T&D World University offers a comprehensive continuing education program for utility management, engineers and technical professionals. The 2008 T&D World University will offer three days of specialized tracks from Oct. 27-29, in Dallas, Texas. Industry experts will provide the tools, techniques and insider information on new and emerging areas, along with foundation courses.

The conference is now offering continuing education credits (CEUs) from RCEPP, the registered continuing education program sanctioned through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

It will also feature a new course track, Theory’s Great, But How Do I Use It?, specifically designed to provide real-world case studies and hands-on tips on how to apply what students have learned.

Tracks and Features for 08

The Digital Utility

We live in a digital world and out utilities must be digital too. The Digital Utility is made up of advanced hardware including intelligent sensors, monitors, wide area measurement systems, power electronics, and self-diagnostics to name a few. It is advanced materials like superconducting cables, ceramic conductors, flow batteries, and composite flywheels. It is also advanced software capable of taking the millions of data point and making sense of them by analyzing and spotting trends. It is the advanced technologies available today aiding utilities to meet the challenges of providing reliable power to their customers.

The Digital Customer Connection

The intelligent connection to the customer is a two-way communications pathway. Data from millions of smart meters creates a real-time image of customer’s profile and the distribution system. Intelligent meters control the Customer’s appliances and energy usage. Customers become partners with the utility in load management, load shaping, and load shedding. The customer can select services such as telephone, internet access, cable TV and electricity from the utility. The Customer can generate electricity and sell the excess back to the utility. We are just beginning to see the applications available because of the improved communications and services.

IT Enabled Delivery

Today’s distribution system is becoming a true network. Computers monitor feeders, locate faults, sectionalize and isolate those faults and reroute power faster than a human operator can identify there is a problem. Customer disruption is minimized and repair is speedily done. Computer programs give the Customer the ability to select levels of service and usage rates to control cost of energy and shape their load to aid the utility manage its resources better.

Tools to Manage Your Projects

Despite the job title, there are business essentials every engineer needs to have in order to manage their day-to-day jobs. This track will provide some of these essentials, and look for other courses scattered in the various tracks that will home in on project skills for that specific area. One must have is Project Management; other offerings include Network Security and Contracting Strategies.

Theory’s Great, But How Do I Use It?

The title of this track rings true, regardless of the industry. Enjoy short courses that reveal real-world scenarios for situations you’re hearing theory on. Although many of the course offerings will have case study components, we felt obligated to emphasize the hands-on approach to certain issues being addressed. Join in the presentations and interactive discussion for several shorter courses on the real world of transmission and distribution.