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.

Price and Value

From generating electricity through various primary fuel sources to transmission and distribution, we know there is value in the grid itself. At the same time, this value is not necessarily obvious to customers. In this module, we'll learn how rates are determined and governed. We will also review different types of utilities as we explore pricing and value together.

Not Your Grandparents' Utility

You've invested time in learning the basic blocking and tackling in this industry. This foundation will be important as we examine how this industry is evolving. With this information under your belt, you can knowledgeably evaluate the various options and choices you will have in the future and can weigh in with an informed opinion on some of the most pressing and even controversial topics today.

Pace of Change, Technology and Regulation

Arguably, the electric utility industry is moving at a pace faster than ever seen before in its century-old history. Customer expectations and evolving technology will continue to drive this evolution. While many may express frustration that the pace of change is too slow, the existing regulatory structure and customer requirements around affordability and reliability mean that there is little room for error. We will explore the regulatory framework at a federal, state and local level and touch on some of the global trends in this area as well. We will tackle some of the more controversial topics, including potential overlap between federal and state regulatory accountabilities. The information you glean from this module will help you form more holistic and knowledgeable opinions as you watch this industry continue to unfold.

Toward a Bright Future

Over the past four weeks together, we've learned that there is more than meets the eye in this industry. With its rich history, complex regulatory framework and dependency on natural resources we know that the decisions we make today will impact how future generations receive electricity over the next century. This module pulls together the information we've learned so far so we can think about what the future holds from a place of knowledge. We'll look at what industry insiders consider the biggest hurdles and opportunity areas and hypothesize about what shifts might occur. In this final module, armed with your newfound knowledge, I'm going to ask you to connect the dots and express your informed opinion. With that - let's jump on in!

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Recommended electric utilities industry overview course

Learners say this course is an informative and engaging overview of the electric utilities industry, from generation to delivery. It features interviews with industry professionals and offers insights into the future of the sector. While it primarily covers the US market, it provides valuable context for learners interested in the global electric utilities landscape.

Comprehensive overview of the electric utilities industry.

"Very good overall coverage of topics related to utilities, providing historical perspective as well as trends into the future."

"This course was very informative and recommend every single on who is currently working with utility company to enroll in this course."

"Great course and really opened my eyes to Electric Utilities. Great course. I would highly recommend to everyone to educate themselves."

Insights into the future of the electric utilities industry.

"This course has given a clear information of the future of the utilities, Thank you for such great concept clearing lectures Prof. Melissa Wood"

"The course material is precise and gives overall status of present electric utility industry and the direction in which it is moving."

"Great course! Great insights, instructor and interviews to learn about this highly complex topic in a very simple format. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about this industry and also potential changes with technology to come.."

Limited discussion of climate change and its impact on the electric utilities industry.

"The course was helpful to get the basics. It felt like some of the material was presented in a way to protect/advocate for fossil fuel energy generation."

"If you're interested in the energy transition, take this course with a massive grain of salt (or don't take it at all, there's much better information out there)."

Some of the course material may be outdated.

"Several of the exam questions are misleading or simply wrong. Also, some content, especially related to the affordability of energy storage, is not up-to-date as of 2023."

"I got what I was looking for -- an overview of the electric utility industry from the utility's point of view. One call out was the reference to the uility survey of 2016."

"The course was great for an introduction to electric utilities. It is more focused on the electric utilities in the US and it might not be very relatable for students of other countries."

Focuses on the US electric utilities market.

"It was great for me as a newcomer. During the course and research related, I did notice it is becoming outdated as things have continued to transform over the past 6-7 years."

"The course is great for an introduction to electric utilities. It is more focused on the electric utilities in the US and it might not be very relatable for students of other countries."

"Good course to understand the fundamentals of Grid, Rating, Smart Grid and Futures of Electricity."

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:

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

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

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

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

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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Photovoltaic Installer

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.

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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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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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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

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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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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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