering Services & Asset Management

Tim Brossart Xcel Energy VP, Construction Operations & Maintenance

Larry Covillo Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc. President

Jon Hansen Omaha Public Power District VP, Energy Production & Marketing

Kelly Harrison Westar Energy VP, Transmission

Mike Hummel SRP Associate General Manager

Tom McKenna unS Energy Corporation VP, Energy Delivery

Tammy McLeod Arizona Public Service VP & Chief Customer Officer

Cheryl Mele Austin Energy COO

Mike Morris Zachry Holdings, Inc. VP, Business Development, Engineering

Jackie Sargent Platte River Power Authority General Manager

Neal Walker Texas new Mexico Power President

SECRETARY Rick Putnicki RMEL Executive Director

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Electric Energy is the official magazine of rMel. Published three times a year, the publication discusses critical issues in the electric energy industry. subscribe to Electric Energy by contacting rMel. edi-torial content and feedback can also be di-rected to rMel. Advertising in the maga-zine supports rMel education programs and activities. For advertising opportuni-ties, please contact deborah Juris from hungryeye Media, llC at (303) 883-4159.

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STRAIGHT FRom THe SouRce

What New Electric Energy Employees Want Most

uRInG A WoRkFoRce PAnel AT Rmel’S 2013 SPRInG Management, Engineering and Operations Conference, young engineers

and craft employees who have recently started to work in the electric energy industry participated in a panel. This was a unique opportunity to hear

first-hand how they view this industry and the companies within the industry. Specifically, the discussion targeted key points utilities need to hear to attract and retain new profession-als, avoid brain drain/knowledge transfer and replace the aging/retiring workforce. Three of those panelists participated in this panel-style article to further the discussion, including Eric Call, Relay Technician Apprentice, SRP, Jennifer Beffert, Civil Engineer, Tri-State Generation & Transmission Assoc. Inc. and Matt Erickson, Rotational Engineer, SRP.


QueSTIon: It is said that young workers want the following from their work:

3 Individual responsibility, freedom to make decisions

3 Sociable and enjoyable colleagues and workplace

3 opportunities to learn and grow

3 opportunities to contribute right away

3 Team-based work, collaborative decision making

3 lots of feedback, frequent and constructive reviews

3 Accessible managers, open communication

3 Respect from older workers3 Flexible schedules, ample

time off

For any and/or each of the above:l Do you see that people in

your age group feel differently in this area than the rest of the workers?

Call: I do not think that my age group feels that dissimilar, when it comes to core values in the workplace, than the other generational work groups. Research supports this asser-tion too. I believe the difference stems from the attitudes towards core values and how these attitudes manifest. Although popular media has drawn disproportionate attention to genera-tional differences, there are a number of similarities. A few examples of similarities across generations are: why we stay with an employer, attitudes toward teamwork, valued aspects of workplace culture, core values, and methods of communication.

Beffert: I would agree that young workers are looking for what you have listed above. I also agree that this list is something that would appeal to people of all ages. The only difference I can see is that the younger workers might need more feedback and review than

someone with more experience.eriCkson: No, it seems like these

are things consistently sought after by most workers, new & experienced.

l Why do you think younger workers desire this more than others? Where does that come from?

Call: In my view it is a matter of wanting “different” and not so much a wanting of “more.” Instead of being defined by our work, we want to have a balance between work and personal life. Instead of work-ing in an autocratic management environment we desire a more collaborative and self-directed environment. Instead of maybe being put off or even insulted by continu-ous feedback, we seek immediate and continuous feedback for rapid course correction. Instead of company com-mitment and loyalty our loyalty lies with people and ideas. I believe these generational shifts, from those of baby boomers to generation X and Y, follow society’s move from an industrially driven economy to a technologically driven one.

The Industrial Age management model is centered on motivating work-ers toward task objectives and a com-mitment towards organizational goals. The Technology Age is more adaptive to rapid change and ideas and people are valued over institutions. Genera-tional workforces are a reflection of the era in which they entered the work-force and by influences passed on by their parents work experience.

Beffert: I think young workers might desire more feedback and acces-sible managers than someone who is more experienced because we are new to the work. Coming out of school I had a lot of questions about what I would be expected to know. I think this is common, and my coworkers and management have been great with helping me understand and learn many

things I did not know coming into the position.

eriCkson: It seems like younger workers desire: 3 Opportunities to contribute right

away because they are eager to put into practice the knowledge and skills that they have been honing diligently for years in hopes of ben-eficially impacting the company they work for.

3 Regular feedback and constructive reviews because they want to do a

good job, but ‘they don’t know

what they don’t know,’ and so guid-ance with patience are most likely needed more for new workers than the experienced.

l Is your organization sufficiently meeting this desire/need?

Call: My organization is meet-ing my wants about as well as I could hope for. I think my employer is doing a very favorable job at meeting the needs and desires of all its workforce generations. Senior leadership has gone to great lengths to discover what drives and motivates our utility’s workforce. Taking what they have learned, they are actively making

I believe these generational shifts, from those of baby boomers to generation X and Y, follow society’s move from an industrially driven economy to a technologically driven one.”

w w w . r m e l . o r g 9

changes where needed and strengthen-ing areas that work well. My senior leadership views our company as a whole and not as a segmented gen-erational unit. This approach creates cohesion in the workforce.

Beffert: Yes, I believe I have found a great company and industry to work in.

eriCkson: Yes, in particular the rotation program provides a good balance between learning and contribution for new employees, where the emphasis is on learning and development.

QueSTIon: What do you see as the biggest challenges you have working with people of different generations, or them with you?

Beffert: There are a few chal-lenges that come from working with different generations. We prefer dif-ferent forms of communication and we go about completing our work in different ways. For example, I might prefer to do many of my drawings and calculations on a computer, whereas someone from a different generation would rather do them by hand.

eriCkson: From what I’ve seen, there are not many challenges with people of different generations in our industry. For a new worker, it can be challenging to learn the established way that business and communication are accomplished, especially if they don’t understand the reasons why it is done a particu-lar way. I think this is part of the learning curve.

Call: It is important to under-stand that generalized preferences associated with a particular genera-tion are not necessarily true of all its members. Intergenerational conflict often stems from errors in percep-tion rather than from valid factual differences. And, where there are true differences, simple patience and understanding go a long way. Those of my generation aren’t looking to be treated as if we are exempt from company policies or workplace prac-tices. We are looking to be treated with respect. Respect is a mutual desire of all generations. When it comes to management, be open with communication, learn the uniqueness of our needs and address them ap-propriately (the Situational Leader-ship Model developed by Dr. Paul Hersey is excellent for this), respect the strengths we bring (knowing, understanding, and using Myers-Briggs or Keirsey personality typing helps with this; the utility industry is heavily weighted in a few areas, dis-proportionate to the general public) , provide easily accessible avenues for learning and development, and be supportive of our work/personal life balance goals.

QueSTIon: How do you feel the utility industry is viewed by your peers (your age group, not em-ployees)? Are their perspectives accurate?

eriCkson: My peers don’t seem to have a positive or negative view about the utility industry, except for those who have worked for or with a utility. It doesn’t seem like they know very much about them.

Call: My generational peers view the utility industry as a very desir-able and stable field to be associated with. The utility field is viewed as something that holds the potential of being able to provide them with the fulfillment of the vast majority of key/core values. That is for those that are


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aware of what the industry is, how it works, and are able to find a way into the industry. The utility industry is often viewed, and rightfully so, as a difficult industry to gain access to due to the homogeneity that exists in its workforce. Unless you have an inside contact, family, close friend, etc., that is already working for the utility, it is difficult to get into the utility industry. Those already in the industry know how good it is and keep it a secret.

If a utility is seeking to broaden the breadth of its workforce, grow your brand and start early. Start introducing

your utility’s workplace brand early in high schools, in trade schools and in universities. Get those benefits of why it is good to work for your brand in the minds of your target workforce early. At the same time, be realistic about the work environment. If turnover and the costs associated with attrition are what you want to avoid, honesty and realistic expecta-tions will help curb those costs. An honest, realistic presentation aids your target workforce in making a more accurate, informed choice. A brand is an asset to your company and when utilized adds value to the company. It is often said that the greatest value of a company is found in its workforce.

Beffert: I believe that the utility industry is overlooked and misunder-stood by many of my peers. They never think about where their power is com-ing from until something goes wrong. The industry is changing with all the new regulations and requirements that are coming from our government. Whether these regulations are a good or a bad thing; they are bringing the industry into the public eye.

QueSTIon: What do you appreci-ate most about/what value do you get from people who have been with the utility a long time?

Call: I value their wealth of experience and knowledge. The craft/trade side of the utility industry is geared towards the transferring of this experiential knowledge from one generation to the next, starting with an apprenticeship. My experi-ence has been one of mutual respect. I acknowledge their contribution of experience and a willingness to teach; they respect what contributions I bring to the table and my willingness to learn. I have found that if I put

forth a genuine willingness to learn, the seasoned veterans of my field are eager to teach. Although they have done and seen things that I may never encounter, if I am wise

in how I listen to their stories, there are lessons to be learned and applied. When this mutual respect exists, a benefit is created in which different people come together from different perspectives with different thoughts and ideas to creatively solve problems.

Beffert: I appreciate, very much, working with people who have been in the industry for a long time. The amount of knowledge they have is overwhelming, and there is no better place for us to learn then through them. Their experience and love for the industry is unmatched, and it is important that we learn as much as possible from them.

eriCkson: I appreciate their vast

experiences (having persevered through difficult times and challenges) along with the knowledge and wisdom they have obtained throughout the years. I’ve observed how their intuition allows them to move quickly and efficiently through difficult problems. Being able to work with them gives the next generation access and ability to utilize their many years of experience, and in some sense add it to their own. To be able to work with the previous generation before they retire will prove to be invaluable to the future success of the utility industry.

QueSTIon: It is often believed that new, younger employees consider themselves “short-timers” who don’t intend to stay with the organization for long, for various reasons. Do you believe people like you feel this way? What would the utility have to do to encourage you to plan to stay?

Beffert: I believe that many people coming right out of school do not intend to stay with their first com-pany forever. With the economy being down, many people took the first job they were offered, even if it was not in the area they wished to be in.

I think to keep people interested in their job, the utility industry needs to stay competitive with pay and make sure the employees stay interested with a variety of projects and chal-lenges. Employees know that it is a great industry to be in because of the job security. I think pay and boredom are two major reasons why people change jobs.

eriCkson: They have not held other professional positions and don’t realize how difficult it is to find a good reputable company that treats their employees well.

Providing the opportunity to move within a company, to grow and succeed encourages younger employees to “put down roots” so to speak. To know that

“The utility industry is often viewed, and rightfully so, as a difficult industry to gain access to due to the homogeneity that exists in its workforce.


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you aren’t “stuck” and that you can apply your abilities in a new area or learn a new set of skills, along with be-ing able to progress on a career ladder or in responsibility and compensation, will encourage people to stay.

Call: This is one of many miscon-ceptions that exist about Gen X and Gen Y. Conflicts and misunderstand-ings arise from errors of perception rather than from valid factual dif-ferences. Interestingly, a study by the US Department of Labor released in March 2013 shows that the average generation X and Y 25-year-old has worked 6.3 jobs between the ages of 18 to 25. The younger baby boom-ers worked an average of 5.5 jobs by age 25. Not that big of difference. As with any generation, one goes into an employee/employer relationship

looking for the best possible fit. I have gone through a few employers over my professional working career. I never once started that professional relationship by stating I was only go-ing to stick around for a set number of years. With every new company I worked for, I had a hope and expecta-tion that I found a good fit and that I would be with that company for the long haul. When I discovered that the fit was a poor match, only then did I begin to look elsewhere. In truth, I lacked the perspective of time and experience. In my early professional years I may have thought I knew with certainty what I wanted, but in hindsight I see that I didn’t have a fully developed picture of my wants or where my strengths would be best utilized and most valued. By working

with different companies over the years, I say with confi-dence I am in the right place at the right time. I am here for

the long haul.I mentioned earlier that adap-

tive leadership styles (again, the Situational Leadership Model devel-oped by Dr. Paul Hersey is excellent for this), match training to specific needs, provide accessible learning and development opportunities, recognize, appreciate, and support the value brought by each employee, and keep all communication honest and open are a few key areas that will help with retention. Additionally, be attentive to any divisive workplace mentalities such as “us vs. them,” and address them quickly.

Parenthetically, below are two links to papers on the subject of generational workforce differences that I found both interesting and useful:

www.kenblanchard.com/img/pub/Blanchard_Next_Generation_of_Workers.pdf

http://rtc.umn.edu/docs/2_18_Gen_diff_workplace.pdf

Matt Erickson was hired as a Rota-tional Engineer in July 2010. He has rotated through electric reliability compliance, distribution design and construction, system protection, trans-mission planning, distribution plan-ning, and apparatus engineering.

Jennifer Beffert was hired by Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc. in May of 2011 as a Civil/Structural Engineer in the Rotation Program. After being in the program for a year and a half, she was offered her current civil en-gineer position with the Substation Civil Engineering Department at Tri-State.

Eric Call was hired at SRP as a Tradeshelper on a line crew and shortly thereafter he was accepted in the Relay Technician Apprenticeship Program.

The average generation X and Y

employee has worked roughly 6.3 jobs by

their 25th birthday vs. an average 5.5 jobs

worked by baby boomers before

turning 25.


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By Jim DuffyTraining CoorDinaTor,

Tri-STaTe generaTion anD TranSmiSSion aSSn. &

ChriSTine CarpenTer epCe DireCTor

energy proviDerS CoaliTion for eDuCaTion

Utilizing Bismarck State College's Online Electric Power Technology Program

in Apprenticeship Training

theretirement

bubbleis coming

w w w . r m e l . o r g 17

large percentage of the energy workforce is slated for retirement within the next few years, which will leave a critical gap of qualified employees to fill those positions. This gap will have a negative impact on utili-

ties’ ability to meet the demands of the work, affecting the overall productivity of the industry. The 21st-century economy demands a workforce with some degree of post-secondary education and the adaptability to respond immediately to changing situations.

The Energy Providers Coalition for Education (EPCE)-sponsored online Electric Power Technology educa-tion program, delivered by the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence (BSC), provides apprentices with a core set of skills and competencies, as well as a foundation in electrical systems, transformers and electric components. EPCE, a collaborative industry coalition, develops and regularly maintains the course-work through a national curriculum committee made up of representatives from major industry organizations.

the modelBased on core training standards established at Westmin-ster, CO-based energy provider Tri-State G&T, a four-year apprenticeship program was created using a blended learning solution of e-learning modules, selected online courses from BSC’s Electric Power Technology Program and in-house instructor-led classes. The students gain foundational knowledge from the online courses, which allows the in-person courses to go deeper into subject matter that requires further explanation.

In addition to the formal training program, apprentices are also required to complete a designated amount of On-the-Job Training (OJT) hours performing hands-on work in the field. The apprentices are assigned a field training specialist who is responsible for mentoring them, and who ensures they develop field skills to the level required of a journeyman. Each apprentice is evaluated every six months on progress in the formal training requirements as well as on hands-on skills development in the field.

Tri-State evaluated several distance-learning provid-ers and selected Bismarck State’s online Electric Power Technology program because it offered a “next-level” distance-learning experience for apprentices. BSC’s online program offers interactivity with fellow students and instructors through the use of chat room discussions and interactive assignments. Students’ participation in these activities are graded and become a component of their final course grade.

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online electric power technology courses

aT BiSmarCk STaTe College’S naTional energy CenTer of exCellenCe

DaviD BirDheavy apparaTuS TeChniCian apprenTiCe, Tri-STaTe

What I’ve learned thus far in the Electric Power Technology course has

given me the confidence to feel like I can step up and take on the responsibilities the company has entrusted in me. I‘ve been able to (bring) some new concepts and ideas to the journeymen I work with that they haven’t seen or heard of yet. This really helps us as a company and as an industry.


the advantages• Apprentices have a foundation of knowledge from

the online industry-specific courses, which allows the in-house instruction to go deeper into the subject matter.

• After gaining more knowledge, apprentices are better prepared to step up to their responsibilities, show increased confidence and be inquisitive and engaged on the job.

• The online courses allow for flexibility with the company’s apprenticeship schedule, allowing for 4-, 8-, 12- and 16-week offerings

• Apprentices receive college credit for the courses.• Upon completion of the apprenticeship program,

apprentices are well on their way to obtaining an associate’s college degree.

• This program increases the number of college graduates at the company.

• The online courses are attractively priced when compared to other outsourced training options. EPCE members receive a discount on tuition.

the resultsTri-State substation apprentices enrolled in the BSC online courses beginning in the Fall 2010 semester. With the completion of the Spring 2013 semester, Tri-State appren-tices have enrolled in 178 courses and have accumulated 541 credit hours.

Over the course of six semesters, the class average for all Tri-State apprenticeship enrollments is an astounding 92.67 percent. The grade average indicates the apprentices are taking their formal training requirements seriously and this work ethic is translating directly to on-the-job performance.

Apprentices are able to demonstrate knowledge that has taken journeymen five or more years to learn on the job, and the program has generated an unexpected benefit of apprentices showing an increased level of confidence. Rath-er than tentatively lingering in the background, apprentices are posing intelligent questions and stepping up to their job responsibilities.

One Tri-State employee benefiting from this opportunity is Toby Doub, a substation technician who enrolled in the apprenticeship program three years ago. Doub success-fully completed his apprenticeship program in July and is now a full-fledged journeyman. As part of the program requirements, he completed 14 Electric Power Technology courses and is closer to earning an associate’s degree in Electric Power Technology. Doub takes pride in impressing his journeymen trainers with the knowledge and skills he learned through the program.

toBy DouBSuBSTaTion TeChniCian apprenTiCe, Tri-STaTe

The courses in the BSC Electric Power Technology are fantastic because at the

same time I’m gaining college credit hours that can be used toward a degree when I finish my apprenticeship program. It’s a win-win for both Tri-State and me.

over the course of six semesters, the class

average is an astounding

92.67%


next steps• Learn how your apprenticeship program can be

customized with online industry-specific Electric Power Technology courses.

• Speak with industry peers to learn how this program is benefiting their apprenticeship programs.

• Schedule an Electric Power Technology course demonstration.

• For more information, please contact Christine Carpenter, Director of EPCE at (303) 804-4663 or [email protected].

contriButing to this article:Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.Bismarck State College’s National Energy Center of Ex-

cellence offers online and classroom training for the energy industry. Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees can be earned, or courses can simply be taken for professional development and training. Classes are available in Electric Power Technology (distribution), Electrical Transmission Systems Technology (system operations), Power Plant, Process (refining, gasification, ethanol, biodiesel), Nuclear Power and Renewable Generation (wind, solar, tidal, hydro, biomass) Technologies. In addition, a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Energy Management is avail-able entirely online. The classes are offered in a convenient block-style format, giving students the opportunity to complete a class in 3-6 weeks. The National Energy Center

of Excellence is also known for their non-credit offerings such as apprenticeship programs, customized training and NERC CEH courses. For more information, visit www.energy.bismarckstate.edu

Energy Providers Coalition of Education (EPCE) is a national alliance of energy providers and education insti-tutions nationwide that delivers solutions to attract and engage the energy industry’s workforce through quality online education. These programs offer interested candi-dates and incumbent workers technical skills as well as academic knowledge needed for industry career paths in electric utilities and nuclear power. EPCE members cham-pion industry needs in their joint efforts to develop and sponsor an online curriculum with qualified accredited high schools, colleges and universities. EPCE celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2011. For more information, visit: www.epceonline.org.

unique partnerships build a blended learning apprenticeship training model

tri-state g&tan epCe member

organization utilizing epCe’s industry-specific online education and

training programs in their apprenticeship

program. www.tristategt.org

epcea member coali-

tion addressing the immediate needs of energy employers

by offering industry-built online curricu-lum and providing a pathway to prepare qualified candidates for energy careers.

www.epceonline.org

BscBismarck State Col-

lege, national energy Center of excellence is a leader in online energy technology education has pre-

pared workers for the energy industry since

1976. www.energy.bismarckstate.edu

Persons wanting more information about the Energy Generation Operations program should contact: John Pierce, [email protected], 800-933-7223 ext. 8394.

Or, if you are interested in hiring graduates, contact: Shelly Tolle at 800-933-7223 ext. 8242 or [email protected].

www.southeast.edu/EnergyGenerationOperations

What employers say about SCC’s program:“LES appreciates the foresight at SCC that drove investing the time and resources to bring the Energy Generation Operations program online. Having a local program that Nebraska utilities can help mold to fit their specific needs is a valuable resource that LES is proud to be a part of. The desire to source locally-educated and skilled operations staff for our generation facilities has been met by SCC with this program.” Brian McReynolds, Generation Operations, Lincoln Electric System “NPPD has been pleased to work with SCC for many years, and SCC has consistently provided us with quality employees. The Energy Generation Operations program is yet another way that SCC has stepped up to continue that commitment by preparing and providing a qualified workforce for Nebraska utilities.” Dallas Beshaler, NPPD Cooper Nuclear Station

Southeast Community College in Nebraska offers an associate degree program designed to satisfy the need for entry-level operators at utility power plants, ethanol production facilities, wind farms, and other process-related industrial sites. The Energy Generation Operations program is taught face-to-face on SCC’s Milford, Neb., Campus. Some courses also are offered online.This program is intended to train workers to be operators at nuclear, fossil fuel, biofuels, wind, solar, and other types of energy generating facilities, including electrical and fluid fuel systems. SCC designed the program based on common core skills and competencies required by operators at all types of energy production facilities. The program enhances SCC’s Electronic Systems Technology (I&C) and Electrical & Electromechanical Technology programs, which have been supplying highly-qualified technicians and electricians to the utility industry for decades.

The program consists of five quarters of instruction in core competencies common to all types of energy generation operations. The final sixth quarter is our focus quarter in which students choose from Nuclear, Fossil Fuels, or Process Operations focuses. Because SCC works on the quarter system, students can achieve their two-year degree in 18 months, providing a faster path to higher employment. SCC collaborated with various service providers in developing the program, including the Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District, Black Hills Energy, Lincoln Electric System, the Nebraska Ethanol Board, American Wind Energy Association, and the Nebraska Wind Working Group.

Energy Generation Operations program trains students to be entry-level operators

Partnering With Our Electric Cooperative Customers to Build Vibrant Rural Communities

800-542-8072 x32289 • www.cobank.com

360 COMMUNITIES • 4-H FOUNDATION • ABIGAIL’S ARMS COOKE COUNTY FAMILY CRISIS CENTER • ACADEMIC BOOSTER CLUB OF HCHS, INC. • ACTION FOR EASTERN MONTANA • ALBANY GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION • ALBEMARLE COMMUNITY TRUST • ALEGENT CREIGHTON HEALTH MEDICAL SERVICES FOUNDATION • ALEXANDRA HOUSE • ALS ASSOCIATION • ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION • AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY • AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY - PENNSYLVANIA DIVISION • AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE • AMERICAN RED CROSS - ALABAMA • AMERICAN RED CROSS CUMBERLAND VALLEY CHAPTER • ANSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION • APPALACHIAN ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, INC. • AREA YOUTH BENEFIT FUND • ARGIE COOPER LIBRARY • ARKANSAS SPECIAL OLYMPICS • ATLAS OF LYON COUNTY • AUDRAIN COUNTY MISSOURI UNITED WAY • BASTROP COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY TEAM • BAY HIGH SCHOOL MILLION DOLLAR BAND • BEDELL FAMILY YMCA • BETTER LIVING FOR GARRISON • BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF NW MICHIGAN • BLANCHARD VALLEY CENTER • BLUE RIDGE ELECTRIC MEMBERS FOUNDATION • BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE BIG BEND • BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MITCHELL COUNTY • BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF SIERRA VISTA, INC. • BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF LEE COUNTY • BRAZOS VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, INC. • BIRCH GROVE FOUNDATION • BUCKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION, INC. • C3 OF NORTHWEST ALABAMA • CAMP BOGGY CREEK • CAMP TOCCOA AT CURRAHEE, INC. • CANCER CARE CLUB • CANCER SUPPORT OF DEMING & LUNA COUNTY • CAPE HATTERAS UNITED METHODIST MEN • CARE TO LEARN • CASA OF CALLOWAY AND MARSHALL COUNTIES, INC. • CENTRAL & NORTHEAST MO FOOD BANK • CENTRAL GEORGIA EMC FOUNDATION • CENTRAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FOUNDATION • CENTRAL VALLEY ELECTRIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION • CENTRAL VIRGINIA FOOD BANK • CHARLESTON COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES • CHRISTIAN SERVICES, INC. • COASTAL ELECTRIC TRUST • CODINGTON-CLARK ELECTRIC CHARITABLE FUND INC. • COKER COLLEGE • COLUMBUS COUNTY AGRICULTUREL FAIR INC. • COMBINED COMMUNITY SERVICES WARSAW, IN • COMMUNITIES FOUNDATION OF OKLAHOMA • COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS • COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE TWIN TIERS • COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE GUNNISON VALLEY • COMMUNITY SHARING PANTRY INC. • CONTACT- REFERRAL CENTER FOR HUMAN RESOURCES • CORINTH AND ALCORN COUNTY UNITED WAY • COTTON ELECTRIC CHARITABLE FOUNDATION • COUNCIL ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INC. • COVINGTON COUNTY CHILDREN’S POLICY COUNCIL COALITION • CRYSTAL COAST HOSPICE HOUSE • DABO’S ALL-IN TEAM FOUNDATION • DUCHESNE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORP. • EAST CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY • EAST HUBBARD COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT • EAST MISSOURI ACTION AGENCY • EASTER SEALS UCP VIRGINIA • EDGAR COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • EDGECOMBE COUNTY RESCUE SQUAD • EL CAMPO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT • ENDLESS MOUNTAINS MEDICAL CARE FOUNDATION • ENERGY OUTREACH COLORADO • ENERGY SHARE OF MONTANA INC. • ENERGY SHARE OF NORTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY ACTION REGION VI • ERIN KIMBALL MEMORIAL FOUNDATION • FALL RIVER HELPING HANDS, INC. • FARM RESCUE • FEDERATED RURAL ELECTRIC TRUST • FLATHEAD VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION • FOUNDATION OF RURAL HOUSING • FRIENDS OF THE ARBORETUM • FRIENDS OF THE PINE RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY • FRONTIER ALLIANCE CORPORATION • GEC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • GETTING HOME, LLC • GOLDEN STRIP EMERGENCY RELIEF AGENCY • GOOD SAMARITAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER, INC. • GOOD SHEPHERD THRIFT STORE & FOOD BANK • GRAND FOUNDATION • GRANT LEE FIRE DEPARTMENT • GREAT LAKES SHIPWRECK HISTORICAL SOCIETY • GREATER BEMIDJI, INC. • GROW SOUTH DAKOTA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM • GUTHRIE CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT • H.D. YOUTH CENTER • HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF HENDERSON, KY • HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY • HABITAT FOR HUMANITY VAN BUREN COUNTY • HALIFAX COUNTY BUSINESS HORIZONS, INC. • HAND COUNTY 4-H LEADERS ASSOCIATION • HELPING ABUSED AND NEGLECTED KIDS, INC. • HARLAN COMMUNITY EDUCATION FOUNDATION • HEART OF KENTUCKY UNITED WAY • HEART OF VIRGINIA - BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA • HEARTLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • HENDRICKS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION/DEE DEE DANIEL OPPORTUNITY FUND • HIAWATHA HOMES • HIGH PLAINS OUTREACH • HILCO ELECTRIC TRUST • HOLY CROSS ENERGY ROUND UP FOUNDATION • HONOR FLIGHT BLUEGRASS CHAPTER • HOSPICE HOUSE • HOSPICE OF CERRO GORDO • HOUSE OF MANNA CENTER, INC. • HOUSTON COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY • HOWARD ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FUND • HUMANE SOCIETY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY • IEC FOUNDATION INC. • ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION • INDIANA MILITARY MUSEUM • INDUSTRIAL ISD EDUCATION FUND • IOWA 4-H FOUNDATION • ISD 2165 HINCKLEY-FINLAYSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS • JERSEY COUNTY FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION • KANSAS 4-H FOUNDATION, INC. • KEA EDUCATION FOUNDATION INC. • KEY TRAINING CENTER • KIT CARSON ELECTRIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION • KOOTENAI ELECTRIC TRUST PROJECT SHARE • LA CROSSE COMMUNITY THEATRE • LANGDON AREA HOCKEY BOOSTERS INC. • LOGAN ACRES COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • MADDOCK OPERA HOUSE ASSOCIATION • MADISON COUTY FAIR ASSOCIATION • MAIN STREET MOUNT PLEASANT • MCDONOUGH POWER COOPERATIVE CARES • MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION • MEEKER COOPERATIVE ELECTRIC TRUST • MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS • MERCY HOSPITAL CADILLAC FOUNDATION • MINNESOTA 4-H FOUNDATION • MINNESOTA TEEN CHALLENGE - KNOW THE TRUTH • MINOT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • MISSISSIPPI BURN FOUNDATION • MITCHELL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOUNDATION • MOHAVE’S FROM THE HEART, INC. • MONONA COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION • MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION • MORROW COUNTY EMERGENCY RESOURCES COUNCIL • MOULTON EMS • MULESHOE AREA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION • NC CONFERENCE OF UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES • ND STATE CHAPTER OF DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS • NOBLES-MURRAY RURAL ELECTRIC TRUST • NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL FOUNDATION, INC. 4-H DEVELOPMENT FUND • NORTH CAROLINA JAYCEE BURN CENTER AT UNC AT CHAPEL HILL • NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FOUNDATION, INC. • NORTHERN LIGHTS COMMUNITY TRUST • NORTHLAND FOUNDATION • NORTHWEST COMMUNITY ACTION • NRECA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION • NUECES CHARITIES, INC. • ONE ROOF ECUMENICAL ALLIANCE OUTREACH, INC. • OPERATION FOOD SEARCH INC. • OPERATION ROUND-UP • OPPORTUNITY PLAN, INC. • PANGUITCH FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION • PEARL RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE • PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE, INC. • PINON PROJECT • POTTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION • PRAIRIE LEARNING CENTER • PROJECT BIG HEART • PROJECT HELP • RAQUEL’S WINGS FOR LIFE • REA COMMUNITY TRUST • RICHLAND OPPORTUNITIES • RILEIGH & RAYLEE ANGEL RIDE • ROADRUNNER FOOD BANK • ROANOKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF ARKANSAS • RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF EASTERN NC • ROTARY CLUB OF KEY LARGO CHARITABLE EVENTS, INC. • ROXY THEATRE • RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FUND • RUTH MEIERS HOSPITALITY HOUSE • SALEM-RYAL FIRE DEPARTMENT • SALVATION ARMY • SANGRE DE CRISTO ELECTRIC OPERATION ROUND UP ASSOCIATION • SATILLA REMC FOUNDATION • SCOTT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • SECOND HARVEST HEARTLAND • SEELEY LAKE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • SHILOH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL • SNAPPING SHOALS ELECTRIC TRUST • SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY FOOD BANK • SOUTH CAROLINA HONOR FLIGHT • SOUTH CENTRAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL • SOUTH DAKOTA 4-H FOUNDATION • SOUTH DELTA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT • SOUTH DELTA PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT • SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA ALLIANCE FOUNDATION, INC. • SPECIAL LEARNING CENTER • SPOKANE NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PROGRAM • ST. ANDREW’S HOSPITAL • ST. ANTHONY REGIONAL HOSPITAL • ST. ANTHONY SCHOOL • ST. MARGARET’S COMMUNITY OUTREACH • SUMTER EMC FOUNDATION, INC. • SUMTER HABITAT FOR HUMANITY • TARA HALL HOME FOR BOYS • TELLER SENIOR COALITION • TELLURIDE FOUNDATION • THE CAMERON MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE • THE COVENTRY RESERVE • THE SALVATION ARMY CASCADE DIVISION, ROSEBURG, CORP • THEODORE ROOSEVELT MEDORA FOUNDATION • TIPTONVILLE MAIN STREET • TODD-WADENA COMMUNITY TRUST • TRINITY HEALTH FOUNDATION • UNION COUNTY 4-H • UNION COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION • UNITED GIVERS FUND OF DEKALB COUNTY, ALABAMA • UNITED POWER ROUND-UP FOUNDATION • UNITED WAY • UNITED WAY FOR JACKSON AND GEORGE COUNTIES • UNITED WAY OF ADAMS COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF AIKEN COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF ANCHORAGE • UNITED WAY OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF COSHOCTON COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF DESCHUTES COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF ELLIS COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE • UNITED WAY OF HAMPTON ROADS • UNITED WAY OF HAYWOOD COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF IREDELL COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF JAY COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY - POWER TO SHARE PROGRAM • UNITED WAY OF NORTH MS • UNITED WAY OF NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA • UNITED WAY OF OSLOW COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF OTTER TAIL COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF ROBESON COUNTY • UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST ALABAMA • UNITED WAY OF THE LOWCOUNTRY • UNITED WAY OF THE MARK TWAIN AREA • UNITED WAY OF THE PENNYRILE • UNITED WAY OF THE PINE BELT REGION • UNITED WAY OF THE TANANA VALLEY • UNITED WAY OF TUCSON • UNITED WAY OT THE GREATER CIPPEWA VALLEY • UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, LEE COUNTY 4-H • UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA FOUNDATION • VA, MD, & DEL ASSOC. 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ATION • BUCKLIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION, INC. • C3 OF NORTHWEST ALABAMA • CAMP BOGGY CREEK • CAMP TOCCOA AT CURRAHEE, INC. • CANCER CARE CLUB • CANCER SUPPORT OF DEMING AGENCY, INTHODIST MEN • CARE TO LEARN • CASA OF CALLOWAY AND MARSHALL COUNTIES, INC. • CENTRAL & NORTHEAST MO FOOD BANK • CENTRAL GEORGIA EMC FOUNDATION • CENTRAL RURAL METHTTTERAS UNITED ME HATUN& LUNA CO EDT

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MONONA COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION • MORGAN COUNTY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION • MORROW COUNTY EMERGENCY RESOURCES COUNCIL • MOULTON EMS • MULESHOE AREA EDUCATUCEETHODIST CHURCHES • ND STATE CHAPTER OF DOLLARS FOR SCHOLARS • NOBLES-MURRAY RURAL ELECTRIC TRUST • NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL FOUNDATION, INC. 4-H DEVELEV

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NITY COLLEGE • PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE, INC. • PINON PROJECT • POTTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION • PRAIRIE LEARNING CENTER • PROJECT BIG HEART • PROJECT HEOPPORTUNITIES • RILEIGH & RAYLEE ANGEL RIDE • ROADRUNNER FOOD BANK • ROANOKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF ARKANSARGO CHARITABLE EVENTS, INC. • ROXY THEATRE • RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE FUND • RUTH MEIERS HOSPITALITY HOUSE • SALEM-RYAL FIRE DEPARTMEA

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OPMENT DISTRICT • SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA ALLIANCE FOUNDATION, INC. • SPECIAL LEARNING CENTER • SPOKANNG AND DEVEMARGARET’S COMMUNITY OUTREACH • SUMTER EMC FOUNDATION, INC. • SUMTER HABITAT FOR HUMANIT

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S H A R I N G S U C C E S S

CoBank introduced the Sharing Success program in 2012 and 320 electric distribution and power cooperative customers across the U.S. made a real difference in their communities. Together, with CoBank, they gave nearly $2.4 million to non-profit groups across the U.S. through the bank’s charitable giving program.

We’re proud to continue the Sharing Success program in 2013 and will match up to $3 million in charitable contributions made by the cooperatives we serve. It’s one more way that CoBank creates value for its customers, by partnering with them to strengthen the communities we serve.

Sharing success is a hallmark of the cooperative spirit. For more information, please contact your CoBank relationship manager or visit cobank.com/sharingsuccess.

Trevor Chaney is from Nebraska City, NE, and is an energy generation operations major at Southeast Community College in Milford, NE. After completing his degree, he plans to work for a utility in the Nebraska City area. He will intern for Nebraska City Utilities this summer, and he is really enjoying learning about the electric energy industry.

Gordon needs is from Stapleton, NE, and he is working toward a utility line degree at Northeast Community College. Gordon helped Custer Public Power build 27 miles of a three-phase line last winter. He eventually plans to work full-time for a rural electric association after graduating.

The following Two sTudenTs were awarded with rMeL FoundaTion CraFT sChoLarships

F or the 2013-2014 academic year, the RMEL Foundation has awarded

$66,000 in scholarships to 22 deserving students pursuing careers in the electric energy industry. The RMEL Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee received over 400 well-qualified applications in 2013, more than ever before. With students applying from across the United States and pursuing many worthwhile degrees and careers in

the electric energy industry it was very difficult for the committee to select the recipients out of such a high caliber pool of applicants.

Recipients were selected based upon their goals for their future in the industry, motivation, academic achievements and service to their community and school.

Over the past 13 years the Foundation has awarded 139 scholarships totaling $306,500. The RMEL Foundation is proud to

award funding to these deserving students for continued education in the electric energy industry. The scholarship donations have been established through individual and corporate donations, as well as contributions from the Silent Auction, Spring Conference Golf Outing and the RMEL/RMEL Foundation Golf Tournament.

To learn more about the RMEL

Foundation, visit www.RMEL.org

rMeL FoundaTion awards

twenty twosChoLarships

w w w . r m e l . o r g 23

MarshaLL aLLen will graduate from Summit High School in June. He is majoring in chemical engineering with an undecided second major at Oregon State University. He has had an internship at OnTo technology LLC and has researched lithium-

ion batteries. Marshall would like to focus on energy storage and battery technology once he graduates.

desiree BeardMore is from Grain Valley, MO and she is currently majoring in nuclear engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She has taken an internship at Arizona Public Service’s Palo Verde

Nuclear Power Station this summer. After graduation, Desiree hopes to develop more efficient methods and equipment for nuclear power generation.

adaM CroMpTon is attending the University of Arizona and majoring in management information systems. Adam interned at SRP’s IT department last summer and worked on their physical inventory. After graduation, he hopes to be hired fulltime by

a utility company working in their IT department.

saMueL evans is a senior at Steller Secondary in Anchorage, AK and will graduate in May. He will be attending the University of Alaska and major in mechanical and electrical engineering. Sam has gained an interest in designing renewable

energy systems after assisting with the design and installation of a power system for his family’s home.

devan FiTzpaTriCk will graduate from Sand Point High School in Sand Point, ID in May. She will then attend Oregon State University and major in environmental engineering. Devan hopes to show that sustainable green energy is

an option as a future resource by using piezoelectric technology and increasing hydroelectricity.

MeGan Gray is from Gillette, WY and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering at Montana Tech. She will complete an internship this summer with Cloud Peak Energy. Megan would like to continue working with coal as she

believes coal fired plans become more efficient and better for the environment with each year and new technology.

Tara henry is from Yuma, AZ and will graduate from Gila Ridge High School in May. She will then attend California Institute of Technology and major in mechanical engineering. Tara would eventually like to obtain her doctorate in mechanical engineering

to help her prepare for the ever changing electric world.

paTriCk keep will graduate from Columbus High School in Columbus, NE in May. He will be attending Iowa State University and majoring in mechanical engineering. He would also like to work towards a master’s degree in engineering

mechanics or engineering management. Patrick’s long-term goal is to design and develop clean, environmentally friendly fuel sources for the generation of electricity.

JaCoB kuhLMan is attending Kansas State University and working towards a chemical engineering degree. He would like to explore the production of hydrocarbons or research the development of new renewable

sources for energy production. Through his father, Jacob has seen the possibilities of an electrical engineer and is excited about his future in energy.

paTriCk Link is from Ouray, CO and will graduate from Ouray High School in May. He will be attending the Colorado School of Mines in the fall and major in electrical engineering. Through San Miguel Power Association and its

programs, Patrick has learned of the value the electric utility industry provides and how important it is. He plans to be one of the best electrical engineers in the world.

This year, FiFTeen sTudenTs were chosen to receive rMeL FoundaTion BaCCaLaureaTe sChoLarships


w w w . r m e l . o r g 25

ThoMas Myres is attending the University of Iowa and studying electrical engineering. He has interned at Duane Arnold Energy Center for the past two years and will return again this summer. Thomas

believes the U.S. should be building next generation power plants, and hopes to help contribute to the industry after graduating in May 2015.

ruBy roLL will graduate from Durango High School in Durango, CO in May. She will then attend Lewis & Clark College and major in physics. Ruby would like to find viable alternative electrical energy sources for the industry

by learning how lighting works and how electrons interact with generators and power storage.

CorBin TayLor is a junior at Wichita State University and will major in electrical engineering. He has shadowed electrical engineers at various power companies and has found the industry interesting. Corbin believes power

and energy are incredibly fundamental in the scope of electrical engineering, and would like to work for an electric power company upon graduation.

Myder vanG is from Saginaw, MI and is studying electrical engineering at Michigan Technological University. She has interned with consumers Energy for four summers and plans to work with them upon graduation.

Myder would like to provide her community with affordable and reliable electric power and also reduce air pollution by transitioning the industry to wind power.

MorGan zeMaiTis will graduate from Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, NC in May. She will then attend the University of North Carolina and study environmental science. Morgan would like to study

climate change, air quality deficiencies and natural resource issues to help the industry’s sustainability.

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ryan riCkerson will graduate from Georgetown High School in Georgetown,

TX in May. In the fall, he will attend Texas A&M University and major in electrical engineering. At age 12, Ryan built a working gas-powered scooter and knew he would pursue a career in engineering. After graduation, Ryan would like to be an electrical engineer with hopes of becoming a managing EE or a company director.

The RMEL Foundation zaChry hoLdinGs, inC.

sChoLarshipwas awarded to:

CongratulationsTo aLL This year’s sChoLarship reCipienTsT h E 2 0 1 4 S c h o L a R S h i p a p p L i c a T i o n W i L L b E a v a i L a b L E S o o n

adaM pineau is from Easton, KS, and is currently pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at Wichita State University. While he was a senior in high school, he obtained his journeyman license from a technical college and had the chance to gain experience in the electric energy industry. He plans to eventually work on power grids and wants to help rebuild the power system.

adaM MeTzGer is from Rock Port, MO and is majoring in mechanical engineering, specializing in power production, at Kansas State University. He worked as a Local Leak Rate Tester at NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station during a refuel outage, which was the “icing on the cake” for his decision to work in the industry. Adam would like to work at a nuclear power plant, preferably back at Cooper.

Two sTudenTs received the rMeL FoundationBLaCk & veaTCh FoundaTion sChoLarship

danieL sMiTh will graduate from Newport High School in Bellevue, WA in June. He will then

attend Harvard University and major in a math or science degree. Daniel’s grandfather worked on the Big Horn Electrical Energy Committee and has inspired him to help improve the lives of the people around him by developing electrical capabilities and providing important services to the community.

The RMEL Foundation wärTsiLä norTh

aMeriCa sChoLarship was awarded to:

Joshua ThoMas is from Stilwell, KS, and is majoring in computer science at Dartmouth

College. He would like to use his degree to use algorithms and programming to control demand and equalize the supply and demand requirements of the power grid. After graduation, Joshua would like to transform the electric power industry by using alternative energy sources.

The RMEL Foundation uLTeiG sChoLarship

was awarded to:


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The Generation Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to energy production and supply in the utility industry, including planning and development.

Core event: Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference and Roundtable

This conference addresses subjects related to fuel mix, fuel costs, fuel availability, renewables, fossil fuels, resource planning, plant siting, facility development, technologies and demand-side management along with regulatory and policy is-sues. The 2014 event is slated for March 6-7 in Lone Tree, CO.

Core event: Plant Management Conference and Roundtable

Topics at this event cover construction, operations, maintenance, emissions, water quality, plant personnel, fuels, planning, security, safety and technologies. Regula-tory and policy issues, strategies and procedures that plant personnel can use to optimize operations and performance will also be covered. Attendees will learn about best prac-tices to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and extend the life of their existing plants. The 2014 event will take place July 29-30 at the Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Salt Lake City, UT.

RMEL Events are Traveling More Than Ever in 2014

Look for rMEL EvEnts in CoLorado, Missouri, nEbraska, tExas and utah

By hosting 30 events every year, RMEL has consistently offered valuable and practical educational programming for the di-verse electric energy professionals who make up its membership. The value of RMEL is its membership. The companies and people who are part of this association develop association resources, so content is by members for members.

RMEL events are easily identifiable by sections that include Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Safety and Manage-ment. Each section features core events that repeat every year at the same time, so everyone can plan ahead. Event content is designed based on current, critical topics. Section elective events are created each year based on industry need. More infor-mation on each section along with preliminary details about 2014 events are listed below.

w w w . r m e l . o r g 29

The Transmission Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solu-tions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining transmission facilities in the utility indus-try, including substations.

2014 eleCtive: Transmission Operations and Maintenance Conference

The Transmission Operations and Maintenance Confer-ence will take place in June 26 in Omaha, NE. This confer-ence addresses subjects related to transmission operations and maintenance, such as NERC Facility Alert standardizing equipment, LiDAR, retention and training, vegetation man-agement, birds, new technologies and asset management.

Core event: Transmission Planning and Operations Conference

This conference addresses subjects related to planning, per-mitting, design, construction, technologies, renewable integra-tion and substations. It will also cover regulatory and policy issues. In 2014, this event will take place March 11-12 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

Core event: Renewable Planning and Operations Conference

Presentations at the Renewable Planning and Operations Conference will analyze planning, integration, operations and new technologies related to renewables. Presenters will also cover regulatory and policy issues. This event will take place October 16, 2014, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

The Distribution Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solu-tions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining distribution facilities in the utility industry, including distributed generation.

2014 eleCtive: Distribution Engineers WorkshopDistribution engineers will have a unique opportunity to

hear from a wide range of utilities during the Distribution Engineers Workshop February 13-14 in Lone Tree, CO. In-structors will cover topics like system planning methodology, transmission design, transformer sizing, harmonics, inter-connecting to distributed generation, new technologies and utility engineering through the eyes of a lineman.

2014 eleCtive: Asset Management ConferenceThe Asset Management Conference will take place October

9th. This event will include topics such as underground cable, lightning protection, switching surges, copper wire theft, sub-station maintenance, equipment retirement, substation inspec-tion tools, tools for transmission line inspections and more.

2014 eleCtive: Review of IEEE Guide for Distribution System Workshop

The Review of IEEE Guide for Distribution System Work-shop is slated for November 6 in Lone Tree, CO. Multiple instructors will cover topics like pole inspection, transformer inspection, area equipment, underground distribution, C62 series, 84 series, protection and more.

Core event: Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference

Presenters at this event will discuss both overhead and un-derground distribution systems, distribution operations and maintenance topics, and substations topics. Planning may be touched on, but is not the focus of the conference. Regulatory and policy issues will also be discussed but are not the focus. In 2014, the event will take place March 13-14 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

The Safety and Training Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to workplace safety and training at production, transmission and distribution, and management facilities in the utility industry.

Core event: Health, Safety and Training Conference

One of the most critical areas of focus for every utility is safety. Safety concerns impact every area of the business. This newly expanded two-and-a-half-day conference will include broad safety, health and training initiatives and programs, and take that focus throughout the organization to include discussions about personal efforts to stay safe. Topics will include transition from lineman to salaried employees, OSHA updates, human performance, arc flash, substation security and fire protection, near miss reporting ergonomics/stretching programs, fall restraint, pole climbing and bucket trucks, sub-station and fault protection, industrial equipment and more. In 2014, the event will take place April 23-25 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

Core event: Safety Roundtables — February, April, August and November

Safety Roundtables are an opportunity to discuss corporate safety issues in the electric utility industry, issues for operations and craft safety, and other electric energy


safety issues. Each participant can pose questions and share information. All attendees are encouraged to bring issues for discussion and materials for sharing. 2014 Safety Round-tables will take place February 21 at Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association in Westminster, CO; April 25 at the Denver Marriott South in Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO; August 2014 in Kansas City, MO; and November 14 at Platte River Power Authority in Fort Collins, CO.

The Management Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solv-ing all issues related to the management of assets, planning, operations and workforce of the utility industry, including corporatewide critical issues and topics that affect different management levels. Discussion may be technical but in general maintains perspective from a higher management level. This section includes demand-side management, energy efficiency and sustainability. This section also incorporates miscellaneous industry areas and fringe topics not covered in other sections.

2014 eleCtive: Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop

The Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop is set for January 2014 in Texas. This course is designed to acquaint non-technical utility employees with the basics of their industry, from the generation to the distribution of electricity. The workshop will focus on five areas: an overview to electricity and electri-cal power systems, information about conventional production methods, alternative technologies, transmission and distribution systems, and customer service. The course places emphasis on understanding various words, terms and phrases unique to the electric power industry. Participants will gain a clear insight into how electricity works for the end-use customer.

2014 eleCtive: Utility Financing for the Non-Financial Personnel Workshop

The Utility Financing for Non-Financial Personnel Work-shop is set for January 21-22, 2014 in Lone Tree, CO. This two-day course is for professionals in operations, mainte-nance, engineering, construction, and shared services in the electric utility industry who desire improved decision making skills, particularly those who are currently in or preparing for leadership positions.

2014 eleCtive: Electric Utility Workforce Management Roundtable

The Electric Utility Workforce Management Conference and Roundtable will take place March 27, 2013, in Lone Tree, CO. Workforce issues continue to be a challenge to the utility industry today, and it doesn’t look like they are going away anytime soon. Predictions that much of the industry’s

talent and experience will be eligible to retire within the next five years are not myths but realities. At the same time, the pool of young talent coming into the industry may not be sufficient to replace this aging workforce. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? These presentations will look at programs and strategies that are under way to deal with this issue.

2014 eleCtive: NERC Training Conference and Roundtable

The NERC Training Conference and Roundtable will take place June 12, 2014, in Lone Tree, CO. The demand for clar-ity on NERC compliance and in-depth information on audits is growing rapidly. This event provides a unique forum for members to come together to share experiences and expertise in the area of NERC compliance and audit experiences. This is your opportunity to prepare yourself for NERC audits by networking and learning from other NERC compliance managers with similar responsibilities.

Core event: Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference

The Spring Management, Engineering and Opera-tions Conference has been a tradition since RMEL’s early

w w w . r m e l . o r g 31

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beginnings. Known for providing outstanding continuing education and networking opportunities, this conference is a must-attend event for engineering, operations and management personnel in the electric energy industry. With 30 presentations, this conference covers issues in generation, transmission, distribution, safety, customer service, human resources and other management topics. The timely topics and breakout structure of the conference allow attendees to customize their education experience to focus on presenta-

tions and resources that address their needs. Ample time is also provided to network with industry peers and visit with exhibitors. Maximize your time and training budget with this value-priced and content-rich event. Continuing education certificates are provided for the sessions attended. The 2014 Spring Management, Engineering and Opera-tions Conference is set for May 18-20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Austin in Austin, TX.

Core event: Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention

The RMEL Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention started in October 1903. Since that first meeting, the Fall Convention has grown and evolved into one of the industry’s leading events for senior manage-ment. The Convention provides a relaxed forum for networking with your peers and colleagues to find and share solutions to the critical issues that keep you up at night. The primary focus of the Convention is the educational presentations. Utility executives offer their insight and thoughts on a variety of issues, trends, challenges and the direction they are leading their companies. Speakers are primarily CEOs, senior executives and other top leaders from inside the industry discussing the issues that matter most to you. Find significant value in the two-day streamlined format. Make the connections you need and learn from educa-tion presentations that will ben-efit you and your company. The 2014 Fall Convention will take place September 14-16 at the Hy-att Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, TX.

Continue Discussing Issues in Your Section on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

RMEL’s trusted network is now accessible on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Join us by

transmission

distribution

materials

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AND

w w w . r m e l . o r g 33

visiting www.RMEL.org and clicking the social network logos on the top right of the page.

Join RMEL’s social networks to:

Discuss industry news and trends with your peers.

Connect with RMEL members with similar interests.

Stay updated on the latest industry and RMEL news.

Find news and pictures from recent RMEL events.

Take an In-Depth Look at Section BenefitsRMEL has services and content focused on utilities’ top

priorities that participants can attend year after year. The core events, electives, RMEL Course Catalog and round-table events bring a fresh perspective to the RMEL educa-tional experience in each section.

RoundtablesdisCuss Your PrioritiEs and drivE rMEL ContEnt

These forums allow you to meet in a setting that focuses on trust and peer-to-peer sharing. RMEL roundtables serve as a catalyst for future program development. By increasing your participation in discussion forums and enhancing roundtables, you can maximize the potential of the RMEL com-munity and network with RMEL contacts throughout the year — whether you are at an RMEL event, your desk or in the field.

Core EventsrECurring EvEnts LEt You PLan ahEad

Core events in each section are scheduled for the same time every year so you can plan ahead. At least one signature event has been established for each section, and section participants can quickly and easily identify with their events. Topics at core events evolve to stay relevant and ahead of electric energy industry trends.

ElectivesEvEnts dEdiCatEd to CritiCaL issuEs of thE daY

From year to year, RMEL will offer new events in each section to cover the latest technolo-gies, evolving trends and critical issues that aren’t covered at core events. These events will zero in on your top priorities at any given time and may not repeat from year to year. Electives can take the form of an RMEL conference, workshop or roundtable.

Course Catalogbring rMEL CoursEs to You

Bring an RMEL workshop to your location or region. Refer to the course catalog for your section to choose a course from a listing of successful RMEL events, which will be taught by an instructor RMEL has worked with in the past. These are not scheduled events and are specifically designed to custom-fit your needs and timetable.

Use this Education Edition of Electric Energy magazine to reintroduce yourself to RMEL education, and learn more about RMEL by visiting www.RMEL.org.

800.438.0790


A group of electric energy industry executives gathered on September 9th during RMEL’s Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention to discuss the most critical challenges and issues facing electric utilities. A key message from the forum is that electricity has empowered Americans since the late 1800s. Everything a utility stands for benefits the American public: safety, reliability and affordability. From educating our children to defending our country, this country’s success is powered by reliable and affordable electricity. “Electricity is the lifeblood of the American economy,” said one Vital Issues Forum attendee.

We enjoy our way of life because of electricity. Somehow, the country never got this message and the majority of the popu-lation only thinks about electricity when the power goes out. Instead of spending time and money on public relations and lobbying campaigns, those who keep the lights on have been busy keeping the lights on. Today, many in the industry are watch-ing the politically-driven changes to the system and wondering how we can keep our quality of life when affordability and reliability are falling lower and lower on the government’s priority list. It has now become critical to communicate the com-plexities of this industry to policy makers and to the public.

The industry is in transition, and utili-ties are faced with challenges from new technology, renewables, regulations, cyber security, distributed generation, net meter-ing, a growing reliance on the gas industry infrastructure, retiring coal and nuclear plants, increased costs and more. What will become of the industry? What are the re-sources of the future? One attendee posed a question to the group, “Fast forward 10-15 years. What will we wish we’d done better

and more of in 2013?” One suggestion: don’t let all of this change happen to us as an industry. Be part of the change.

Did we already lose a public relations battle? Do we now have to rely upon 15-minute sound bite presentations to get the utility perspective to congress? Whether or not we have a say in what happens to this industry is entirely up to us. Utilities can work together to educate the public and create a solid energy policy.

The general American public can only see the benefits of renewables, not the costs or intermittence or large amounts of trans-mission that must be built. Utility leaders are put in positions where they bash coal and tout “windtricity.” Utilities advertise and spin their message to make it seem as if implementing renewables is much easier than it actually is. Entire towns are incor-rectly stating that they use 100% renew-able generation. This is what the industry is up against: the media, political leaders and even some electric energy industry leaders.

How can we expect to get to the public across if utilities don’t work together to communicate our message? One forum attendee described a critical

problem: “With regulator and policy uncertainty and the war on coal, utilities are starting to diverge and pit ourselves against each other – that won’t benefit any of us. We have an ability to influ-ence policy, but if we can’t get together how do we make a difference?”

The electric energy workforce is key.As more young, talented graduates

prepare to join America’s workforce, utili-ties can attract and engage new employees to find solutions to industry challenges of today and tomorrow. Many utilities are engaging schools to help them teach what this industry is really all about, and there is a great opportunity for more of those partnerships with education. The demands on electric utilities will only increase. “What got us here won’t get us here. What’s the next level of innovation that allows us to give customers what they want?”

Combine that innovation with cus-tomer education and a formalized energy policy, and electric utilities are solidly back in the game. This is a call to action. RMEL is a resource to align with utilities of all types. The association has been in the background gathering utility repre-sentatives for roundtable discussions for 110 years. But what role would you like RMEL to play now? Contact us at (303) 865-5544 or [email protected] to tell us your feedback and ideas.

Below are discussion points for the 2013 Vital Issues Forum:

SuStaining a Way of Life: america’S eLectricity2013 Vital issues Forum summary

w w w . r m e l . o r g 35

Workforce and Safety+ Skilled labor is going to be a real

critical issue+ Dealing with aging workforce and

labor and the impact of the cycle of negotiations to include unifying ben-efits and defined position descriptions

+ Generation entering workforce; listen to them – young workforce panel at RMEL’s Spring Conference that we replicated

+ Really concerned about craft workers; can we keep them motivated?

+ Reinforcement – succession planning; leadership development; not just for leadership, but understanding first-line supervisor

+ There is a perception that online and virtual training forego the need for face-to-face training – online training is not the answer for everything

+ Sustainability for small municipal systems; marginal costs; tremendous squeeze on these systems; we have trouble keeping linemen because we are competing with bigger utilities

+ I’ve had the unfortunate experience of having 2 fatalities in the last 2 years; people get so distracted by all the compliance criteria; with any incident investigation we ask about what hap-pened, and they say “I knew better than to do that, but I was thinking about whether I ‘d done paperwork and clearance”

+ We are taking all these industry challenges and putting it on a set of employees; are we doing enough? Are we shielding them from the things they can’t control?

+ Succession planning and the compe-tency we’re losing in our industry are issues

+ All new standards can be a distraction+ There is a high cost associated with

turnover; there is a new breed of workers who are incentivized very differently; we have to use a different model to bring them in

+ Changing the safety culture is really about changing the culture of our

workforce; there may be an indi-vidual who has taken shortcuts for awhile and has gotten away with it; it’s about changing culture and bringing back safety, accountability and responsibility; being our broth-ers’ and sisters’ keepers; Over the last couple of years, people are shar-ing information and looking out for each other more

+ 1/3 of our craft workforce have recently graduated; there are tons who have interest

+ Will our board and the industry continue to support training or not? The industry kind of gave up in the 80s and 90s, now we need to put resources in place so we don’t steal each other’s employees

+ How do we keep the interest of young linemen?

reLiabiLity, coSt and grid impactS+ Managing variability; have to make

the grid more adaptable+ Smart grid and infrastructure conver-

sion; a lot of entities going toward that; I’d like to see advantages and disadvan-tages of those implementations; was it really as beneficial as they thought?

+ Reliability issue: electricity in our society isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity;

when the lights go out, the customers don’t worry about paying for it; they say get it back on - I absolutely need it; I worry about reliability as the industry changes

+ When wind doesn’t blow or sun doesn’t shine, what’s reliable? Gas?

+ Reliability and making sure we realistically look at what’s behind that, including the cost to make sure it’s there

+ Net metering and smart grid issues are all important to us; other thing is reliability – how do we pay for capital improvements; the transmission infra-structure needs to be fixed – how do we fund these things?

+ What are the benefits of the smart grid? Justify the investment to make that leap; what can we learn from those installations; we are increasing the amount of information being pro-cessed and have to balance that with privacy concerns customers have with smart meters

+ With more renewables, there are more swings and different systems for us to manage and ramp; I think we can do it, but we need to know what we’re taking on

+ Feed-in tariffs at the distribution level; it is a cost shift; those people who feed-in are not paying the rate; the people who can least afford it are; if the public really understood, they might have a different position on this

+ Industries are really trying to com-pete; cost is really critical; think about what we pay for cell phones; people don’t think anything of it; we provide quality of life to the public; rate design really needs to be looked at

+ There is a tendency to lose the long-term view for the short-term markets and short-term market gain

+ We are in the middle of implement-ing an integrated resource market; I get really concerned about short-term versus long-term; a hedge fund manager worries about entities that are going for short-term gain not understanding the risk that goes with that profile and then getting hurt as


a result; need to have a long-term focus; we are facing this in our part of the country now and the western interconnect is starting to think about this kind of model too

+ Keystone XL Pipeline: look at the amount of effort analyzing the environmental impact of this project, which is still languished in a political process; that’s going to roll over into our projects; think about what we have to change; it’s going to be nearly impossible to get it all done

+ Infrastructure aspect: there are as-sumptions about the transmission system; RTOs will come and integrate renewables across grid systems - across BLM land; how do you get permits? Federal permits are expiring; there are tribal land issues; we’re told not to worry about repermitting; what’s important is to build these lines so we can integrate renewables; all resources have been reverted to the newest shiny object: renewables.

+ Transmission infrastructure: a lot of transmission infrastructure was in-stalled decades ago; asset management: how do we work on what needs to be replaced the most? What do replace-ments do to rates?

+ We’re seeing a quality problem, and equipment and material procurement is more difficult.

+ Utilities represent the American public; we make sure the system is robust and we have to get the economics right; otherwise, can’t satisfy the 75% of people who believe in renewables

+ In a low growth rate environment where we traditionally have made technology and efficiency changes, how will the industry implement a new wave of technology and meet requirements for efficiency? There’s a finance or equity-based question: what will be the cost and what is the source of funds?

+ Net metering – wealthier members are installing renewables; low-income households have to pick up the cost

+ If the industry is going to have the majority of fuel coming from natural

gas, what is the reliability of the gas transmission system and what are the impacts of volatility on price?

poLicy and pubLic opinion+ Policy is getting ahead of capability;

the bottom line is that we have to keep the lights on

+ Educating customers; do they know what’s going to happen to cost if we provide everything being requested?

+ We’ve lost a PR battle when it comes to renewable energy – we were never even in that fight; Rockport, Mis-souri advertises that they get all their electricity from wind; but wind only produces 16% of time; they are buying power from fossil fuels just like the rest of us

+ I’m worried about my country; quality of life in the U.S.; my grandchildren; only way to improve is to compete in the global market place; U.S. has an advantage in terms of abundant industry; electricity is the lifeblood of our economy; we have to maintain that advantage

+ 5 grandkids; I talk to them about the

disinformation about this industry a lot; had this conversation with my son-in-law:-Are you worried about energy? -No sir. -What if your bill goes up? - Haven’t you listened to the ads? It’s all about Windtricity

- If your bill doubled, would it make you uncomfortable?

-Yeah. + How long before it becomes some-

thing people take enough interest in? Most still don’t get it. We haven’t lost the battle; misinformation and com-munication are so vital; we can’t even defend our country without electricity

+ 2 different Fall Convention speakers with different perspectives than our typical speakers cited studies that say 80% of renewables by 2050 is pos-sible, that is very concerning

+ What if the public won’t believe us?+ Communication is something I worry

about; school kids are learning about windmills without a good understand-ing of where your power comes from; those same kids go work in Congress when they’re out of school

+ When you only have elevator speech timeframes with policy makers, it’s

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really a difficult situation; trying to explain the complexity of this industry in 15-minute timeframes; something incredibly complex has to be dumbed down to a one page handout

+ Municipal Renaissance: Boulder try-ing to get out from under the utility; paints the municipal model in a new light

+ I hear all the time about what customers need and the fact that we have customers using too much electricity; I submit to all of us that the way of life we enjoy is electricity – cheap electricity; otherwise we’d be building a campfire out of wood with smoke; electricity is affordable and clean and we are continuing to increase the kinds of things we’re able to do as an industry

+ The communication piece is huge; need to communicate to people and educate them; our utilities do a lot with teachers; teaching teachers; they get CEUs; the effort needs to be bigger

+ I grew up on the generation side of the business in the south with lots of coal plants; wind power was just something we talked about; it’s very diversified in the west; I’m fascinated by the utility industry; learning about the utility business is like getting a PhD, but the public wants a 3-page document; if we don’t’ tell our story, someone else will

+ Washington is moving ahead with regulations. We can’t follow everything that’s happening, but this is when it’s most important that we have boots on the ground so regulators can understand the utility perspective. The assumption is that if a utility shuts down a coal plant, then CO2 emis-sions go down. We know that’s not what happens. Another country comes in and purchases it – leaving behind the pollution control that we have in the United States. The industry can engage in a dialogue and explain these things to create a policy that works. 75% of Americans say climate change is a problem. The president says that too. Engagement is really important.

Regulatory and policy makers don’t hear the general concern in this room.

+ Look at the idea of a comprehen-sive energy policy: where do we need to go as an industry? Formu-late a policy that makes sense, and gets things accomplished

+ Our country is going through a state of change; people have a different view of what’s important; not going to change that, but we can educate ourselves and educate them

reguLationS, reneWabLeS and the epa+ We spend a lot of time dealing

with the EPA+ Regulation in Arizona is a lot of

fun; as a cooperative, our supplier is having EPA issues with coal fired plants, which are 80% of our baseload; one of our main eco-nomic drivers is Fort Huachuca; sequestration is hitting us pretty hard now and there are lawsuits over water

+ There is a lot of short-term plan-ning for regulations, and I don’t know if putting in back-end controls is still going to be enough if something else comes down the pike; we are trying to convince our elected officials to put these in not knowing the future

+ EPA should allow states to regulate because the states would take into account our community; we’re a poor community; allow us time – we know we have to put this in but give us time to not have a huge impact on customers; Cost/benefit analysis: is the EPA paying attention to that? Plants will shut down – coal will shift out of the country where there are no EPA regulations; If we don’t get control in 3 years the sky won’t fall, but that’s what we’re faced with

+ Climate change – there is an absence of any political resolution

+ As for studies that say 80% renew-ables in the future is possible, I suggest an agenda topic to get researchers in here and challenge that

+ There is a lot to talk about and discuss. The voters want renewables. Largest owner of wind is MidAmeri-

w w w . r m e l . o r g 39

can, a Warren Buffet company. One utility executive said we’ve got to get off of coal; the sooner the better

+ NERC compliance issues – what’s the relation of compliance to actual reli-ability issues?

+ With regulator and policy uncertainty and the war on coal, utilities are start-ing to diverge and pit

ourselves against each other – that won’t benefit any of us. We have an ability to influence policy, but if we can’t get together how do we make a difference? Look at the petro-chemical industry; they all compete but are very well aligned

+ When it comes to net metering, there’s a fundamental economic fairness question; the communities that can least afford to are having to subsidize the cost

+ The cost of compliance is another issue that impacts safety because people are so caught up in doing paperwork

+ There is a blurring of lines between jurisdiction of the state commission and regulatory bodies; even jurisdic-tional issues amongst those agencies themselves; ratepayers are the ones who are most impacted

+ Increased regulations and all the gov-ernment scrutiny seem to be getting increasingly worse; trying to get an air permit; this used to take 3-6 months and we are now 2 years into it

+ Gas – putting all our eggs in one basket is pretty scary; really need to make sure customers understand all those issues

+ Where are our resources going to be in the future? Look at the coal industry; all our alternatives for coal are gas, gas and gas, but we still have a tremendous resource of coal; what about nuclear? Nuclear units being retired now

future of the induStry+ This is an industry in transition;

over the next 3-4 decades, what faces us in the 6-10 years will be the biggest change in the industry; changes in nuclear, aging infrastruc-ture, renewables and globalization; how do we prepare this next gen-eration of leaders to think broadly enough to make changes? Look at

our ability to communicate – how do I help somebody learn to communicate more effectively? Look at our ability and interest in improving competitive-ness and value; are we setting the bar high enough? trying to improve on a global basis; our level of competitive-ness and value-add has to be consider-ably above what was good today or yesterday; use of technology; incent to use technology way beyond anything we’ve had in the past; use of expert knowledge; so many people are leaving the workforce; how do we capture that? What kind of examples to do we set for people? What’s going to get us through industry’s biggest challenges? Fast forward 10-15 years; what will we wish we’d done better and more of in 2013? That’s the obligation we owe to the next generation of industry leaders

+ I’m thinking about by staff and chal-lenging them to think about problems and solutions; what got us here won’t get us here; what’s the next level of innovation that allows us to give cus-tomers what they want?

+ What happens in a lot of cases; so much noise that goes on; there are a lot of people waiting on leaders to solve problems, but people in this industry are closest to the solution

+ We are engaged in a strategic or road-map process; where do we want to be in 10 years? What’s the input in terms of value proposition? Where do we most add value?

+ Change is just going to be unbeliev-ably rampant; 450 mw coal plants are being replaced with gas; nuclear plants are being retired; these things are actu-ally happening; distributed generation is a big deal – it’s going to happen. Is it going to happen to us or are we going to be part of it? Or will Microsoft or Google be the ones implementing this? We’ve got to get people into this industry to deal with all this change. My daughter and her friends are in school studying engineering, and I talk to them about what they’re learning. The talent pool is there.


Utility Executive Course

61st Annual Utility Executive Course June 9 - 26, 2014

“The Utility Executive

Course is an exceptional

learning opportunity

and an important tool in

the development of our

emerging leaders.”

Michael YackiraPresident and Chief Executive OfficerNV Energy

61 Years of Excellent Utility Education

• ProvenTrackRecord

• Competency-BasedCurriculum

A Rich Network of Utility Leaders

Phone: 208.885.6265Fax: 208.885.5580E-mail: [email protected]: www.uiuec.org

JUNe 24-26, 2014

4th ANNUAL

• World-ClassFaculty

• ExceptionalNetworkBuilding

w w w . r m e l . o r g 41

About RMEL SectionsRMEL sections make the experience finding tangible

value with the association easy. Participants have probably identified with these sections without even trying.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to shar-ing, networking and solutions of all issues related to energy production in the utility industry, including planning and development.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining transmission facili-ties in the utility industry, including substations.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to planning, engineering, operating and maintaining distribution facili-ties in the utility industry, including distributed generation.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solutions of all issues related to workplace safety and training at production, transmission and distri-bution and management facilities in the utility industry.

A community of industry professionals dedicated to shar-ing, networking and solutions of all issues related to the management of assets, planning, operations and workforce of the utility industry, including corporate-wide critical is-sues and topics that affect different management levels.

By hoSting 30 EvEntS EvERy yEAR,

RMEL has consistently offered valuable

and practical educational programming

for the diverse electric energy profession-

als who comprise its membership. As tech-

nology, public policy and consumer satis-

faction drive changes to members’ jobs

faster than ever before, RMEL will help ev-

eryone stay prepared with daily access to

information that impacts every utility.

The value of RMEL is its membership.

The companies and people that make

up this association develop association

resources, so content is by members for

members. By taking advantage of RMEL

Sections, members can take ownership of

their role in the association and jump into

the offered resources, like communica-

tion specific to section topics, core events

for each section that recoccur every year,

section electives that change each year

and course catalog of programs for mem-

bers to bring to their locations. Round-

tables provide a trusted forum and drive

RMEL programs.

Utility Executive Course

61st Annual Utility Executive Course June 9 - 26, 2014

“The Utility Executive

Course is an exceptional

learning opportunity

and an important tool in

the development of our

emerging leaders.”

Michael YackiraPresident and Chief Executive OfficerNV Energy

61 Years of Excellent Utility Education

• ProvenTrackRecord

• Competency-BasedCurriculum

A Rich Network of Utility Leaders

Phone: 208.885.6265Fax: 208.885.5580E-mail: [email protected]: www.uiuec.org

JUNe 24-26, 2014

4th ANNUAL

• World-ClassFaculty

• ExceptionalNetworkBuilding

youR RMEL SectionS


Section BenefitsRMEL has services and content focused on utilities’ top

priorities that participants can attend year after year. In each section, core events, electives, the RMEL Course Catalog and added roundtable events bring a fresh perspective to the RMEL educational experience.

RoundtablesDiscuss Your Priorities anD Drive rmel content

These forums allow you to meet in a setting that focuses on trust and peer-to-peer sharing. RMEL round-tables serve as a catalyst for future program development. By increasing your participation in discussion forums and enhancing roundtables, you can maximize the potential of the RMEL community and network with RMEL contacts throughout the year—whether you’re at an RMEL event, your desk, or in the field.

Core Eventsrecurring events let You Plan aheaD

Core events in each section reoccur at the same time every year so you can plan ahead. At least one signature event has been established for each section, and section participants can quickly and easily identify with their events. Topics at core events evolve to stay relevant and ahead of electric energy industry trends.

Electivesevents DeDicateD to critical issues of the DaY

From year to year, RMEL will offer new events in each section to cover the latest technologies, evolving trends and critical issues that aren’t covered at core events. These events will zero in on your top priorities at any given time and may not repeat from year to year. Electives can take the form of an RMEL conference, workshop or roundtable.

Course CatalogBring rmel courses to You

Bring an RMEL workshop to your location or region. Refer to the course catalog for your section to choose a course from a listing of successful RMEL events, which will be taught by an instructor RMEL has worked with in the past. These are not scheduled events, and are specifi-cally designed to custom-fit your needs and timetable.

identify your RMEL Sectionrmel Benefits start at www.rmel.org

Identify your interests by updating your profile on www.RMEL.org then watch for the content and benefits of your section in your inbox. You can select the section(s) you wish to participate in, along with identifying your specific area of expertise and responsibility.

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w w w . r m e l . o r g 43

eDucationvice President education

tony montoya western area Power administration coo

Board Director tim Brossart Xcel energy vP, construction operations & maintenance

Board Director Jon hansen omaha Public Power District vP, energy Production & marketing

Board Director mike hummel srP associate general manager

Board Director Jackie sargent Platte river Power authority general manager

generationchair Jeff Karloff omaha Public Power District Division manager, Production engineering & technical support

member curt Brown Black & veatch corp. Project manager, Power generation services

member robert norton lauren engineers & constructors manager, Business Development

member steve Page nv energy regional Director, arrow canyon complex, chuck lenzie, silverhawk & harry a

member richard threet Pnm resources Director, Power generation

member Kellen walters casey industrial, inc. vP, Business Development

member steve westfall el Paso electric company manager

member tom wos hDr, inc. vP, sr. Project manager

transmissionchair John Quintana western area Power administration lead engineer

member randy harlas el Paso electric company manager, substation & relay

member John humphrey nebraska Public Power District transmission & Distribution manager

member David murphy srP manager, electric system maintenance

member angela Piner hDr, inc. associate vP

member Dan smith austin energy Director, transmission & substation

DistriButionchair marty hinson Yampa valley electric association, inc. engineering manager

member ana Bustamante uns energy corporation superintendent, t&D

member Bill galloway colorado springs utilities managing engineer

member farris Jibril westar energy electric Distribution engineering manager

member ebi Kazemi Black hills corporation manager, engineering

member mark newby Xcel energy electric operations manager

member tommy nylec austin energy Power system engineer senior

member Bryce Priest srP sr. engineer

safetY anD technical trainingchair robin seele westar energy Director, safety, training & loss control

member gary Barsness colorado springs utilities sr. safety representative

member cathy Benecke united Power, inc. corporate safety & rish management administrator

member harry Bieling arizona Public service Department leader, health & safety

member Kevin Jensen western area Power administration occ safety & health manager

member Brian moore Platte river Power authority occupational health & safety specialist

member christ overman nebraska Public Power District safety & human Performance manager

member Julie west Xcel energy manager, safety & technical training

managementchair tom Bozeman Black & veatch corp. associate vP, sn Project management, B&v energy

member Kirstin chepeus srP executive analyst

member lindy fisker arizona Public service Director, training

member tom haensel Burns & mcDonnell regional global Practice manager, Denver energy

member mike Jakulewicz tristate generation and training manager transmission assn.

member sarah laBarre colorado springs utilities operations superintendent

member Kip moore mycoff, fry & Prouse llc search consultant

member roy steiner nebraska Public Power District vP, hr & corporate support

member Pat wisdom Zachry holdings, inc. Director, Business Development construction group

member steve Yexley western area Power administration electric Power training center

ePtc manager

thank you RMEL Education & Section Committees


Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention

The RMEL Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention started in October of 1903. Since that first meet-ing, the Fall Convention has grown and evolved into one of the industry’s leading events for senior management. The Convention provides a relaxed forum for utility industry executives to network with peers and colleagues to find and share solutions to critical industry issues.

The 2014 Fall Executive Leadership and Management

Convention will take place September 14-16, at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, TX. Visit www.RMEL.org to register.

Programming for Electric Energy StrategyThe primary focus of the Convention is the educational

presentations, which include a vision and forecasting trends for the future, current and future projects, lessons learned, technology, regulation, compliance, public policy, fuel strate-gies, workforce development and other topics selected by RMEL’s leaders.

Utility executives offer their insight and thoughts on a variety of issues, trends, challenges and the direction they are leading their companies. Speakers are primarily CEOs, senior executives and other top leaders from inside the industry discussing the issues that matter most, and attendees find significant value in the two-day streamlined format.

A Continued Focus for utility industry ExecutivesThe Fall Convention is a unique opportunity for industry

leaders to meet and discuss issues of strategic importance to the future of their companies and the electric energy indus-try. The RMEL Fall Convention attracts over 300 senior-level utility managers and executives. Find chief executives, company officers, vice presidents, general managers, decision makers and senior management of energy companies.

Attendees represent the many utility ownerships includ-ing IOU, G&T, municipalities, cooperative and government agencies. Key representatives from suppliers, engineering firms, construction and manufacturers round out the one of a kind diversity only found at RMEL.

Participants have responsibilities spanning the industry in-cluding generation, transmission, distribution, safety, human resources, information technology, compliance, customer service and executive leadership. Whether it’s building or op-erating a power plant, planning or constructing transmission and distribution systems or leading the way in safe working practices, senior-level networking contacts will be here.

for 110 years, rmel has offered

two signature annual events

with unique programming for utility and

service company participants.

these events move to different

locations each year to ensure

rmel members in various

locations can attend. in 2014,

the fall executive leadership and

management convention will be held in san

antonio, tX, and the spring management,

engineering and operations

conference will be held in austin, tX.

Signature Events

Headed to Texas in2014

w w w . r m e l . o r g 45

Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference

The Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference has been a tradition since RMEL’s early begin-nings. Known for providing outstanding continuing educa-tion and networking opportunities, this conference is a must attend event for engineering, operations and management personnel in the electric energy industry.

The 2014 Spring Management, Engineering and Opera-tions Conference is slated for May 18-20th at the Double-Tree by Hilton Austin in Austin, TX. Register online at www.RMEL.org.

Customizable Format Provides a unique Educational Experience

With 30 presentations, this conference covers issues in gen-eration, transmission, distribution, safety, customer service, hu-man resources and other management topics. The timely topics and breakout structure of the conference allows attendees to customize their education experience to focus on presentations and resources that address their needs.

Exhibition Features Latest technologies and Services

Ample time is also provided to network with industry peers and visit with exhibitors. Maximize your time and training budget with this value priced and content rich event. Continuing education certificates are provided for the sessions attended.

Diverse networking opportunities AboundThe Spring Management, Engineering and Operations

Conference attracts over 300 management, as well as en-gineering and operations personnel from the many electric energy companies and supplier and service companies that are members of RMEL.

Utilities of all types of ownership participate including IOU, G&T, municipal, cooperative, and others. Vendors of all types are valued participants in the conference and commu-nity dialogue to improve operations and enhance customer service. Companies from outside RMEL’s membership will also be in attendance. Anyone managing people or projects, engineering, planning or operating systems in the electric util-ity industry should attend this event.


member listings

1 ABB,Inc.2 ABCOIndustrialSales,Inc.3 ADA-ES,Inc.4 AdvancedMotorControls5 AlexanderPublications6 AlstomPower7 AltecIndustries,Inc.8 AMEC9 AmericanCoalCouncil10 AREVASolarInc.11 ArizonaElectricPowerCooperative,Inc.12 ArizonaElectricalApparatus13 ArizonaPublicService14 ArkansasRiverPowerAuthority15 AsplundhTreeExpertCo.16 AssociatedElectricCooperative,Inc.17 ATCOEmissionsManagement18 AustinEnergy19 AZCOINC.20 Babcock&WilcoxCompany21 BabcockPower,Inc.22 BasinElectricPowerCooperative23 BetaEngineering24 Black&VeatchCorp.25 BlackHillsCorporation26 BlackHillsElectricCooperative27 BMTAcquisition,LLC28 BoilermakersLocal#10129 BooneElectricCooperative30 BorderStatesElectric31 BowmanConsultingGroup32 BrandEnergy&InfrastructureServices33 BrooksManufacturingCompany34 Burns&McDonnell35 ButlerPublicPowerDistrict36 C.I.AgentSolutions37 CarbonPower&Light,Inc.38 CaseyIndustrial,Inc.39 CB&I40 CBSArcSafe41 CenterElectricLight&PowerSystem42 CH2MHILL43 ChimneyRockPublicPowerDistrict44 CityofAllianceElectricDepartment45 CityofAztecElectricDepartment46 CityofCody47 CityofFarmington48 CityofFountain49 CityofGillette50 CityofGlenwoodSprings51 CityofImperial52 CityofYuma53 Co-MoElectricCooperative54 CoBank55 ColoradoEnergyManagement,LLC56 ColoradoPowerline,Inc.57 ColoradoPublicUtilitiesCommission58 ColoradoRuralElectricAssociation59 ColoradoSpringsUtilities60 ColoradoStateUniversity61 CommonwealthAssociates,Inc.62 ComRent63 ContinentalDivideElectricCooperative64 CoolingTowerDepot65 CorporateRiskSolutions,Inc.

66 CountyofLosAlamosDept.ofPublicUtilities

67 CPSEnergy68 DeltaMontroseElectricAssn.69 DIS-TRANPackagedSubstations,LLC70 DowdyRecruitingLLC71 E&TEquipment,LLC72 E3Consulting73 ElPasoElectricCompany74 ElectricalConsultants,Inc.75 EmersonProcessManagement76 TheEmpireDistrictElectricCompany77 EmpireElectricAssociation,Inc.78 EncompassEnergyServicesLLC79 Energy&ResourceConsultingGroup,LLC80 EnergyReps81 EqualElectric,Inc.82 ESCengineering83 EstesParkLight&PowerDept.84 ExponentialEngineeringCompany85 FinleyEngineeringCompany,Inc.86 FoothillsEnergyServicesInc.87 FortCollinsUtilities88 FosterWheeler89 FuelTech,Inc.90 GallupJointUtilities91 GEPower&Water92 GolderAssociates,Inc.93 GrandIslandUtilities94 GrandValleyRuralPowerLines,Inc.95 GreatSouthwesternConstruction,Inc.96 GunnisonCountyElectricAssociation,Inc.97 HamiltonAssociates,Inc.98 HamonResearch-Cottrell99 HarrisGroup,Inc.100 HartiganPowerEquipmentCompany101 HawkeyeHelicopterLLC102 HDR,Inc.103 HighEnergyInc.(HEI)104 HighlineElectricAssn.105 HitachiPowerSystemsAmerica,Ltd106 HolyCrossEnergy107 HomerElectricAssociation,Inc.108 HowardElectricCooperative109 HubbellPowerSystems110 HughesBrothers,Inc.111 IBEW,LocalUnion111112 IMCORP113 IndependencePower&Light114 IndustrialCoolingSolutions115 IntercountyElectricCoopAssociation116 IntermountainRuralElectricAssn.117 IONConsulting118 Irby119 IrwinIndustries,Inc.-PowerPlantServices120 J.L.Hermon&Associates,Inc.121 KahunaVentures,LLC122 KansasCityBoardofPublicUtilities123 KDJohnson,Inc.124 Kiewit125 KitCarsonElectricCooperative126 Kleinfelder127 KlondykeConstructionLLC128 LaJuntaMunicipalUtilities129 LaPlataElectricAssociation,Inc.

130 LakeRegionElectricCoopInc.131 LamarUtilitiesBoard132 LaminatedWoodSystems,Inc.133 LasAnimasMunicipalLight&Power134 LaurenEngineers&Constructors135 LEADERSHIPABusinessImperative,Inc.136 LewisAssociates,Inc.137 LincolnElectricSystem138 LlewellynConsulting139 LongmontPowerandCommunications140 TheLouisBergerGroup141 LoupRiverPublicPowerDistrict142 LovelandWater&Power143 Luminate,LLC144 MagnaIVEngineeringInc.145 MarsulexEnvironmentalTechnologies146 MissouriRiverEnergyServices147 MitsubishiPowerSystemsAmericas,Inc.148 MorganCountyRuralElectricAssn.149 MountainParksElectric,Inc.150 MountainStatesUtilitySales151 MountainViewElectricAssn.152 Mycoff,Fry&ProuseLLC153 NAESCorp.154 Navigant155 NavopacheElectricCooperative,Inc.156 NebraskaPublicPowerDistrict157 NEIElectricPowerEngineering,Inc.158 NewMexicoStateUniversity159 Nol-TecSystems,Inc.160 Nooter/Eriksen,Inc.161 NorrisPublicPowerDistrict162 NorthPlatteLight&Power163 NortheastCommunityCollege164 NorthwestRuralPublicPowerDistrict165 NovindaCorporation166 NRGReliabilitySolutionsLLC167 NVEnergy168 OICOutage169 OmahaPublicPowerDistrict170 OmniconTechnicalSales171 OsmoseUtilitiesServices,Inc.172 OteroCountyElectricCooperative173 PacifiCorp174 PanhandleRuralElectricMembershipAssn.175 PARElectricalContractors,Inc.176 PCSMobile177 PetersonCo.178 PikeElectric,LLC179 PineValleyPower,Inc.180 PioneerElectricCooperative,Inc.181 PipefittersLocalUnion#208182 PlatteRiverPowerAuthority183 PNMResources184 PoudreValleyRuralElectricAssn.185 Power&IndustrialServicesCorp186 POWEREngineers,Inc.187 PowerEquipmentSpecialists,Inc.188 PowerPoleInspections189 PowerProductServices190 PowerQuipCorporation191 PrecisionResourceCompany192 ProvoCityPower193 QuantaServices194 RECAssociates

RMEL Member Companies 9/3/2013

w w w . r m e l . o r g 47

195 ReliabilityManagementGroup(RMG)196 ReliablePowerConsultants,Inc.197 Rkneal,Inc.198 SabreTubularStructures199 SafetyOneInc.200 SAIC201 SanIsabelElectricAssn.202 SanLuisValleyRuralElectricCooperative203 SanMarcosElectricUtility204 SanMiguelPowerAssn.205 SangreDeCristoElectricAssn.206 Sargent&Lundy207 SavageServicesCorporation208 Scientech209 SegaInc.210 SiemensEnergyInc.211 SierraElectricCooperative,Inc.212 SierraSouthwestCooperativeServices,Inc.213 SNC-LavalinConstructorsInc.214 SolomonAssociates215 SouthCentralPPD216 SoutheastColoradoPowerAssn.217 SoutheastCommunityCollege218 SouthernPioneerElectricCompany219 SouthwestEnergySystemsLLC220 SouthwestGeneration221 SouthwestTransmissionCooperative,Inc.222 SouthwesternPowerAdministration223 SouthwireCompany224 SPIDAWebLLC225 SpringfieldMunicipalLight&Power226 SPXCoolingTechnologies

227 SPXTransformerSolutions,Inc.228 SRP229 St.GeorgeEnergyServicesDepartment230 StanleyConsultants,Inc.231 STEAGEnergyServicesLLC232 StormTechnologiesInc.233 STRUCTURAL234 SturgeonElectricCo.,Inc.235 SulphurSpringsValleyElectricCooperative236 SundtConstruction237 SunflowerElectricPowerCorporation238 SwitchgearSolutions,Inc.239 T&RElectricSupplyCo.,Inc.240 TechnicallySpeaking,Inc.241 TestAmericaLaboratories,Inc.242 Thomas&BettsSteelStructuresDivision243 Thomas&Betts,Utility244 Total-Western,Inc.245 Towill,Inc.246 Trachte,Inc.Buildings&Shelters247 TransAmericanPowerProducts,Inc.248 Transmission&DistributionServices,LLC249 TRCEngineers,Inc.250 TreesInc251 Tri-StateGenerationandTransmission

Assn.252 Trimble253 TrinidadMunicipalLight&Power254 U.S.WaterServices255 UCSynergetic256 UlteigEngineers,Inc.257 UnitedPower,Inc.

258 UniversalFieldServicesInc.259 UniversityofIdaho

UtilityExecutiveCourseCollegeofBusinessandEconomics

260 UNSEnergyCorporation261 URSEnergy&ConstructionInc.262 Victaulic263 WärtsiläNorthAmerica,Inc.264 WazeeCompaniesLLC265 WESCO266 WestarEnergy267 WesternAreaPowerAdministration268 WesternLineConstructorsChapter,Inc.

NECA269 WesternNebraskaCommunityCollege270 WesternUnitedElectricSupply271 WestinghouseElectricCompany272 WestwoodProfessionalServices273 WheatBeltPublicPowerDistrict274 WheatlandElectricCooperative275 WheatlandRuralElectricAssn.276 WhiteRiverElectricAssn.,Inc.277 WhiteRiverValleyElectricCooperative278 WHPacific,Inc.279 WillbrosEngineers280 WilliamW.Rutherford&Associates281 WyrulecCompany282 XcelEnergy283 Y-WElectricAssociation,Inc.284 YampaValleyElectricAssociation,Inc.285 ZachryHoldings,Inc.

ToTaL NuMbER of MEMbERs: 285


rmel 2014 calendar

2014 Calendar of EventsJanuary 2014introduction to the electric Utility Workshoptexas

January 21-22, 2014Utility Financing for non-Financial Personnel Workshoplone tree, co

February 13-14, 2014distribution engineers Workshoplone tree, co

February 21, 2014safety roundtable - February 2014westminster, co

March 6-7, 2014Power supply Planning and Projects conferencelone tree, co

March 7, 2014generation Vital issues roundtablelone tree, co

March 11-12, 2014transmission Planning and Operations conferencelone tree, co

March 12, 2014transmission Vital issues roundtablelone tree, co

March 13-14, 2014distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and maintenance conferencelone tree, co

March 14, 2014distribution Vital issues roundtablelone tree, co

March 27, 2014electric Utility Workforce management conference and roundtablelone tree, co

April 10-11, 2014advanced substation design Workshoplone tree, co

April 23-25, 2014Health, safety and training conferencelone tree, co

April 25, 2014safety roundtable - april 2014lone tree, co

May 18-20, 2014spring management, engineering and Operations conferenceaustin, tX

June 12, 2014nerc training conference and roundtablelone tree, co

June 26, 2014transmission Operations and maintenance conferenceomaha, ne

July 29-30, 2014Plant management, engineering and Operations conference Salt lake city, Ut

July 30, 2014generation Vital issues roundtableSalt lake city, Ut

August 2014safety roundtable - august 2014 Kansas city, mo

September 14-16, 2014Fall executive leadership and management conventionSan antonio, tX

September 25, 20142015 spring management, engineering and Operations conference Planning sessionlone tree, co

October 9, 2014asset management conferencelone tree, co

October 16, 2014renewable Planning and Operations conferencelone tree, co

November 6, 2014review of ieee guide for distribution system Workshoplone tree, co

November 14, 2014safety roundtable - november 2014fort collins, co

cOntinUing edUcation certiFicatescontinuing education certificates awarding Professional development

Hours are provided to attendees at all rmel education events. check the

event brochure for details on the number of hours offered at each event.

w w w . r m e l . o r g 49

NATIONAL ELECTRIC COIL800 King AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43212 USAContact us at (614) 488-1151 orNECService@national-electric coil.com

New or Refurbished Windings Copper or Aluminum Any Cooling Design Any Profile: C, E or otherFull-Service Balance Pit Overspeed Testing Running Electrical Tests Thermal Sensivity Testing Vibration AnalysisDesign for Unique Issues J-Strap Failures Pole to Pole Crossovers Dovetail Cracking Fan Blade Failures

NEC utilizes ISO 9001:2000 certified quality management systems.For more details, visit our website at www.National-Electric-Coil.com.

There’s a Good Reasonto Call NEC forYour Next GeneratorRewind or Retrofit

Generatorsare our business &

are our specialty!Rotor Rewinds

Turbogenerator

In an age where contractors are here today and gone tomorrow, we are extremely proud of our heritage and longevity. Constant refinement, innovation and invest-ments in our business practices, safety programs and people have made us one of the region’s top specialty contractors.

Providing quality electric utility construction • overhead & underground distribution • transmission •substations • emergency restoration • renewable energy

SOME THINGS GET BETTERWITH AGE.www.sturgeonelectric.com

Member MYR Group

For 60 years Trees, Inc.has been providing professional vegetation management services to cooperative, municipal and investor-owned utilities nationwide.We strive to lead the industry in safety, efficiency, reliability and affordability. Give us a call to experience the Trees, Inc. difference for yourself!

Safety First ... Service Always!

Trees, Inc.1-866-865-9617

[email protected]


adVertiser index

AMEC InsideFrontCover www.amec.com (770)810-9698

BorderStatesElectric 42 www.borderstateselectric.com (701)293-5834

CaliforniaTurbo,Inc. 47 www.californiaturbo.com (800)448-1446

CoBank 22 www.cobank.com (800)542-8072

ComRent 13 www.comrent.com (888)881-7118

DIS-TRANPackagedSubstations,LLC 31 www.distran.com (318)448-0274

ERGConsulting 37 www.ERGconsulting.com (203)843-0600

GreatSouthwesternConstruction,Inc. 33 www.gswc.us (303)688-5816

HDR,Inc. 15 www.hdrinc.com (402)399-1000

HitachiPowerSystemsAmerica,Ltd. 11 www.hitachipowersystems.us (908)605-2800

HughesBrothers 32 www.hughesbros.com (402)643-2991

Kiewit BackCover www.kiewit.com (913)928-7000

LaminatedWoodSystems,Inc. 42 www.lwsinc.com (402)643-4708

Lauren 5 www.laurenec.com (325)670-9660

NationalElectricCoil 49 www.national-electric-coil.com (614)488-1151

NebraskaPublicPowerDistrict 31 www.nppd.com (402)564-8561

PioneerElectricCooperative,Inc. 20 www.pioneerelectric.coop (620)356-4111

POWEREngineers 3 www.powereng.com (208)788-3456

SabreTubularStructures 25 www.SabreTubularStructures.com (817)852-1700

Siemens InsideBackCover www.siemens.com (303)696-8446

Sega,Inc. 49 www.segainc.com (913)681-2881

SoutheastCommunityCollege 21 www.southeast.edu (402)323-3401

StanleyConsultants,Inc. 25 www.stanleygroup.com (303)799-6806

SturgeonElectricCo.Inc. 49 www.myrgroup.com (303)286-8000

T&RElectricSupplyCo.,Inc. 50 www.tr.com (800)843-7994

TreesInc. 49 www.treesinc.com (866)865-9617

UlteigEngineers,Inc. 7 www.ulteig.com (877)858-3449

UniversityofIdahoSummit 40 www.uiueg.org (208)885-6265

Young&Franklin 19 www.yf.com (315)457-3110

ZachryHoldings,Inc. 27 www.zhi.com (210)588-5000

usa.siemens.com/power-transmission

Plant-wide Integrated Automation Solutions for Glass & SolarPower Transmission

Connecting mankindBalancing transmission grids means powering the world

Various factors are transforming the power transmission business: the drive toward renewable energy, the expansion and interconnection of grid systems, and the need to gradually replace and upgrade aging grid infrastructures. Reliably balancing load and demand is becoming even more important with the increasing share of renewables in the energy mix and the growing importance of distributed generation.

Siemens expertly supports this transformation with power transmission products, solutions, and services designed to contribute to the development of a high-performing and sustainable global transmission infrastructure. Our solutions make it possible to master the complexity of today’s transmission systems, keep them in perfect balance, manage all interfaces, and make power available wherever and whenever it is required.

Transmission ad _IEEE_8-125x10-875_HR.indd 1 1/24/2012 9:27:24 AM

rmel electric energy issue 3 2013

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