RMEL Electric Energy Issue 3 2015

SPOTLIGHT ON CRITICAL ENERGY ISSUES ISSUE 3 / 2015 www.RMEL.org

FINDING, RETAINING & TRAINING TOMORROW’S ELECTRIC ENERGY LEADERS Attracting Talent

NERC Certification Requirements

2016 RMEL Event Details

RMEL Foundation Scholarship Winners

Vital Issues Driving RMEL Programming

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contents

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30 SCHOLARSHIPS

08 18 12

FEATURES 08 Industry Leaders Discuss Ways to Achieve Excellence in Regulatory Uncertainty Introduction by Mike Hummel, Associate General Manager, SRP, and VP, Vital Issues, RMEL

12 NERC Certification Requirements

By Lisa Martin, Transmission Compliance Program Manager, Reliability Compliance Office, Austin Energy

18 Countering Staffing Shortages in the Industrial Marketplace

By Marcus Hoover, Staffing Manager, MC Industrial, Inc.

24 RMEL Foundation Awards 30 Scholarships

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

DEPARTMENTS. 06 Board of Directors and

Foundation Board of Directors

32 Diverse Lineup of

RMEL Events Set for 2016

35 RMEL Education and Section Committees for 2015-2016

36 RMEL Foundation Silent Auction

38 RMEL Membership Listings 42 2016 Calendar of Events

RMEL INFORMATION

RMEL Board of Directors

Foundation Board of Directors

OFFICERS

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT Anthony Montoya Western Area Power Administration COO PRESIDENT ELECT Jon Hansen Omaha Public Power District VP, Energy Production & Marketing PAST PRESIDENT Stuart Wevik Black Hills Corporation VP, Utility Operations VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE Tom Kent Nebraska Public Power District VP & COO

VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION Joel Bladow Tri State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Sr. VP, Transmission VICE PRESIDENT, VITAL ISSUES Mike Hummel SRP Associate General Manager VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP Scott Fry Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC Managing Director VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBER SERVICES Kelly Harrison Westar Energy VP, Transmission

DIRECTORS Paul Barham CPS Energy Sr. VP, Energy Delivery Services Doug Bennion PacifiCorp VP, Engineering Services & Asset Management Tim Brossart Xcel Energy VP, Construction Operations & Maintenance Scott Heidtbrink Kansas City Power & Light Executive VP & COO Mike Morris Zachry Holdings, Inc. VP, Engineering Tom McKenna UNS Energy Corporation VP, Energy Delivery

Cheryl Mele Austin Energy COO Andy Ramirez El Paso Electric Company VP, Power Generation Jackie Sargent Platte River Power Authority General Manager Dan Schmidt Black & Veatch Corp.

Sr. VP, Power Generation Services Neal Walker Texas New Mexico Power President, TNMP SECRETARY Rick Putnicki RMEL Executive Director

Tammy McLeod Arizona Public Service VP, Resource Management

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

PRESIDENT Paul Compton Kiewit Sr. VP, Business Development

CHAIR, MEMBER DEVELOPMENT Mike Jones SRP Director

VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE Kent Cheese Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. VP, Sales

CHAIR, SCHOLARSHIP Karin Hollohan Platte River Power Authority Director, Corporate Services

CHAIR, FUNDRAISING Jim Helvig AMEC Director, Power Delivery

DIRECTORS Robert Gresham Zachry Group VP, Engineering Development

Kevin Noblet Kansas City Power & Light VP, Generation

Kelly Harrison Westar Energy VP, Transmission

Rick Putnicki RMEL Executive Director

John Johnson Black & Veatch Corp.

VP, Power Generation Services

STAFF LIAISON James Sakamoto RMEL Coordinator, Analytics and Communications

P U B L I S H E D B Y:

www.RMEL.org Published Winter 2015 PUBLISHED FOR: RMEL 6855 S. Havana St, Ste 430, Centennial, CO 80112 T: (303) 865-5544 F: (303) 865-5548 www.RMEL.org

www.hungryeyemedia.com 800.852.0857 Brendan Harrington PRESIDENT

Deborah Juris PUBLISHER

Kathryn Hail EDITOR (303) 865-5544 kathrynhail@rmel.org

(303) 883-4159 deborah@hungryeyemedia.com

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. Editorial content and feedback can also be directed to RMEL. Advertising in the magazine supports RMEL education programs and activities. For advertising opportunities, please contact Deborah Juris from HungryEye Media, LLC at (303) 883-4159.

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

INTRODUCTION

Introduction by Mike Hummel, Associate General Manager, SRP, and VP, Vital Issues, RMEL

As RMEL’s VP, Vital Issues, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the Executive Vital Issues Forum at RMEL’s Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention in September.

The results from this discussion, summarized below, are instrumental to RMEL’s planning process and provide a roadmap of important topics to cover in RMEL events and publications. Prior to this year’s Vital Issues Forum, I had the opportunity to tee up the event by sending out a briefing tool that helped prepare attendees for the conversation. Three basic questions in the document created a series of responses that were woven into three unique, yet sometimes overlapping areas: the implications to the customer and how we as utilities draw that relationship; the regulatory impacts of current and future legislation and how those requirements have raised the burden of cost and compliance; and finally the changing electric utility business model and strategies to design a workforce to match.

Electric energy executives gathered on September 21st during RMEL’s 112th Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention to discuss the most critical challenges and issues facing electric utilities. Earlier in the day, keynote speaker John Foley, Former Lead Solo Pilot, U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, discussed achieving excellence in seemingly impossible circumstances. The electric energy industry is certainly primed for amazing feats in technology, innovation and invention, which will enable exceptionally smart teams of utility employees to solve challenges of today and the future.

This industry has 100+ years of experience delivering reliable, affordable electricity - electricity that powers America’s economy and stands strong behind all of today’s modern conveniences. As consumers seek the newest gadget at any cost, it’s amazing that the electricity powering their way of life comes at such a low cost.

Today that low cost and that reliability are being challenged by regulations. Regulatory requirements have become more rigid with faster timelines. Executives at RMEL’s Vital Issues Forum discussed how that’s impacting their customer service and workforce strategies and what the changing business model looks like at their utilities.

REGULATORY IMPACTS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE Under increasing regulatory, economic and media pressure, utilities are reexamining what customers want. Among other things, location and demographics influence customer profiles, and a strong customer experience means something different to each customer.

Utilities are also looking at the future, younger generation of customers and how their expectations will change in the next 5-10 years.

Low cost and reliability are customer service non-negotiables, especially because this industry has consistently been inexpensive and reliable.

Will future customers who are more environmentally conscious be less concerned about rate increases? The cell phone industry offers customers expensive phone bills with dropped calls and it’s no problem. Could those same expectations ever apply to the electric energy industry if customers feel like they are “doing the right thing” by using green energy? It is a possibility that the younger generation will want to be more informed and more willing to sacrifice cost to “do what’s right” and integrate more renewables.

The “good news” is that these regulations are helping to move

forward initiatives that customers are requesting. As operating costs for electric utilities continue to rise, rate restructuring and customer choice have become important strategies – especially when dealing with net metering and distributed generation.

REGULATORY IMPACTS ON WORKFORCE The people in this industry are developing new ideas and new technologies every day to deal with mounting challenges electric utilities face, and much of the electric energy workforce is now dedicated to environmental policy.

Electric utilities are actively redesigning positions and job titles to accommodate highly demanding regulations. Entire departments are dedicated to compliance and organizations are working to strike a balance between compliancy checklists and staying focused on safety.

They’re building knowledge banks and bringing back former employees to train new employees. Recruitment, retention and succession efforts are strategic, aggressive and innovative.

Utilities are going directly into schools and selling the industry’s competitive pay and diverse career opportunities.

Utilities are listening to the younger workforce needs. Employees are being accommodated with more variety in work, new opportunities and clearer discussions about what it takes to climb the career ladder.

In today’s uncertain political and regulatory environment, it is certain that a younger generation with a fresh perspective will use the knowledge that utilities have collected over the past century to discover solutions to existing and new industry challenges. Whether the industry stays relatively the same in 20 years or makes massive shifts to distributed generation, this industry will continue to achieve excellence even in extenuating and seemingly impossible circumstances.

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RMEL’S 2016 EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS The Vital Issues Forum serves as a springboard for RMEL’s educational planning. Look for these topics in 2016 through RMEL’s 30 educational events and publications

Regulations

Workforce

• Communication and relationships with regulators • Regulation implementation – building a framework to help utilities roll regulations into normal practices • Clean Power Plan – where is the industry going with this and what’s going to happen • Regulatory liability

• Diversity • Overcoming future talent gap. How do we keep safe and reliable service?

• Attracting professional and craft labor (and finding where this talent is coming from).

Security

Customer Service • Evolving customer service model and strategies to create an exceptional customer experience • Educating customers about their options • Rate design, rate equity and communication strategies for rate increases • Customer stakeholder engagement • Facilitating customer choice • Social media impact • Explaining to customers the cost of regulations • Image management; best practices from other industries • Distributed energy resources • Distributed energy strategy. How do enable it? Technology drivers? Speed of the impact of this technology

• Cyber security as the industry becomes more digital than analog • Critical infrastructure protection • Fusion centers - What they are and where are they?

Cost/Financial • Market outlook in weak market

Storage • Energy storage is becoming more and more important. Battery or other storage. Real game changer.

• How does the storage industry see our future?

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NERC CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

BY LISA MARTIN, TRANSMISSION COMPLIANCE PROGRAM MANAGER, RELIABILITY COMPLIANCE OFFICE, AUSTIN ENERGY

One of the most important roles in today’s utility is that of system operator. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) defines system operator as “an individual at a control center whose responsibility it is to monitor and control the electric system in real time.” To successfully perform his/her job duties, a system operator must have a minimum level of knowledge, skills and abilities related to normal and emergency system conditions. NERC certification provides an industry-accepted qualification mechanism established through internationally recognized processes and procedures for agencies certifying individuals.

A certified system operator is one who demonstrates sufficient knowledge by passing a standardized exam

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

and maintains his/her certification through meeting continuing education requirements. In support of its mission and to promote the reliability of the North American bulk power system, NERC provides a System Operator Certification Program. Doing so ensures employers have a workforce of system operators who meet minimum qualifications. NERC’s program includes a governing body responsible for oversight of the initial certification exam as well as validation of training courses to provide continuing education hours. At the current time, NERC maintains the required credentials for over 6,000 system operators working in system control centers across North America.

NERC CERTIFICATION NERC’s program offers four types of system operator certification, based on function: Reliability Operator (RA or RC); Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator (BT); Transmission Operator (TO); and Balancing and Interchange Operator (BI). Each certification has its own examination with questions based on an extensive job analysis survey of certified operators across the industry. Depending on the certification, exams include 125 or 150 multiple-choice questions delivered in electronic format. Those numbers include 25 questions used as test cases for potential use in future

exams and not scored.

Each exam has its own “cut score,” or number of correct responses required to pass, developed by a panel of practitioners.

To cover the various levels of complexity involved in a system operator’s work and better assess competency of a range of knowledge, skills, and abilities, exam questions fall into one of three categories: recall, application and analysis. Recall questions assess recognition of isolated information which generally will not change relative to the situation. These questions include recall of specific facts, concepts, principles, processes, procedures or theories.

Application questions require an individual to interpret data and apply knowledge, facts or rules to solve a problem. Analysis questions require an individual to integrate a variety of concepts to solve a specific problem.

These questions best simulate the real-world experiences a system operator will face because they require judgment concerning the effectiveness or appropriateness of a course of action for a given situation.

Through its website,1 NERC provides resources for those interested in obtaining NERC certification through details regarding the application process, required fees and examination content outlines. These outlines serve as a study guide detailing potential topics for each exam. Although statistics vary based on examination type, NERC currently reports an average annual passing rate of 76.6% with over 20,000 exams taken between 1998 and the second quarter of 2015.

Source: System Operator Certification Exam Statistics, 7/17/2015, http:// www.nerc.com/pa/Train/SysOpCert/ Pages/default.aspx NERC’s website also provides

details about program governance.

Through its Personnel Certification Governance Committee, NERC provides a group of industry participants to establish certification program policies, set fees and monitor program performance. The committee ensures the program maintains financial independence. NERC, as the program administrator, maintains databases, records, applications and vendor contracts. NERC collects fees, responds to inquiries and provides reports on related activities.

NERC RELIABILITY STANDARD PER-003 Having NERC-certified system operators is a good idea not only to promote the reliability of the North American Bulk Electric System2 but, for some registered entities, NERC requires certification. NERC Reliability Standard PER-003-1,3 Operating Personnel Credentials, includes requirements for Reliability Coordinators (RC), Transmission Operators (TOP) and Balancing Authorities (BA).

The NERC Functional Model describes each of those registered entities.4 RCs maintain the Real-time operating reliability of the Bulk Electric System within a Reliability

Coordinator Area. They have a wide-area view which includes situational awareness of neighboring Reliability Coordinator Areas. The RC’s scope includes transmission and balancing operations and it has the authority to direct other entities to take certain actions to ensure its Reliability Coordinator Area operates reliably.

Each TOP maintains the Real-time operating reliability of the transmission assets under its purview.

The TOP has the authority to take certain actions to ensure its Transmission Operator Area operates reliably.

BAs integrate resource plans ahead of time, maintain generation-load-interchange balance within a Balancing Authority Area and contribute to Interconnection frequency in real-time.

NERC Reliability Standard PER-003 contains three requirements, one for each applicable registered entity. Each requires the entity to staff its Realtime operating positions with system operators who demonstrate minimum competency in specified areas by obtaining and maintaining a valid NERC certificate. Each requirement includes a list of competency areas and eligible certification types. Although not required by PER-003, many companies have Generator Operator staff obtain NERC certification as a best practice.

MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION AND NERC RELIABILITY STANDARD PER-005 NERC requires certain system operators to not only obtain certification by passing the one-time exam but also maintain certification through continuing education requirements.

Each certification type has an associated continuing education hour (CEH) requirement a system operator must achieve during the three-year

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NERC

CERTIFICATION

REQUIREMENTS

period before certificate expiration.

The total CEH requirement ranges from 140 to 200 hours. Within the total requirement, NERC requires 30 hours related to Reliability Standards and 30 hours utilizing simulations, which may include tabletop exercises, operator training simulators, emergency drills or practice of emergency procedures, restoration, blackstart or other reliability-based scenarios. This CEH rule coordinates with another NERC Reliability Standard, PER-005-1,5 System Personnel Training. Although not required, a mature program can address both requirements using the same training program.

Applicable to RCs, TOPs and BAs, NERC Reliability Standard PER-005-1 has a stated purpose “to ensure that System Operators performing realtime, reliability-related tasks on the North American Bulk Electric System are competent to perform those reliability-related tasks.” It requires applicable entities to use a systematic approach to training to establish a training program for BES company-specific reliability-related tasks performed by its system operators. Requirement details include developing a task list, designing and delivering training and conducting an annual program evaluation.

PER-005 also requires entities to verify their system operators’ capabilities to perform identified tasks at least once and include appropriate emergency operations training, including simulations in some instances.

Although not explicitly required, many entities refer to a common training framework known as ADDIE. This acronym stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation, the five steps in this particular systematic approach to a training framework. Many entities cite the use of a Department of Energy handbook6 to develop system operator training programs. Originally developed for the nuclear industry, this handbook provides a step-by-step guide for applying the ADDIE model which an entity can easily translate to the role of system operators.

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Systematic Approach to Training: An Example A D D I E

Analysis Design Development Implementation Evaluation

NERC CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDERS Entities required to have NERCcertified system operators as well as a system operator training program may realize natural synergies by considering the two requirements together.

Many entities establish themselves as NERC Continuing Education (CE) Providers so their in-house training courses apply toward PER-005 compliance and NERC certification CEH requirements. Those entities realize a robust training program requires dedication and attention and want to get the most out of their efforts.

NERC’s certification program allows entities of all types to apply to become a NERC CE Provider. Entities must submit an application and pay associated fees. For each course, a CE Provider submits and maintains an Individual Learning Activity form which serves as a training course application for eligibility to provide CEHs and includes all course materials. CE Providers must document training records and participate in peer-audits to spark continuous improvement and maintain a high quality level. CE Providers and Individual Learning Activities are subject to annual renewal requirements.

Although registered entities such as RCs, TOPs and BAs may become NERC CE Providers, they may also rely on training courses provided by others. System operators can obtain NERC CEHs through courses offered

by regional counterparts, such as Independent System Operators or Regional Transmission Organizations, or by third-party training vendors who offer a variety of on-line and classroom-based courses.

TRACKING NERC CERTIFICATION NERC’s System Operator Certification and Continuing Education Database7 (SOCCED) makes tracking NERC certification easy. This on-line tool provides one stop for details related to system operator certification. Secured with a username and password, a system operator can log-in from any computer to find his/her current certification status, including the issue and expiration date and relevant history. The transcript screen shows a personalized view of required hours to maintain the applicable certification and current progress towards meeting the requirements. The transcript also provides a list of CEH courses taken and hours earned, including type (e.g., standards or simulation hours).

All NERC CE Providers must enter course records into SOCCED, giving system operators a complete view of their progress toward maintaining NERC certification.

NERC CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING POLICIES: AN EXAMPLE Among all NERC Registered Entities in North America, Austin Energy (AE) likely falls into the middle in terms of size; however, it follows best practices regarding NERC certification and training which can apply to entities large and small. AE is the eighth largest municipal utility in the United States and a vertically-integrated utility. System operators in the transmission and distribution control center must be NERC certified and comply with PER-005 requirements. AE has adopted several policies and practices to assist system operators in meeting those requirements.

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Like many other utilities, AE system operators monitor and control AE’s portion of the grid from its primary or back-up control center.

System operators handle transmission and distribution levels in a 7x24x365 operation. All system operators are NERC certified, whether they work in shifts on the desk or provide “day shift” services such as outage coordination.

Staff includes a dedicated trainer who formerly worked on the operations desk and has firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day work of system operators. AE’s staffing and shift rotation schedule allow for a training week used to implement the many components of AE’s System Operations Training Management Manual.

Using the aforementioned DOE handbook as a guide, AE enhanced its existing training program when NERC Reliability Standard PER-005 became effective. AE performed an extensive job task analysis to determine which system operator tasks require training. To determine the level or rigor of training, analysis included a survey of task frequency, importance and difficulty. Some tasks lend themselves to self-study or on-the-job training. Others require classroom training or simulation exercises. AE uses a task-to-training matrix to categorize tasks and associate each with training courses. AE maintains another matrix to track each system operator’s training progress toward mandatory requirements. As a NERC CE Provider, many AE courses help system operators maintain their required NERC certification.

When new-hires join the team, AE policy requires them to study for and pass the

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NERC certification exam, work under the supervision of a NERC-certified operator and successfully demonstrate capability on all tasks on the task list prior to becoming a senior system operator. During the operator-in-training period, AE requires new hires to attend all training courses alongside their NERC-certified counterparts.

AE finds its practices provide for well-trained system operators confident in performing their important and often complex job duties.

CONCLUSION Best practices for NERC certification include using a variety of training methods, hiring a dedicated trainer and having a plan for assisting new-hires obtain NERC certification, including a policy, timeframe, resources and budget. Once a system operator becomes NERC certified, an entity may give him/her the responsibility and authority to implement Real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System. Such a great responsibility requires careful planning and attention. Visit NERC’s website to review the NERC Reliability Standards and the Training, Education and System Operator Certification page for more information.

1 http://www.nerc.com/pa/Train/ SysOpCert/Pages/default.aspx 2 http:// www.nerc.com/files/Glossary_of_Terms. pdf 3 http://www.nerc.com/files/ PER-003-1.pdf 4 http://www.nerc. com/pa/stand/pages/functionalmodel. aspx 5 http://www.nerc.com/pa/Stand/ Reliability%20Standards/PER-005-1.pdf

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6 DOE Handbook, A Training Program Handbook: A Systematic Approach to Training, DOE-HDBK-1078-94, dated August 1994, http://energy.gov/ehss/ downloads/doe-hdbk-1078-94-0 7 https://nerc.socced2.mcgware.com/ Login.aspx

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VERYONE IN THE POWER industry has been anxiously and nervously awaiting the arrival of the baby boomer retirements threatened in the mid-2000s. At that time, it was doom and gloom – mass retirements of long-time employees out of an industry that provided excellent, highpaying jobs, stability and unmatched job security (everyone will always need electricity, right?). In support of these power plants, other connected industries such as construction, mining, natural gas and the transporters of such fuels, maintenance firms and so on were also at risk. The potential job classifications to be impacted were wide ranging, cutting deep into the plant operator and maintenance ranks for sure, but also into engineering roles and through transmission.

In 2008, these industries were saved from the ensuing exodus, but at a very high cost. The great recession ripped into retirement accounts and fostered the spreading of fear throughout each of these industries, delaying many of the planned and early retirements. Workers held on, hoping to regain momentum in retirement savings and, as best they could, ensure stability for at least a few more decades. This result was good for the plants in the short run as they did not have to replace 40%-50% of their workforce yet, but they knew this was still on the horizon.

Employers recognized this impending shortage for years prior, and while efforts were made to ease the existing workforce out slowly (yet far more rapidly than any time in their history) integrating new workers wasn’t going to be easy. New employees needed to be trained. Replacing 35 years of experience in a power generating facility doesn’t happen overnight. In addition, with nearly every company and plant in the country anticipating the exact same situation, recruiting from competitors was not a

Civilian Labor Force Participation Rate: 55 years and over 42.5

on to two distinct areas: 1) Attracting the best talent in a competitive market, and 2) Training the capable talent to perform at a high level quickly.

40.0

WHOM ARE WE HIRING? Once a company invests in the training resources, it must be determined what the best 35.0 candidates will look like. Do their values match the compa32.5 ny’s values? Can the company support the individual goals of the candidates? For example, 30.0 if a company only hires aspiring executives into a busi27.5 ness of 100 employees and is 1980 1990 2000 2010 replacing 40% of the workShaded areas indicate US recessions – 2015.stlouisfed.org force, the company will have a similar problem in 10 years Source: US. Bureau of Labor Statistics when 38% of the workforce is viable, large-scale solution. unsatisfied with their career because industry really started to feel the In 2009, I experienced this chalthey are not a VP yet. After all, a comstronger pull of the recession, includlenge first hand when I started work pany of 100 employees will likely have ing a tapering off of hiring. with a 1,600 megawatt, start-up coala handful of execs at most. Similarly, it Concurrently, engineering and fired power generating facility. In my is paramount to ensure succession is construction graduations at the role, I had responsibility for staffing built into the staffing models. university level continued to increase, the future operational core while still Other areas to consider when as students entered these programs in construction, in addition to staffing determining fit are recognition and prior to the recession. However, a an underground mining operation to work-life balance. When we consider drop in yearly graduation numbers time with the start-up of the power that the majority of our hiring managwas realized in 2011-2012 (by 2009, plant. The challenge was figuring out ers are either Baby Boomers or Gen construction did not seem to be a where and how to hire 160 power Xers, it can be a fatal error to ignore viable industry to the sophomores deplant personnel and 300 coal miners the fact the workplace will be domiclaring majors). By 2014, the demand under the economic and employnated by Millennials in the near future. had begun to increase once again, but ment conditions outlined above.

In addition, when we consider what the graduating class sizes were still Ironically, the unemployment rate was is important to this group compared shrinking. As we rolled through 2014, high, even over 10% in a few of the to the current workforce, it appears construction related degree programs surrounding counties in the region. to vary somewhat from many current finally had reached the bottom of the However, qualified applicants were hiring manager views. Recent research curve, but not before losing ground scarce. Fascinating project, ultimately suggests that compensation ranks on demand. successful from an operational perfourth among What Millennials Look Today, while the trend of a workspective and the staffing targets were for in Employers. Culture fit, career force shortage in the industry due achieved according to plan. potential and work-life balance all to retirements grows and increased In 2014, I transitioned to the surpass compensation. When combusiness continues, the number of construction industry, an industry panies promote themselves as a great graduates entering the workforce also hit hard by the recession, but in employer today, it is not just about the is expected to begin to increase. a delayed fashion. As the recession “awesome” retirement plan and “comHowever, we are playing catch-up as loomed in 2008, projects were still petitive” salary. We have to focus on an industry and will be battling one being sold and put into play and hirall of the other intangibles we provide. another for the best and brightest ing demand remained high. Revenues These must be standard features, not graduates each semester. continued into 2009, so it wasn’t until case by case or one-offs.

This phenomenon forces recruit2010 and 2011 that the construction While ideology varies between ing and staffing professionals to focus (Percent)

37.5

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What Millennials Look For In Their Employers People and Culture Fit generations, employee values remains Career Potential the same. NonWork/Life Balance negotiables such as safety and ethics are Compensation important in all genChallenging Environment erations. But companies can differentiate Company Mission themselves by instilling strong recogniInnovation tion programs, tuition New Graduate Program reimbursement programs and access Market Leadership to company training.

Target Audience The culture and value discussion can get Alumni and Friends gray in some areas though. For example, 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% work/life balance can SOURCE: COLLEGEFEED | HBR.ORG be part of a company culture but it can booth tripled. Engagement is more appropriate number of schools and also be something that all employees than setting up a booth and talking programs, and then fully integrate into value. However, there can be a seto students. The best students will the programs using a number of efmantic difference in work/life balance know exactly who you are prior to the fective techniques: across generations.

1. Relationships. Develop career fair and may even connect with One method of determining fit relationships with the schools that you prior to the event. and potential is through employment 3. Hire! This is the reason we are seem most appropriate from which to assessments. Most companies utilize doing this. Hire interns. Hire engineers. recruit for your needs. This may take some sort of assessment tool. At the Hire trainees into your labor force. a year or so to determine, but this is craft level, assessments are more aptiDo not compromise standards and an important and worthwhile time tude and potential based than personbe sure to assess the candidates as investment. Visit the schools routinely, ality based, while at the engineering you would any other candidate but present material outside of the career and management level they tend to be take the final step and hire. Word will fair, and engage with students and a combination of aptitude or technical get around that there are real opporfaculty. Join an Employer Advisory and behavioral. tunities with your organization and Board, or sponsor mock interview sesWHERE DO WE FIND your pool of qualified candidates will sions. Engaging directly with students THE BEST TALENT? continue to grow. and building your brand will have a College recruiting, both university 4. Program Assessment. After positive impact and go far to improve recruiting for 4-year degreed stua few rounds of hiring interns, engithe effectiveness of your efforts.

2. Engagement. Get in front of dents and trade school/tech school neers, labor and so on, it is important the students – this includes your staff, recruiting to support the labor force, to step back and evaluate what has not just Human Resources –espeare both of critical importance to worked and what hasn’t. What schools cially if you have recent graduates filling the pipeline. Internships can be are producing? Where have you and and alumni with a good story to tell. an integral part of a staffing plan. A your company made the relationships The story becomes real to the future strong University Relations program work? How many unsolicited refergraduates at that point. For example to support future hiring can make this rals are you getting from professors? while working with a local tech school a successful solution – if executed Fifteen months into my employment a few years ago to hire coal miners properly. The two extremes to this are with MC Industrial, I am doing exactly out of their Associates degree prospreading too thin and only scrapthis. We have recruited consistently gram, one of our new hires was invited ing the surface, and the ‘”all in, must from four universities over the past back to the school to tell his story. At hit every university across a multifew years. We necessarily increased the next career fair, the volume at the state area”’ approach. Focus on an this to eight this fall. This is not to

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

NEBRASKA

Energy Generation Operations wA.A.S. degree in 18 months. wIn-person at SCC’s Milford, NE campus. Some courses online. wGraduates trained to operate Combined Cycle, coal, nuclear, and other electrical and fluid fuel generating plants. wFocus areas: Fossil/Biofuels, Nuclear and Military. wTransfer agreements with Bismarck (N.D.) State College, Thomas Edison (N.J.) State College and Excelsior (N.Y.) College allow SCC graduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Call 800-933-7223 ext. 8394

“LES appreciates the foresight at SCC that drove investing the time and resources to bring this 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.” Brian McReynolds, Generation Operations, Lincoln Electric System

www.southeast.edu/EnergyAtSCC

Social Media Usage (Age 12-24) support volume, but rather to evaluate the four or five schools that fit best with our initiatives and can collectively support the demand. We have one school that has produced over half of our internships, and the relationship is very strong, while another school we have been involved with for years seldom produces, and we have struggled to build relationships.

Recruiting must not be limited to college visits alone. The endeavor is a year-long battle and every avenue to attract talent should be considered.

Social media outlets cannot be ignored, especially when considering the Millennial workforce. This is non-traditional, passive recruiting. We are not posting ads for jobs and do not even mention open positions most of the time. It is about content and identity. Our brand. Not every candidate will go to Facebook and look up our company, but if they decide to look up the company to see what we are about, they can get a feel for who we are and the opportunities for growth and development.

The notion that Facebook or LinkedIn are no longer relevant is not accurate, and other social sites continue to gain popularity among the younger demographic.

In addition to relevance are the concepts of “free advertisement” and what can be referred to as ”Shameless Self Promotion.” McCarthy sponsored a photo contest for our 100+ interns this past summer. We used Instagram as the mechanism and encouraged all of our interns to post project pictures, videos and updates. The effect and visibility this continues to receive is

Facebook

74% 32%

Twitter

59%

Instagram

57%

Snapchat

26%

Google

20%

Pinterest

7%

LinkedIn

15%

Tumblr

30%

Vine

11%

WhatsApp

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% % currently ever use social networking Web/site service © 2015 EDISON RESEARCH AND TRITON DIGITAL

enormous and expands with each Like. Check it out: #internadvantage.

After all, allowing and encouraging employees and interns to brag a little about how cool their job or internship is to thousands of friends and strangers is not a bad thing.

A successful recruiting program will fill the gap left as the labor pool continues to be strained. Utilize colleges and universities to help fill the skills gap, but also participate in career events at earlier levels. A secondary goal to filling open positions now should be to avoid the potential of seeing this kind of shortage in the future. Attending career awareness events at local high schools and junior high schools is one way to impact the future career choices of our youth, and staying relevant through social media channels will support this effort as well. And once full staffing

is achieved, don’t stop. Continue to work with schools and hire interns to continue to strengthen relationships.

Your presence and brand will have a lasting impact.

Marcus Hoover currently serves as Staffing Manager for MC Industrial, Inc., a national construction firm serving the specialized needs of the industrial marketplace and an independent McCarthy company. A seasoned industrial staffing professional, Hoover has more than 15 years of experience recruiting for industrial facilities from pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers, to mining, oil and gas and power generation. He holds a bachelor of science in Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University.

CITATIONS: Agrawal, Sanjeev. How Companies Can Attract The best College Talent. Harvard business Review, March 17, 2014.

Edison research http://www.edisonresearch.com/social-media-usage-12-24-2015/ https://hbr.org/resources/images/article_assets/2014/03/what-millennials-look-for-in-employers.gif US. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civilian Labor Force Participation Rate: 55 years and over [LNS11324230], retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis https://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/LNS11324230/, September 30, 2015.

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

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AWARDS 30 SCHOLARSHIPS For the 2015-2016 academic year, the RMEL Foundation has awarded $90,000 in scholarships to 30 deserving students pursuing careers in the electric energy industry. The RMEL Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee received nearly 400 well-qualified applications in 2015. 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.

THE FOLLOWING TWO STUDENTS WERE AWARDED WITH RMEL FOUNDATION CRAFT SCHOLARSHIPS

BENJAMIN KUHR

BROCK SCHUETH

Clarkson, NE Northeast Community College

Atkinson, NE Northeast Community College

Benjamin Kuhr is from Clarkson, Nebraska and has been accepted into the utility line program at Northeast Community College. Upon graduation, he would like to work to at an electric utility in Nebraska and work towards becoming a journeyman lineman.

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

Brock Schueth is also attending Northeast Community College. He enrolled in August of 2014 and was named to the President’s Honor List for the Fall 2014 semester. He enjoys working out in the elements and looks forward to becoming an apprentice lineman restoring and maintaining power.

22 STUDENTS WERE CHOSEN TO RECEIVE RMEL FOUNDATION BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIPS

NICHOLAS AERNI

CASSANDRA BRADLEY

Lexington, KY University of Kentucky

Sauk City, WI University of Wisconsin, Madison

Nicholas is attending the University of Kentucky majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

He has interned at Duke Energy and will graduate in May of 2016 at which time he plans on taking his F-E Exam and immediately begin graduate coursework in electrical engineering with a power and energy focus.

NATHAN DROGEMULLER Lakeville, MN University of Wisconsin, Madison

KAITLIN HALL Idaho Falls, ID University of Utah

Kaitlin Hall is from Idaho Falls, Idaho, where she graduated number one in her class. She will be attending the University of Utah in the fall where she will be studying Electrical Engineering. Kaitlin would like to research and design technology for producing electricity from sustainable renewable energy sources.

Cassandra Bradley is attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison where she is majoring in Electrical Engineering.

She is currently interning at American Transmission Company where she analyzes schematics and works in the field at substations. Cassandra is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers.

Nathan Drogemuller is currently attending the University of WisconsinMadison where he is studying nuclear engineering. He interned at Xcel Energy in 2014 and plans to do so again this summer. Nathan will be graduating in May of 2016.

JOSHUA BOWMAN

LIAM COLLINS

MICHAEL ELLIOT

RAE HARRIS

McMurray, PA Pennsylvania State University

Canton, MA Princeton University

Oxford, MS Vanderbilt, University

Bayfield, CO Scripps College

Liam Collins from Canton, Massachusetts and is currently a high school senior. He will be attending Princeton University in the fall and plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. He has already had experience as an Electrician’s Assistant and has plans to perform research in efficient conductors at the Princeton Institute for the science and technology of materials.

Michael Elliott graduated from high school in Oxford, Mississippi and will be attending Vanderbilt University in the fall.

He is president of his robotics team and plans to pursue a career in the industry as an electrical engineer.

Rae Harris plans on attending Scripps College in the Fall. She is from Bayfield, CO and plans to pursue engineering because it combines her passion for STEM projects and her creative nature.

Joshua Bowman is from McMurray, Pennsylvania, and is currently attending Penn State University. He is majoring in Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering and works with Engineers Without Borders. Joshua is currently a sophomore and will be graduating in May of 2017.

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RMEL FOUNDATION BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIPS (CONTINUED)

ZACHARY HEITKAMP

JAKOB HOWARD

ZACHARY LEE

TYANA RASMUSAN

Dunbar, NE University of Nebraska, Omaha

Highlands Ranch, CO Colorado School of Mines

Siloam Springs, AR John Brown University

Butte, MT Montana Tech University

Zachary Lee is attending John Brown University where he maintains a 4.0 GPA, while earning his Electrical Engineering degree. He currently works part time as a power electronics teaching assistant and serves as President of the John Brown University IEEE Student Branch.

Zachary has also served as a Student Ambassador to the IEEE PES T&D Conference.

Tyana Rasmusan will graduate from Montana Tech of the University of Montana in May of 2017 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. She is from Butte, Montana and hopes to utilize her “outof-the-box” thinking skills to make a difference in the world.

Zachary Heitkamp is a repeat recipient of the RMEL Foundation Scholarship. He is from Dunbar, Nebraska, and is attending the University Of Nebraska Omaha where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Zachary’s father and sister work in electric generation and he plans to follow in their footsteps upon graduating in 2018.

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Jakob Howard is from Highlands Ranch, Colorado and is currently attending the Colorado School of Mines. He is pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and plans to focus on renewable energy efficiency and the development of sustainable infrastructure in undeveloped regions.

ANDREW HORA

ALLEN JIANG

JOHN PITTALA

LAUREN RIPPY

Irene, SD South Dakota State University

Louisville, KY University of California, Berkely

Kansas City, MO Kansas State University

Bixby, OK Baylor University

Andrew Hora is attending South Dakota State University majoring in Electrical Engineering. He sits on the Electrical & Computer Science Student Advisory Council and, after working for an electric utility, would like to own his own power firm and design electrical schematics for large businesses.

Allen Jiang just graduated high school in Louisville, Kentucky and plans to attend the University Of California At Berkeley in the Fall. He has already participated in numerous science and engineering fairs and robotic competitions and hopes to use his computer engineering degree to improve our power system.

John Pittala is from Kansas City, Missouri.

He will be attending Kansas State University in the Fall where he plans to major in Electrical Engineering. His passion is finding new and safe solutions to produce energy that will sustain our future energy consumption.

Lauren Rippy will be attending Baylor University in the Fall. She will be the fourth generation in her family involved in the power industry. She intends to get involved in mission-oriented groups such as Engineers Without Borders so she can use engineering to better the world.

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

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We continually strive to be a trusted advisor to cooperative electric utilities and the consumers they serve. And when those

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cooperatives need a financial partner that understands their unique challenges, CoBank is there to meet their business needs.

Todd Telesz Senior Vice President, Power, Energy and Utilities Division (303) 740-4327 ttelesz@cobank.com

www.cobank.com

RMEL FOUNDATION BACCALAUREATE SCHOLARSHIPS (CONTINUED)

KITT RONEY

DAKOTA STORMER

Scottsdale, AZ Arizona State University

Austin, TX University of Texas

Kitt Roney is currently attending Arizona State University. She is starting an internship at Arizona Public Service this summer as a Fossil Generation Intern. She has also interned at Southwest Gas Corporation. Kitt is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and served as the Fundraising Chair for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Dakota Stormer, another repeat scholar recipient, is from Austin, Texas and is majoring in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. He has worked towards innovative designs of solartracking photovoltaic cells, winning an alternative energy competition. Upon graduation, Dakota would like to work for the EPA and advise the Board of Science.

TANMAY SHAH CHRISTOPHER WIX Fort Collins, CO Colorado State University

Christopher Wix will be a senior at Colorado State University this Fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He currently works at Platte River Power Authority’s Rawhide Power Station and previously worked at the City of Fort Collins Power & Light.

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Bloomington, IL University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Tanmay Shah will be attending the University of Illinois-Champaign this Fall. He will be majoring in Electrical/Computer Engineering with a concentration in Power Systems. Tanmay wants to contribute to creating new digital processing systems for smart grids.

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

This is the 10th year the RMEL Foundation has offered named scholarships. The named scholarship program accepts donations and provides scholarships on behalf of the donor. If your company would like to consider a scholarship please contact RMEL at (303) 865-5544.

2015 BABCOCK POWER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

2015 BLACK & VEATCH SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

ALLAN BARTLETT

ERIC ROTHMIER

Louisville, KY University of Kentucky

Blue Springs, MO University of Missouri

Allan is currently attending the University of Kentucky where he is double majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Hardware. Allen has worked at Kentucky Utilities Transmission Substation Construction Engineering Coop and Kentucky Utility Reliability Engineering Coop. He has also participated in a renewable energy study abroad program in Pamplona, Spain.

Eric Rothmier is attending the University of Missouri, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

He has worked for Independence Power Light and Honeywell FM&T in Kansas City. Eric would like to be able to create and modify systems that will keep people safe and solve problems efficiently and effectively.

2015 BURNS & McDONNELL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER DAKOTAH SIMPSON Rapid City, SD South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

This is the second year Dakotah has received an RMEL Foundation Scholarship. Dakotah is working on his Electrical Engineering Degree at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. This summer, Dakotah will be interning with Burns & McDonnell with the Substation Division.

Empowering the Bakken The oil boom brought 30,000 new workers to the Bakken, but we didn’t blink. We’ve streamlined the rapid expansion of the area’s electrical infrastructure to meet 50 percent increases in electrical loads annually, well above the typical 1 to 2 percent growth.

hdrinc.com

2015 “FRIENDS OF RMEL” SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

2015 KIEWIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNER PATRICK KEEP Columbus, NE Iowa State University

Patrick is attending Iowa State University and majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Patrick’s goal is to design and develop clean, environmentally friendly fuel sources for the generation of electricity. Patrick also received an RMEL Foundation Scholarship last year.

We’re proud to announce that the winner of this year’s scholarship is Lusina Rangel from San Antonio, TX. Lusina will begin attending St. Mary’s University and plans to become an Electrical Engineer.

LUSINA RANGEL San Antonio, TX St. Mary’s University

RMEL recognizes the work and success that the Foundation has achieved since its inception. In the fall of 2014, after 10 plus years of service, Rebecca Shiflea from Leidos Engineering rotated off the Foundation Board. Rebecca played an instrumental role in the early development and growth of the Foundation. She served in many roles over the years including the VP of Finance.

Rebecca worked tirelessly to make sure the scholarship program continued to expand and reach more students. She is known for championing the effort to get more young women involved in our industry.

So it is only fitting that RMEL award a scholarship in Rebecca’s name to a young lady who is receiving a scholarship for the third year in a row.

2015 ULTEIG ENGINEERS INC SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

2015 ZACHRY GROUP SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

SAMUEL FRIEDMAN

RYAN RICKERSON

Denver, CO Colorado School of Mines

Georgetown, TX Texas A&M University

2015 RMEL REBECCA SHIFLEA SCHOLARSHIP WINNER

This is Ryan’s second year receiving the Zachry Holdings RMEL Foundation Scholarship. Ryan is currently attending Texas A&M University majoring in Electrical Engineering.

His dad works for ERCOT and Ryan has a fascination for the complexity and diversity of the problems solved by engineers. Ryan would like to develop alternative power generation technologies.

We’re very pleased to announce the winner of the 2015 RMEL Rebecca Shiflea Named Scholarship to Ruby Roll who is attending Lewis and Clark College. She is majoring in physics and would RUBY ROLL like to find viable Durango, CO alternative electrical Lewis & Clark College energy sources for the industry by learning how lighting works and how electrons interact with generators and power storage.

Samuel is from Denver, Colorado and is currently attending the Colorado School of Mines where he is working on his Electrical Engineering degree. Samuel hopes to develop renewable resources and plans on pursuing a Master’s in Electrical Engineering after completing his undergraduate studies.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THIS YEAR’S SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!

Over the past 15 years the Foundation has awarded 197 scholarships totaling $480,500. 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 Foundation Golf Tournament. To learn more about the RMEL Foundation, visit www.RMEL.org.

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

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RMEL EVENTS 2016

Diverse Lineup of RMEL Events Set for 2016 LOOK FOR RMEL EVENTS IN ARIZONA, COLORADO, NEVADA AND TEXAS

B

Y HOSTING 30 EVENTS EVERY YEAR, RMEL HAS CONSISTENTLY OFFERED VALUABLE AND PRACTICAL EDUCATIONAL programming for the diverse 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 Management.

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 information on each section along with preliminary details about 2016 events are listed below.

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. Topics covered include renewable generation.

Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference and Roundtable CORE EVENT:

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 issues. The 2016 event is slated for March 1-2 in Lone Tree, CO.

Plant Management, Engineering and Operations Conference and Roundtable CORE EVENT:

Topics at this event cover construction, operations, maintenance, emissions, water quality, plant personnel, fuels, planning, security, safety and technologies. Regulatory 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 practices to improve efficiencies, reduce costs and extend the life of their existing plants. The 2016 event will take place July 26-27 in El Paso, TX.

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

2016 ELECTIVE: Physical and Cyber Security Conference

The Physical and Cyber Security Conference is set for January 26-27 at SRP’s Pera Club in Phoenix, AZ. Presentations will include a national level keynote address, substation recommended practices, ranking of substation criticality, CIP14, control house access, what vendors are doing to assist utilities and security officers in control rooms.

Transmission Planning and Operations Conference CORE EVENT:

This conference addresses subjects related to planning, permitting, design, construction, technologies, renewable integration and substations. It will also cover regulatory and policy issues. In 2016, this event will take place March 8-9 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

2016 ELECTIVE: Transmission Operations and Maintenance Conference

The Transmission Operations and Maintenance Conference will take place June 23rd in Lone Tree, CO. This conference addresses subjects related to transmission operations and maintenance, such as TOB impacts on arc flash, NERC, retention and training, vegetation management, new technologies and asset management.

2016 ELECTIVE: Transmission Project Management Conference

The Transmission Project Management Conference will take place August 3-4, 2016, at Western Area Power Administration’s Electric Power Training Center in Golden, 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 13, 2016, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO. 2016 ELECTIVE: Electric Energy Environmental Conference

The Electric Energy Environmental Conference will take place November 2-3, 2016, in Lone Tree, CO. This conference will explore aspects of environmental regulations related to generation, transmission and distribution.

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

Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference CORE EVENT:

Presenters at this event will discuss both overhead and underground 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 2016, the event will take place March 15-16 at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO.

Distribution Engineers Workshop 2016 ELECTIVE:

Distribution engineers will have a unique opportunity to hear from a wide range of utilities during the Distribution Engineers Workshop October 5-6 in Lone Tree, CO. Instructors from various utilities and vendor companies will cover topics for new and seasoned engineers and designers.

2016 ELECTIVE: Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop

The Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop will take place at the Denver Marriott South in Lone Tree, CO, April 5-7, 2016.

This workshop will provide students with an overview of the tools, techniques and practices associated with the design of safe, reliable overhead and underground distribution systems. A review of electrical design formulas and the National Electric Safety Code will be included. The course will cover single- and three-phase residential and commercial design practices, including subdivisions and large commercial developments with complex loop schemes. The course concludes with an overview of essential system protection practices for designers and technicians.

2016 ELECTIVE: Review of Industry Standards for Distribution Workshop

The Review of Industry Standards for Distribution Workshop will take place at the Denver Marriott South in Lone Tree, CO, June 8, 2016.

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

CORE EVENT: Safety and Technical Training Conference

One of the most critical areas of focus for every utility is safety. Safety concerns impact every area of the business. This two-and-a-half-day conference will include broad safety and technical training initiatives and programs, and take that focus throughout the organization to include discussions about personal efforts to stay safe. In 2016, the event will take place April 19-20 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.

2016 Safety Roundtables will take place February 26 at Tri-State Generation & Transmission Association in Westminster, CO; April 20 at the Denver Marriott South in Park Meadows in Lone Tree, CO; August 2016 in Denver, CO; and November 4 at Platte River Power Authority in Fort Collins, CO.

The Management Section is a community of industry professionals dedicated to sharing, networking and solving 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.

2016 ELECTIVE: Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop

The Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop is set for January 14, 2016, at the Denver Marriott South in Lone Tree, CO. This course is designed to acquaint nontechnical 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 electrical 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.

2016 ELECTIVE: Utility Financing for the Non-Financial Personnel Workshop

The Utility Financing for Non-Financial Personnel Workshop is set for February 9-10, 2016 at the Hyatt Denver Tech Center in Denver, CO. This two-day course is for professionals in operations, maintenance, 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.

2016 ELECTIVE: Customer Service Conference

The Customer Service Conference and Roundtable will take place July 2016, in Lone Tree, CO. This conference will include presentations related to customer service culture change, field personnel customer service training, social media and more.

CORE EVENT: Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference

The Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference has been a tradition since RMEL’s early 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 W W W. R M EL .O R G

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RMEL EVENTS 2016

presentations 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 contentrich event. Continuing education certificates are provided for the sessions attended. The 2016 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference is set for May 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center in Denver, CO.

Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention CORE EVENT:

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 management. 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 education presentations that will benefit you and your company. The 2016 Fall Convention will take place September 11-13 at J.W. Marriott Resort & Spa in Summerlin, NV.

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ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

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 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 Benefits RMEL has services and content focused on utilities’ top priorities that participants can attend year after year. The core events, electives, RMEL Course Catalog and roundtable events bring a fresh perspective to the RMEL educational experience in each section.

Roundtables DISCUSS YOUR PRIORITIES AND DRIVE RMEL CONTENT These forums allow you to meet in a setting that focuses on trust and peer-topeer 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 community and network with RMEL contacts throughout the year — whether you are at an RMEL event, your desk or in the field.

Core Events RECURRING 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.

Electives EVENTS 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 Catalog BRING 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.

2015-2016 RMEL EDUCATION COMMITTEE VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION Joel Bladow Tri State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Sr. VP, Transmission

Tim Brossart Xcel Energy VP, Construction Operations & Maintenance

Jackie Sargent Platte River Power Authority General Manager

2015-2016 RMEL SECTION COMMITTEES GENERATION CHAIR Jeff Karloff Omaha Public Power District Division Manager, Production Engineering & Fuels VICE CHAIR Curt Brown Black & Veatch Corp.

Retrofit & Plant Betterment Manager David Aranda El Paso Electric Company Newman Plant Manager Ben Cluff Engineering Manager Arizona Public Service Matt Ferguson HDR, Inc. VP, Power & Energy Section Manager Darrel Hensley Kansas City Power & Light Sr. Director, Generation Tim Meyer Arizona Public Service Director, Design Engineering & Projects

Scott Bayer Austin Energy Managing Engineer, Substation Relay Engineering

David Tomczyszyn Austin Energy Power System Consulting Engineer

Ana Bustamante UNS Energy Corporation Superintendent, T&D

SAFETY AND TECHNICAL TRAINING

Randy Harlas El Paso Electric Company Manager, Substation & Relay Chris Koch Kansas City Power & Light Principal Engineer, T&D Engineering Keith Nix Texas New Mexico Power VP, Technical Services and System Reliability Mike Pfeister SRP Manager of Scheduling & Reliability Services John Quintana Western Area Power Administration Lead Engineer DISTRIBUTION

CHAIR Kevin Jensen Western Area Power Administration OCC Safety & Health Manager VICE CHAIR Dean Larson Kansas City Power & Light Corporate Safety Program Consultant Harry Bieling Arizona Public Service Department Leader, Health & Safety Chuck Hendry Austin Energy Occupational Health & Safety Coordinator Scott Masino Arizona Public Service Corporate Security Section Leader

Richard Threet PNM Resources Director, Power Generation

CHAIR Bill Galloway Colorado Springs Utilities Standards Managing Engineer

Dave McCormack Xcel Energy Supervisor Field Safety PSCO and SPS

Kellen Walters Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas Regional Sales Director

VICE CHAIR Ebi Kazemi Black Hills Corporation Manager, Engineering

Brian Moore Platte River Power Authority Occupational Health & Safety Specialist

Tom Wos Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Regulatory Program Administrator

John Cole Arizona Public Service Section Leader, Operations/ Maintenance

Julius Moore CPS Energy Safety Manager

TRANSMISSION

Andy Holt Kansas City Power & Light Engineer III/Dispatching

Chris Overman Nebraska Public Power District Safety & Human Performance Manager

Mark Newby Xcel Energy Electric Operations Manager

Marc Welsh Westar Energy Director, Safety and Training

Bryce Priest SRP Sr. Engineer

Julie West Xcel Energy Manager, Safety & Technical Training

CHAIR John Humphrey Nebraska Public Power District Corporate Projects Manager VICE CHAIR Angela Piner HDR, Inc. Associate VP

MANAGEMENT CHAIR Kirstin Jacobson SRP Sr. Business Analyst VICE CHAIR Lindy Fisker Arizona Public Service SW Division Manager, T&D Jeff Allen Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Training & Development Manager Joel Flanagan Black & Veatch Corp.

Electrical Engineer Tom Haensel Burns & McDonnell Project Manager Sarah LaBarre Colorado Springs Utilities Managing Engineer Tim Mallen Kansas City Power & Light Manager, Field Support Operations & Contract Management Robin Seele Westar Energy Director, Customer Experience Roy Steiner Platte River Power Authority Manager, HR Pat Wisdom Zachry Holdings, Inc. Director, Business Development Construction Group Steve Yexley Western Area Power Administration Electric Power Training Center EPTC Manager

W W W. R M EL .O R G

35

GRATITUDE

THANK YOU to Everyone Who Helped the RMEL Foundation Raise a Record $67,000 at the 2015 Silent Auction

36

Donated Item

Donor

Donor Company

Bid Winner

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Randy Renny

Irwin Power Services

Patrick Sparks

Napa Valley Wine

Kelly and Tanja Harrison

Westar Energy

Candy Bridges

Two-Day Guided Fly Fishing Trip, Steamboat

Paul Compton

Kiewit

Mike Hummel

Broncos-Chiefs Game Day Experience at Mile High Stadium

Mike Morris

Zachry Group

Amy Hackler

Phoenix Open Tickets and Two Night Hotel Stay

Mike Hummel

Salt River Project

Mark Aldrich

Lapostolle- Borobo

Kellen Walters

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc.

James Helvig

Vail Cascade Resort Package

Gary Hellard

Babcock & Wilcox Company

Casey Hicks

Golf Outing and Golf Items

Jeff Wadsworth

Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association

Mark Aldrich

Winter Park Ski Resort Lift Tickets

Jim Fischer

Zachry Engineering Corp.

Doug Kindig

Luxurious Two-Night Stay at Intercontinental Kansas City

Scott Heidtbrink

Kansas City Power & Light

Traci Bender

Limited Edition 12 inch Fine Art Print

Thomas Fallon

Sea Glass Fine Art Photography

Michael Beehler

Denver Nuggets Game

Joel Bladow

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Mike Hummel

Denver Broncos Tickets

Brian Larson

Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Tanja Harrison

1 Night Accommodation with 2 Spa Passes

Holly MacFarland

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Rick Putnicki

6 Month Wine Club Membership

Andy Ramirez

El Paso Electric Company

Mike Rippy

Nambe Platter

Jill Tietjen

Technically Speaking, Inc.

Dennis Grennan

‘Her Story’ Paperback

Jill Tietjen

Technically Speaking, Inc.

Bill Alkema

Bose Soundlink Bluetooth Speaker

Rebecca Shiflea

Leidos

Rick Putnicki

Roku 2 Media Player

Rebecca Shiflea

Leidos

Bill Alkema

Golf Bag

Don Gray

Kansas City Board of Public Utilities

John McClure

Woman’s Tote, Scarf and Necklace

Joe & Jill Wolfskill

James Industries, Inc.

Dennis Grennan

Yeti Cooler

Ashley Campion

Ulteig

Casey Hicks

SONOS - ‘The Wireless HiFi System’

Elise Taylor

EventMobi

Rick Putnicki

Monster Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Mike Morris

Zachry Group

Mo Doghman

Nambe Lulu Pizza Set

Neal Walker

Texas New Mexico Power

Patti Mycoff

Estate Collection of California Wines

Grant Grothen

Burns & McDonnell

Darla Gavin

Jewelry Box

Joel Bladow

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Jacqueline Sargent

Ladies Hand Bag

Stacy Kahanek

Retroditions

Candy Bridges

Dremel 4000 -6/50 Tool Kit

Bill England

Emerson Process Management

Jack Stevenson

New Mexico Gift Basket

Richard and Helen Matzke

Gallup Joint Utilities

Karin Hollohan

Authenticated Bo Jackson Baseball

Rick Putnicki

RMEL

Steve Hinderliter

Black Hills Gold Men’s Harley Davidson 75th Anniversary Watch and Official Sturgis Rally T-Shirt

Stuart Wevik

Black Hills Corporation

Bill Alkema

South Dakota Fairburn Agate Necklace

Stuart Wevik

Black Hills Corporation

Jon Hansen

Titleist 60 Degree Wedge

Bob Murphy

Colorado Powerline Inc.

Mathew Norgard

‘Classic Spa Package’ - Glenwood Springs, CO

Del Worley

Holy Cross Energy

Jim Sack

Colorado Avalanche Game

Joel Bladow

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Del Worley

Family History Research

Chris Patregnani

Capital Genealogy

Tony Jaime

Nebraska Cornhusker Football Game

Dennis Grennan

HDR, Inc.

Hallie Shin

One Night Stay and Dinner for Two at The Broadmoor

Deborah Juris

HungryEye Media

Jeff DeWitt

Denver Broncos Tickets

David LeBlanc

AECOM

Del Worley

$100 Cabela’s Gift Card

Kurt Schnubel

Osmose

Ken Curry

Branson Getaway Package

Blake Mertens

The Empire District Electric Company

Mike Rippy

Nambe Anvil 2- Tier Server

Neal Walker

Texas New Mexico Power

Todd Sundbom

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

Donated Item

Donor

Donor Company

Bid Winner

Tote

Stacy Kahanek

Retroditions

Candy Bridges

Limited Edition Print by South Dakota Artist Kathy Sigle

Stuart Wevik

Black Hills Corporation

Scott Heidtbrink

Hand-Crafted Hunting Knife

Jon Hansen

OPPD

Thad Mumm

Golf Putter

Ron Wankner

Harris Group, Inc.

Thad Mumm

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Roy Sensenig

AMEC Foster Wheeler

Kevin Wailes

Gift Basket

Tom Roiniotis

Longmont Power and Communications

Jacqueline Sargent

2 Pieces of Handcrafted Wheat Weaving

Lynn Worley

Kindle PaperWhite, Leather Cover and Amazon Giftcard

Andy Glover

CoBank

Patrick Reinhart

The Last Great Wild Places 40 Years of Wildlife Photography by Thomas Mangelsen

Mike Morris

Zachry Group

Todd Sundbom

The Dawn of Autumn - Framed Limited Edition Photo By Thomas Mangelsen

Mike Morris

Zachry Group

Paul Barham

Apple Watch

Todd Nicoll

Stanley Consultants

Thad Mumm

Sculpture

Steve Adams

Loveland Water and Power Department

Jacqueline Sargent

JAWBONE UP3 Fitness Tracker

Dan Beckmann

Westwood Professional Services

Lanie Prouse

Polk Audio Camden Square Wireless Speaker and $30 iTunes

Paul Barham

CPS Energy

Casey Hicks

GoPro Camera

Dan Schmidt

Black & Veatch Corp.

Casey Hicks

EEC Full Size Afghan, Portable Power Supply and Home Safety book

Molly Hall

Energy Education Council

Jack Stevenson

Glad To Be Here Starter Pack

John Foley

John Foley CenterPoint Companies Inc.

Terri Marranzino-Ray

2011 Nickel and Nickel Merlot

Kelly and Tanja Harrison

Westar Energy

Bill England

Colorado Rockies Game

Joel Bladow

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

Jeff Wadsworth

Denver Marriott South Hotel Stay

Jeff Ronkoske

Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows

Jack Stevenson

The Ranch Country Club Foursome

Ed Oldham

The Ranch Country Club

Patrick Sparks

Granby Ranch Townhome

Kent Cheese

Bureau Veritas North America, Inc.

Lanie Prouse

6 Month Wine Club Membership

Andy Ramirez

El Paso Electric Company

Rick Putnicki

Kansas City Chiefs vs Chicago Bears Football Tickets

Tracy Wandell

Precision Resource Company

Casey Hicks

1 Day Guide Fly Fishing Trip for Two

Paul Compton

Kiewit

Mike Hummel

4 Lower level Bowl Avalanche Tickets

Tim Brossart

Xcel Energy

Scott Fry

The Stanley Hotel

Pete Hoelscher

Platte River Power Authority

Kelly Fry

Nambe Marupa Platter

Neal Walker

Texas New Mexico Power

Candy Bridges

Estate Collection of California Wines

Grant Grothen

Burns & McDonnell

Steve Hinderliter

COACH Prairie Satchel

Kelly Fry

Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC

Greta Bodenham

D Amore Interriors Vase and Bowl Set

Kelly Fry

Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC

Sharon Ohlmacher

Titleist 60 Degree Wedge

Bob Murphy

Colorado Powerline Inc.

Ken Curry

King Tote Bag- Westerned Tooled

Stv eve and Candy Bridges

Zachry Group

Karen Bennion

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Roy Sensenig

AMEC Foster Wheeler

Kent Cheese

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones

Tom Kent

Nebraska Public Power District

Tammy McLeod

Roku 3

Steve Hinderliter

PIC Group, Inc.

Bill Alkema

Fitbit Charge

Dan Schmidt

Black & Veatch Corp.

Kelly Fry

Missouri Made Gift Basket

Ken Wilmot

Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Mike Hummel

Carhartt Jacket and Sweatshirts

Tim Hughes

Hughes Brothers, Inc.

Anthony Montoya

6 Austin City Music Festival CD’s

Cheryl Mele

Austin Energy

Tammy McLeod

2011 Duckhorn Vineyards, The Discussion Napa Valley Red Wine

Tammy Mallaise

Zachry Group

Mike Kotara

Travel Humidor and Cigars

Anthony Montoya

Western Area Power Administration

Hossein Tabrizi

Acer One 10, 2 in 1 Tablet/Laptop

Jeff Arroyo

Sega Inc.

Mike Rippy

Garmin Vivofit 2

Jeff Arroyo

Sega Inc.

Greg Lee

Braven HD Wireless Speaker

Jeff Arroyo

Sega Inc.

Matthew Spalding

Travel Humidor and Cigars

Anthony Montoya

Western Area Power Administration

Dianne Beehler

2012 Cakebread Cellars- Cabernet Sauvignon

Kelly and Tanja Harrison

Westar Energy

Barry Ingold

Abu Garcia AMBASSADEUR 5600 Fishing Reel

Richard Pena

Retired- CPS Energy, former RMEL Board of Director

Shawn Heggen

Jim Sack

W W W. R M EL .O R G

37

MEMBER LISTINGS

RMEL Member Companies 1

ABB, Inc.

52 City of Farmington

101 GE Power & Water

2

ABCO Industrial Sales, Inc.

53 City of Fountain

102 Genscape, Inc.

3

ADA Carbon Solutions, LLC

54 City of Gallup Electric Department

103 Golder Associates, Inc.

4

ADA-ES, Inc.

55 City of Gillette

104 Grand Island Utilities

5

Advanced Motor Controls

56 City of Glenwood Springs

105 Grand Valley Rural Power Lines, Inc.

6 AECOM

57 City of Imperial

7

Alberici Constructors Inc.

58 City of Yuma

106 Great Southwestern Construction, Inc.

8

Alexander Publications

59 Cloud County Community College

107 Greer CPW

9

Altec Industries, Inc.

60 Clyde Bergemann Power Group

108 Gunnison County Electric Association, Inc.

10 AMEC Foster Wheeler

61 Co-Mo Electric Cooperative

11 American Coal Council

62 CoBank

12 American Public Power Association

63 Colorado Energy Management, LLC

13 Andritz Inc. (APC Division)

64 Colorado Highlands Wind LLC

14 Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.

65 Colorado Powerline, Inc.

112 Hartigan Power Equipment Company

66 Colorado Rural Electric Association

15 Arizona Public Service

113 HDR, Inc.

67 Colorado Springs Utilities

16 Arkansas River Power Authority

114 High Energy Inc. (HEI)

68 Colorado State University

17 Asplundh Tree Expert Co.

115 Highline Electric Assn.

69 Commonwealth Associates, Inc.

18 Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.

116 Holy Cross Energy

70 ComRent

19 ATCO Emissions Management

71 Corporate Risk Solutions, Inc.

117 HOT/SHOT Infrared Inspections, Inc.

20 Atwell, LLC

72 CPS Energy

118 Hubbell Power Systems

21 Austin Energy

73 CTC Global Corporation

119 Hughes Brothers, Inc.

22 AZCO INC.

74 Culture Change Consultants

120 IBEW, Local Union 111

23 Babcock & Wilcox Company

75 D.C. Langley Energy Consulting, LLC

121 IEC Rocky Mountain

24 Babcock Power, Inc.

76 Davey Utility Services

122 IMCORP

25 Barton Malow Company

77 Delta Montrose Electric Assn.

26 Basin Electric Power Cooperative

78 DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations, LLC

123 Incorporated County of Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities

27 Bear Valley Electric Service

79 E & T Equipment, LLC

124 Independence Power & Light

28 Beckwith Electric

80 E3 Consulting

29 Beta Engineering

81 El Paso Electric Company

125 Intercounty Electric Coop Association

30 Black & Veatch Corp.

82 Electrical Consultants, Inc.

31 Black Hills Corporation

83 Electrical Reliability Services

32 Black Hills Electric Cooperative

84 Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions

33 Boilermakers Local #101

110 Hamon Research - Cottrell 111 Harris Group, Inc.

126 Intermountain Rural Electric Assn.

127 ION Consulting 128 Irby 129 Irwin Power Services 130 James Industries, Inc.

35 Border States Electric

85 The Empire District Electric Company

36 Bowman Consulting Group

86 Empire Electric Association, Inc.

131 Johnson Matthey Stationary Emission Control

37 Brooks Manufacturing Company

87 Encompass Energy Services LLC

132 Kansas City Board of Public Utilities

38 Burns & McDonnell

88 Energy & Resource Consulting Group, LLC

133 Kansas City Power & Light

89 Energy Education Council

135 Kiewit

41 Carbon Power & Light, Inc.

90 Energy Providers Coalition for Education

136 Kit Carson Electric Cooperative

42 Casey Industrial, Inc.

91 Energy Reps

43 CB&I

138 Klute Inc. Steel Fabrication

92 ESC engineering

44 CDG Engineers, Inc.

139 La Junta Municipal Utilities

93 Evans, Lipka and Associates, Inc.

45 Center Electric Light & Power System

140 La Plata Electric Association, Inc.

94 Evapco - BLCT Dry Cooling, Inc.

46 Chad Hymas Communications, Inc.

141 Lake Region Electric Coop Inc.

95 Exponential Engineering Company

47 Chimney Rock Public Power District

142 Lamar Utilities Board

96 Fairbanks Morse Engine

48 City Light & Power, Inc.

143 Laminated Wood Systems, Inc.

97 Finley Engineering Company, Inc.

49 City of Alliance Electric Department

144 Lampson International LLC

98 Foothills Energy Services Inc.

50 City of Aztec Electric Department

145 Las Animas Municipal Light & Power

99 Fort Collins Utilities

51 City of Cody

146 Lauren Engineers & Constructors

100 Fuel Tech, Inc.

34 Boone Electric Cooperative

39 Butler Public Power District 40 C.I.Agent Solutions

38

109 Hamilton Associates, Inc.

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

134 KD Johnson, Inc.

137 Kleinfelder

RMEL 2015 4.75x7.25

We require our students to do more than learn their program of study. Our students live it - through internships, research, and hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art labs. Our teachers know what you need for your workforce.

The 2016 RMEL Foundation Scholarship is now available!

Visit www.RMEL.org and click on Foundation to access the online application.

February 11th

APPLICATION DEADLINE

success starts here.

Norfolk, Nebraska 402-371-2020 | northeast.edu W W W. R M EL .O R G

39

MEMBER LISTINGS

RMEL Member Companies continued 147 Leidos

197 Power Product Services

247 Switchgear Solutions, Inc.

148 Lewis Associates, Inc.

198 PowerPHASE LLC

248 T & R Electric Supply Co., Inc.

149 Lincoln Electric System

199 PowerQuip Corporation

249 Technically Speaking, Inc.

150 Llewellyn Consulting

200 Precision Resource Company

250 TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc.

151 Longmont Power & Communications

201 Preferred Sales Agency, Ltd

251 Towill, Inc.

152 Louis Berger Group

202 Provo City Power

252 Trachte, Inc. Buildings & Shelters

153 Loup River Public Power District

203 QuakeWrap, Inc.

253 Trans American Power Products, Inc.

154 Loveland Water & Power

204 Quanta Services

254 TRC Engineers, Inc.

155 Luminate, LLC

205 REC Associates

255 Trees Inc

156 Magna IV Engineering Inc.

206 Reliability Management Group (RMG)

157 Marsulex Environmental Technologies

207 Reliable Power Consultants, Inc.

256 Tri-State Generation and Transmission Assn.

158 Merrick & Company

208 RES Americas

257 Trinidad Municipal Light & Power

159 Missouri River Energy Services

209 Rkneal, Inc.

258 TurbinePROS

160 Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas, Inc.

210 RRC Power and Energy

259 U.S. Water

211 Sabre Tubular Structures

260 UC Synergetic

161 Monk Engineering Inc.

212 Safety One Inc.

261 Ulteig Engineers, Inc.

162 Morgan County Rural Electric Assn.

213 San Isabel Electric Assn.

262 United Power, Inc.

163 Morgan Schaffer Inc.

214 San Marcos Electric Utility

263 Universal Field Services, Inc.

164 Mountain Parks Electric, Inc.

215 San Miguel Power Assn.

165 Mountain States Utility Sales

216 Sangre De Cristo Electric Assn.

166 Mountain View Electric Assn.

264 University of Idaho Utility Executive Course College of Business and Economics

217 Sargent & Lundy

167 Mycoff, Fry & Prouse LLC

265 UNS Energy Corporation

218 Savage Services Corporation

168 NAES Corp.

219 Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories

266 Utility Telecom Consulting Group, Inc.

169 Navopache Electric Cooperative, Inc.

220 Sega Inc.

170 Nebraska Public Power District 171 NEI Electric Power Engineering, Inc. 172 New Mexico State University 173 Nooter/Eriksen, Inc. 174 Norris Public Power District 175 Northeast Community College 176 Northwest Rural Public Power District 177 Novinium 178 NRG Reliability Solutions LLC 179 Omaha Public Power District 180 Osmose Utilities Services, Inc. 181 PacifiCorp

267 Valmont Newmark, Valmont Industries, Inc.

222 Siemens Energy Inc.

268 Vanderbilt University

223 Sierra Electric Cooperative, Inc.

269 Victaulic

224 Solomon Associates

270 W채rtsil채 North America, Inc.

225 South Central PPD

271 Wave Engineering, Inc.

226 Southeast Colorado Power Assn.

272 WESCO

227 Southeast Community College

273 Westar Energy

228 Southern Pioneer Electric Company

274 Western Area Power Administration

229 Southwest Energy Systems LLC

275 Western Electrical Services

230 Southwest Generation

276 Western Line Constructors Chapter, Inc. NECA

231 Southwest Public Power District 232 Southwest Transmission Cooperative, Inc.

277 Westmark Partners LLC 278 Westwood Professional Services

233 Southwire Company

279 Wheat Belt Public Power District

234 Springfield Municipal Light & Power

280 Wheatland Electric Cooperative

235 SPX Transformer Solutions, Inc.

281 Wheatland Rural Electric Assn.

236 SRP

282 White River Electric Assn., Inc.

237 St. George Energy Services Department

283 WHPacific, Inc.

238 Stanley Consultants, Inc.

285 Willbros

239 Stantec Consulting 240 STEAG Energy Services LLC

286 Wilson & Company, Engineers & Architects

241 Storm Technologies Inc.

287 Wyoming Municipal Power Agency

242 Sturgeon Electric Co., Inc.

288 Xcel Energy

243 Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative

289 Y-W Electric Association, Inc.

192 Power & Industrial Services Corp 193 Power Contracting, LLC

244 Sundt Construction

291 Zachry Group

194 POWER Engineers, Inc. 195 Power Equipment Specialists, Inc.

245 Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

196 Power Pole Inspections

246 Surveying And Mapping, LLC

182 Panhandle Rural Electric Membership Assn.

183 PAR Electrical Contractors, Inc. 184 Peterson Co. 185 PIC Group, Inc. 186 Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc. 187 Pipefitters Local Union #208 188 Platte River Power Authority 189 PNM Resources 190 Poudre Valley Rural Electric Assn.

191 Powder River Energy Corp.

40

221 Sellon Engineering Inc.

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

284 Wichita State University

290 Yampa Valley Electric Association, Inc.

TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS: 291

MANAGE FR

and

PPE

ALLOWANCE ONLINE Employee allowance service is now available to help you meet OSHA’s FR and PPE requirements. Contact your Border States sales team for more information.

Providing products and services to the construction, industrial and utility industries.

borderstates.com 10-061 (2015-06)

AN MYR GROUP COMPANY

• • • • •

Feasibility Studies Siting & Permitting Power Plant Design Plant Upgrades & Retrofits Air Quality Control Systems

• Transmission & Distribution • Substations & Switchyards • Construction Management & Inspection Services • Owner’s Engineer

YOUR BEST ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Connect with us: www.stanleyconsultants.com/energy 800.878.6806 |

GENERATE DELIVER

SINCE 1912

Since 1912, Sturgeon Electric has been one of the region’s top specialty contractors providing quality electric utility construction including overhead and underground distribution, transmission, substations, service and maintenance and emergency restoration.

STURGEON ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. | 303.286.8000 | STURGEONELECTRIC.COM

Photo Courtesy of Matanuska Electric Association

MYR GROUP INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS. M/F/DISABLED/VETERAN ©2015 MYR GROUP INC.

W W W. R M EL .O R G

41

RMEL 2016 CALENDAR

2016 Calendar of Events January 14, 2016

April 5-7, 2016

July 2016

Introduction to the Electric Utility Workshop Lone Tree, CO

Distribution Overhead and Underground Design and Staking Workshop Lone Tree, CO

RMEL Foundation Golf Tournament TBD

January 26-27, 2016 Physical and Cyber Security Conference Phoenix, AZ

February 9-10, 2016 Utility Financing for NonFinancial Personnel Workshop Denver, CO

April 19-20, 2016 Safety and Technical Training Conference Lone Tree, CO

April 19, 2016 Safety Roundtable - April 2016 Lone Tree, CO

Feb 26, 2016

May 15-17, 2016

Safety Roundtable - February Westminster, CO

Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Denver, CO

March 1-2, 2016 Power Supply Planning and Projects Conference Lone Tree, CO

March 2, 2016 Generation Vital Issues Roundtable Lone Tree, CO

March 8-9, 2016 Transmission Planning and Operations Conference Lone Tree, CO

March 9, 2016 Transmission Vital Issues Roundtable Lone Tree, CO

March 15-16, 2016 Distribution Overhead and Underground Operations and Maintenance Conference Lone Tree, CO

March 16, 2016 Distribution Vital Issues Roundtable Lone Tree, CO

June 8, 2016 Review of Industry Standards for Distribution Workshop Lone Tree, CO

June 23, 2016 Transmission Operations & Maintenance Conference Lone Tree, CO

July 26-27, 2016 Plant Management, Engineering and Operations Conference El Paso, TX

July 27, 2016 Generation Vital Issues Roundtable El Paso, TX

July 2016

August 3-4, 2016 Transmission Project Management Conference Golden, CO

August 2016 Safety Roundtable - August TBD

September 11-13, 2016 Fall Executive Leadership and Management Convention Summerlin, NV

September 29, 2016 2017 Spring Management, Engineering and Operations Conference Planning Session Lone Tree, CO

October 5-6, 2016 Distribution Engineers Workshop Lone Tree, CO

October 13, 2016 Renewable Planning and Operations Conference Lone Tree, CO

November 2-3, 2016 Electric Energy Environmental Conference Lone Tree, CO

November 4, 2016 Safety Roundtable November Fort Collins, CO

Customer Service Conference Lone Tree, CO TBD

CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATES

Continuing 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.

42

ELECTRIC ENERGY | WINTER 2015

Siemens’ Flex-Plants™ - a trusted partner for renewables Fast, efficient and reliable Siemens’ Flex-Plant technology works in harmony with intermittent renewables to meet grid demand.

siemens.com/energy The continued growth of renewable energy generation puts power supply at nature‘s whim. The potential for rapid fluctuations in generation must be quickly balanced to maintain a reliable supply of power to the grid. With all of the flexibility and features of a peaker and the high efficiency of a combined cycle plant, proven Flex-Plants from Siemens work in harmony with renewables, providing efficient and reliable electricity when the wind stops blowing or the sun stops shining.

We also offer unique Clean-Ramp™ technology that integrates the operation of the combined cycle to keep your emissions in compliance while ramping up and down.

As you tackle the challenge of ensuring a reliable power supply while remaining committed to using natural resources responsibly, Siemens has the solutions that help you do both.

The journey to a new kind of energy system needs all types of answers. Answers today, and answers that last.

Shepard Energy Centre Calgary, Alberta

Powering the future.

An industry innovator, Kiewit Power has extensive experience in the gas-fired, air quality control systems, power delivery, renewable and nuclear markets.

We offer clients a one-stop shop for all integrated engineering, procurement, construction and startup service needs. Our industry-leading projects show how Kiewit is committed to remaining a power pioneer.

Kiewit Power Group Inc. 9401 Renner Boulevard Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 928-7000

KIEWIT.COM