Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future from Coursera

THIS COURSE GIVES YOU THE INSIDE TRACK TO A COMPLICATED INDUSTRY. The approach of this course is truly unique in how it approaches and engages learners. It looks at the electric utility industry, which has remained critical to our quality of life, health and comfort from the eyes of numerous industry experts through on-location interviews, compelling visuals, and animation. You will benefit from having the inside track because you see some behind-the-scenes information not covered in news stories, social media or even if we are in the business ourselves.

EACH WEEK YOU NOT ONLY LEARN WHAT IS CHANGING, BUT WHY. As this industry continues to unfold at an unprecedented pace, you will be armed with knowledge and insights to form informed opinions supporting decisions you will increasingly make for your energy-dependent homes and businesses.

This course kicks off with animated crash course on industry history, highlighting aspects of the structure, governance, and technology that remain today, despite the passage of time. Then, throughout the modules, you will build some basics about how electricity gets to you, who watches over decisions, including setting rates. This information establishes a knowledge foundation so that when we explore some of the most critical topics, like renewable energy, smart grid, battery storage, and you can think about it from a much more analytical and critical viewpoint.

YOU WILL DEVELOP A FRAMEWORK FOR MAKING SENSE OF THIS INDUSTRY THAT WILL BENEFIT YOU BEYOND THIS COURSE. This industry can get pretty complicated, and this course will help you make more sense of it. Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future is the course for you whether you’re just curious about the industry or an industry veteran looking to grow – or, thinking about joining the industry. (Hint: now is a good time. You'll learn why in this course.) No prior education or experience required. You just need a healthy curiosity and an open mind to learn about an industry that I think a lot of us, including myself sometimes, take for granted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Taking Shape and Grid Fundamentals

We kick off this course with a look at how the electric utility industries' technical, regulatory and structural history continues to shape how we receive electricity today. You'll follow electricity from how utilities generate it by using fossil fuels or renewables to how it is delivered to your home or business. And, you'll learn there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the electricity we all depend on.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a nuanced insight into complex financial and regulatory structures for energy enterprises

Exploration of topics such as renewable energy, smart grid, and battery storage enhances relevance to contemporary industry developments

Designed for learners with a base understanding of electricity and energy concepts

Access to industry experts and their insights provides valuable perspectives

Helps learners understand the industry beyond just the technicalities, providing a broader comprehension

Appropriate for individuals seeking to join or advance in the electric utility industry

Reviews summary

Comprehensive electric utilities overview

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive and comprehensive overview of the electric utility industry, focusing on fundamentals, history, and regulation. Students appreciate the clear explanations, well-structured modules, and professional production quality, including helpful animations. The course is considered an excellent introduction and highly suitable for beginners or those new to the field, building a solid foundation. However, some learners, particularly industry veterans or those seeking detailed technical analysis, note that the course lacks depth on advanced topics and the future aspects like smart grids or renewables may feel too high-level or rushed. The expert interviews offer valuable insights, though some felt they could go deeper.

Features valuable expert interviews.

"The interviews with industry experts were a highlight and provided valuable insights."

"The interviews were a nice touch for practical insights."

"The interviews were okay, but some lacked depth."

Well-structured with good visuals.

"The structure is logical, moving from history to current state to future outlook."

"The video quality and animations are professional."

"The animated sections were clear and helped simplify complex topics."

Highly suitable for newcomers.

"The pace was just right for someone with a basic understanding..."

"Perfect introduction to the electric utility landscape... Great for anyone curious or new to the field."

"Recommended for both students and professionals needing a solid foundation."

Builds a solid knowledge base.

"...overall, a very good course for getting a handle on the basics of the grid."

"Decent course for a beginner. It covers the basics well."

"Good overview, especially the regulatory aspects."

"...students and professionals needing a solid foundation."

Covers industry fundamentals thoroughly.

"This course was excellent. It provides a really comprehensive overview of the electric utility industry..."

"A solid introduction to the fundamentals."

"Perfect introduction to the electric utility landscape."

"Excellent overview of a complex industry."

Future technology coverage lacks detail.

"I felt the section on future technologies like smart grid and battery storage could have been expanded."

"...doesn't delve into the engineering or economic complexities."

"It's definitely more on the 'fundamentals' side than 'future' or advanced topics."

Content may be too basic for veterans.

"However, for someone already working in the industry, much of the initial content is too fundamental."

"My main feedback is that some parts could go deeper."

"More of a high-level business perspective than technical."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future with these activities:

Review your notes and past assignments

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Regularly reviewing your course material will help you stay up-to-date and reinforce your understanding.

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Form study groups and collaborate with classmates on assignments

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Working with classmates can help you learn from different perspectives and improve your understanding of the course material.

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Volunteer with organizations that promote clean energy and sustainability

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Volunteering with organizations focused on clean energy and sustainability will allow you to gain hands-on experience and contribute to a cause you care about.

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Six other activities

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Review the book 'The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future' by Gretchen Bakke

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the history, current state, and future of the electric grid in the United States, which will enhance your understanding of the industry.

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Attend industry conferences and meetups

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Industry events provide opportunities to connect with professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and developments.

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Practice solving problems related to electricity and power systems

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Solving practice problems will help you develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in this course.

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Create a presentation on the history and evolution of the electric utility industry

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This activity will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the historical and technological developments that have shaped the electric utility industry.

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Research the history of the electric utility industry.
Identify the key technological developments that have occurred over time.
Develop a presentation that outlines the history and evolution of the electric utility industry.
Present your findings to the class.

Follow tutorials on how to operate and maintain electrical equipment

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These tutorials will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills needed to work with electrical equipment safely and effectively.

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Start a project to build a solar-powered system

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This project will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course and gain practical experience in designing and building a solar-powered system.

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Research different types of solar panels and their efficiency ratings.
Determine the energy needs of your system and calculate the number of panels you will need.
Design the system, including the layout of the panels, the wiring, and the mounting system.
Purchase the necessary materials and build the system.
Test the system to ensure it is working properly.

Career center

Learners who complete Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the causes and effects of climate change. They develop and implement solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the role of electricity in climate change. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to develop and implement solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Electric Utility Executive

Electric Utility Executives oversee the operations of electric utilities. They make decisions about generation, transmission, distribution, and rates. This course provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the electric utility industry. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you lead your utility and make decisions that affect the lives of millions of people.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electric Utility Executive

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment. They design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the environmental impact of electricity generation and use. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to protect the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Energy Policy Analyst

Energy Policy Analysts develop and analyze energy policies. They work with governments, businesses, and other organizations to promote the development and use of sustainable energy sources. This course gives you a comprehensive introduction to the electric utility industry. It also covers the regulatory environment and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to develop and analyze energy policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Policy Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact. They develop and implement sustainability plans, and track progress towards sustainability goals. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the role of electricity in sustainability. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you help businesses and organizations reduce their environmental impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Utility Regulator

Utility Regulators oversee the regulation of electric utilities. They set rates, review utility plans, and investigate complaints. This course provides you with a deep understanding of the electric utility industry. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to regulate the industry and protect the interests of consumers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Utility Regulator

Wind Turbine Technician

Wind Turbine Technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They work with wind farm owners and operators to keep turbines running safely and efficiently. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions as you install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Turbine Technician

Renewable Energy Project Developer

Renewable Energy Project Developers oversee the development of renewable energy projects. They work with landowners, government agencies, and utilities to get projects approved and built. This course gives you a comprehensive introduction to the electric utility industry, including the basics of generation, transmission, and distribution. It also covers the regulatory environment and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as you work to develop renewable energy projects.

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Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar Photovoltaic Installers design, install, and maintain solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. They work with homeowners, businesses, and utilities to help them switch to solar energy. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions as you design, install, and maintain solar PV systems.

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Energy Efficiency Analyst

Energy Efficiency Analysts help businesses and organizations reduce their energy consumption. They conduct energy audits, identify energy-saving opportunities, and develop and implement energy efficiency plans. This course gives you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview will help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions as you help businesses and organizations reduce their energy consumption.

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Energy Manager

Energy Managers are responsible for managing the energy consumption of a building or organization. This course may be useful in giving you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview can help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions.

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Energy Consultant

Energy Consultants advise clients on how to reduce their energy costs and improve their energy efficiency. This course may be useful in giving you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview can help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions.

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Power Systems Analyst

Power Systems Analysts may work in the design, operation, or maintenance of power systems. A basic understanding of how utilities work can be useful for someone in this role. This course may give you the foundational knowledge you need to excel in this field.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems, including power plants. This course may be useful in giving you a basic overview of the fundamentals of electric utilities. This overview can help you to better understand the context of your work and make better decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Reliability Engineer

Reliability Engineers often take an advisory capacity in overseeing power systems. This course can help put you on that path by building the necessary foundation in energy fundamentals, regulation, generation, transmission, and distribution. Access to this knowledge can augment your ability to perform better in your role and increase your chances of getting promoted.

See salaries and explore the career path for Reliability Engineer