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    • 9 Sep 2025
    • 18 Sep 2025
    • 6 sessions
    • Online, you will receive a link and instructions
    Registration is closed


    G.O. 95 and NESC Compliant
    Overhead Distribution Line Design 
    Online Training Program

    September 9-11, 16-18, 2025
    9:00 am to 12:30 pm (Pacific) each day

    The State of California has established legislation and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has issued General Order (G.O.) 95 Rules for Overhead Line Construction and General Order (G.O.) 128 Rules for Underground Line Construction. California’s public and private electric utilities are required to comply with these general orders. Engineers and designers, as well as operation and maintenance employees of utilities and their contractors are expected to understand and properly apply these rules.

    Participants will receive copies of the presentation materials in advance, allowing you to work with them before, during and after the online sessions. The scheduled online sessions will also be recorded and available for a period of thirty days, enabling participants to work around any scheduling conflicts.

    LEARNING METHODS
    This program is applications‐oriented, including 
    group interaction, high‐quality presentations, Q&A, and opportunities to check all that you have learned.

    WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?
    This workshop has value for those who work at all levels of overhead distribution line design and should be attended by:
        • Engineering managers
        • Design/staking technicians
        • Design engineers
        • Resident engineers
        • Design/staking supervisors
        • Consulting engineers

    DAILY SESSION SCHEDULE:
    This program will be presented in six (6) “live” half-day sessions. Following each session, participants are expected to work independently on exercises related to the topics presented. The planned schedule for each daily session is as follows, subject to some variation based on the level of participant engagement that impacts the pace of presentation. (All times are Pacific Time).

    08:45 a.m. to 09:00 a.m.    Platform up and running
                                               for participant log-in
    09:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.    Session
    10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.    Break
    10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.    Session
    11:30 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.    Break
    11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.    Session

    Session I  –  Sept. 9

    Overhead Line Design
    Accountabilities and Process

    • Overhead line design risks, risk management and protocols
    • NESC overview and application
    • G.O. 95 overview and application
    • NESC general requirements for overhead lines
    • G.O. 95 general requirements for overhead lines
    • Other considerations in overhead line design

    Session II  –  Sept. 10

    Overhead Line Conductor/Cable
    Sag and Tension

    • NESC and G.O. 95 requirements for maximum conductor/cable sag determination
    • NESC and G.O. 95, and practical requirements for maximum conductor/cable design tension
    • Conductor/cable sag and tension calculations
    • Conductor/cable sag-tension software
    • Application examples and assigned exercises

    Session III  –  Sept. 11

    Overhead Line Clearance Requirements (NESC and G.O. 95)

    • Clearances to ground and water surfaces
    • Clearances to buildings and other structures
    • Clearances between conductors, cables and equipment
    • Clearance application examples and assigned exercises

    Session IV  –  Sept. 16

    Overhead Line Structure Loading
    and Strength (Part 1)

    • Types and functions of supporting structures
    • NESC and G.O. 95 requirements for supporting structure design (loading conditions and strength requirements)
    • Determination of mechanical forces supporting structures
    • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned exercises

    Session V  –  Sept. 17

    Overhead Line Structure Loading
    and Strength (Part 2)

    • Overhead line guying and anchoring design considerations
    • Wood poles (types, treatments, dimensions, strength, classes and specifications)
    • Manufactured poles (types, characteristics, NESC equivalent designs, and specifications
    • Pole embedment designs
    • Supporting structure loading application examples and assigned exercises

    Session VI  –  Sept. 18

    Putting it all together

    • Joint use overhead line design considerations
    • Examples and exercises in overhead line design scenarios

    PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS

         
       R. John Miner              Tom Black            Erich Schoennagel

    Program developers and instructors R. John Miner, P.E., Tom Black, P.E. and Erich Schoennagel, P.E. have over 120 years of combined experience in the electric utility industry, including extensive experience in the design and construction of overhead and underground lines. They are offering this new program as a cost-effective and convenient opportunity for you to become familiar with or refresh and update your knowledge of G.O. 95 and G.O 128.

    R. John Miner, P.E. is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc. of Austin and San Antonio, Texas, a firm that presents management and technical education programs and, through Collaboration Unlimited, provides management consulting services to the electric utility industry. John’s technical seminars and workshops for utilities have covered such topics as application of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), overhead and underground distribution systems, electric system planning, construction, operations, and maintenance. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo. John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota.

    Tom Black, P.E. is an accomplished engineer and executive manager who works with Collaborative Learning as a technical consultant and continuing education program developer and instructor. Tom has more than 35 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries including employment with both municipal and Investor-owned utilities. Tom teaches courses on such topics as electrical distribution principles, overhead and underground distribution systems, the NESC, electric system planning, construction, operations, and maintenance. Tom earned his Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis (with honors) and is a registered professional engineer in the states of Colorado and Arizona. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

    Erich Schoennagel, P.E. is an accomplished engineer and manager who works with Collaborative Learning as a technical consultant and continuing education program developer and instructor. Erich began his utility career more than 40 years ago and most recently managed the Transmission Project Engineering group for a large investor-owned utility, which served the company’s needs for transmission system design, substation and telecom site improvement, and civil engineering for transmission, substation, distribution, and telecom structures. Erich has extensive experience in the application of engineering principles and NESC requirements to the design of utility structures and foundations. Erich received his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.

    Register by August 29, 2025:

    Individual Cost - $1,850 for Academy members and CL contacts

    Group of 3 or more - $1,750 per person 

    Cancellations are accepted if request is made at least 10 days prior to start of the course. Within 1-10 days or "no show", the full registration fee will be charged. When possible, please send a substitute instead of cancelling. 

    We do not charge a fee for substitutions.
    For assistance contact Jillian.Wolfe@cl-cu.com.


    • 23 Sep 2025
    • 12:00 PM
    • 2 Oct 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Online, you will receive link and instructions via email.

    Underground
    Distribution Systems (Part 1)

    Sept. 23, 24, 25, 30, Oct. 1, 2, 2025
    NOON - 4:00 PM Eastern
    REGISTER NOW USING CODE: CL2025

    Save $200 by bundling both underground courses!

    Learning Environment 

    Participate in a 60-minute orientation session at Noon on Sept. 22, followed by six (6) live sessions from Noon – 4 pm ET on Sept. 23, 24, 25, 30; Oct. 1, 2. There will be two 10-minute breaks in each session. Unable to make the live sessions? Recordings will be made available (automatically to those who register) a week after each course takes place.

    Course Overview

    In this comprehensive course, learn all about the effective planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of underground electric distribution systems. Review critical factors involved in the conversion of overhead systems to underground. Discuss operations, safety and regulatory requirements, and hear from an industry cable application engineer about underground cable reliability, failure modes, and testing methods.

    Course Topics

    • Introduction to underground distribution
    • Underground policies and customer service terms/conditions
    • Planning and design
    • Cable design and application
    • Cable failure and testing
    • Cable accessories: design, installation and operation 
    • Cable installation
    • Underground transformers 
    • Basic underground protection and reliability considerations
    • Underground safety and operations
    • Inspection and maintenance

    For those of you looking for a more comprehensive training, it is highly recommended that you take this course in conjunction with
    Advanced Underground Distribution Systems
    (November 4-6, 2025). 

    $200 discount for attending both courses.

    Recommended for

    Designed for electric utility engineers, designers, technicians, and field personnel who are responsible for, or who make decisions concerning, distribution systems, as well as those involved in the management, construction, and operations aspects of distribution systems.

    This course is conducted at a practical level and is appropriate for degreed engineers and engineering technicians, as well as non-degreed high school graduates with a general knowledge of the electric utility system.

    Course Level

    Basic/Intermediate: No prerequisites, though some advance preparation is requested, including attending an orientation session on September 22 from noon to 1pm. 

    All materials will be provided at least two business days prior to the class with access instructions, so they can be downloaded tin advance to take notes on. 

    Technology Requirements

    • Computer: Each attendee needs to work from their own computer, to fully participate in the discussions and exercises. 
    • Contact Academy@PublicPower.org if you are participating as a group in a conference room.
    • Zoom Meeting Access: You’ll need strong Internet access to run the Zoom meeting platform. 
    • Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions.
    • Download the Kahoot! App: The instructors will be using Kahoot during (and after) live sessions and will provide you with the game PIN number needed for each quiz. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the free Kahoot! app on your phone.

        Accreditation

        The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all six live sessions. Certificates will be available by June 6. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events.
        Recommended CEUs 2.2 / PDHs 22

        What to Bring

        Communication

        • 24 hours after registering: You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of registering, which contains some preliminary information.
        • 24 hours before: You’ll receive your Zoom log in links the day before the first session in a course (sent from the APPA Academy’s Zoom account <no-reply@zoom.us>)  
          You’ll also receive a final logistics email 24 hours in advance of the first class. 
          If you don’t receive this, email EducationInfo@PublicPower.org

        Instructors 

        Lead Instructor R. John Miner, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc., of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and has been an APPA instructor for more than 30 years and an instructor for the University of Wisconsin for 20 years. Before forming his own company, he worked for the Austin, Texas, Electric Utility Department, Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota, and as an assistant professor for the University of Houston. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo.  John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota. 

        M. Thomas Black, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager, consultant and course instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries. In addition to working with Collaborative Learning, Tom’s experience includes employment with both municipal and investor owned utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He teaches a variety of courses on technical topics and also has extensive executive level experience in managing electric and gas utility systems, including serving as chief energy officer and energy delivery general manager. Tom has also served on the boards of RMEL and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

        Erich Schoennagel, P.E., has cultivated over 45 years of experience in the electric industry. He is a former manager and engineer with CenterPoint Energy and managed the Transmission Project Engineering group. Erich served for 15 years as a member advisor and chairman of the Underground Transmission Task Force for the Electric Power Research Institute until his retirement from CenterPoint Energy. There he directed research related to underground transmission and superconductivity. He was a board member of the annual TSDOS symposium, and a former member of the American Concrete Institute 336 committee related to foundation design and construction.

        Tom DeBell, P.E., is an independent consultant and course developer and instructor for Collaborative Learning with experience in the electric, water, telecommunications, and gas utility industries. Tom recently concluded a successful 34-year career with Riviera Utilities, a municipal utility in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this extensive career in November 2023, Tom founded an executive and leadership coaching company. During his tenure at Riviera Utilities, Tom held various pivotal roles, including engineering and management positions, culminating in his role as President/CEO. In his engineering roles, Tom developed line construction specifications, designed transmission and distribution lines, including both overhead and underground distribution, and collaborated closely with construction crews on major line projects. Tom also specialized in the design and construction of electric transmission and distribution substations, conducted system coordination studies and implemented cascading protection schemes.

        Pricing

        Underground Distribution Systems:
        Non-members     $3,390 
        Members*           $1,695
        *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

        Advanced Underground Distribution Systems:
        Non-members     $1,790 
        Members*           $895
        *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

        Underground Bundle (Both Courses) – Save $200!
        Non-members     $4,980 
        Members*           $2,390
        *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

        Group Discounts:
        Save $50 per person with a group of 5-9, $100 per person for 10-14, $150 per person for 15 or more. The more in your group, the greater the discount!


        REGISTER NOW!
        BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE:
        CL2025


        • 4 Nov 2025
        • 12:00 PM
        • 6 Nov 2025
        • 4:00 PM
        • Online, you will receive link and instructions via email.


        Advanced Underground

        Distribution Systems (Part 2)


        November 4, 5, 6, 2025
        Noon - 4:00 PM
         (Eastern)
        9.5 PDH

        REGISTER NOW USING CODE: CL2025
        Save $200 by bundling both underground courses!

        Learning Environment

        This course is a zoom live offering with highly skilled instructors, and includes case studies, whole class and small group discussion and sharing, quizzes, practical application problems and exercises, as well as Q&A sessions. 
        Recommended CEUs 1/PDHs 9.5 

        Although each course can be taken independently,
        we highly recommend taking both for the most
        complete and comprehensive training
        . 
        Underground Distribution Systems - Series Part 1 
        (September 23 - October 2, 2025) 
        $200 discount for attending both courses.  

        Course Overview

        Underground distribution continues to be the installation method of choice in many applications on public power systems. Although the initial installation cost of underground distribution is almost always greater than equivalent overhead distribution, it offers a wide range of advantages including greater operating reliability, lower operating and maintenance costs, better public safety and, of course, reduced visibility and greater public acceptance. 

        Learn how to improve your utility’s policies, standards, and practices for planning, designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining underground distribution and hear about current and emerging industry trends.

        Course Topics

        Ensuring long-life cable installations

        • A deeper dive into cable design, types, and properties
        • Cable manufacturing, standards, and specifications
        • Cable life extension methods

        Civil engineering considerations in underground distribution

        • Underground structure types and functions
        • Routing considerations for underground lines in an urban setting
        • Route survey elements and procedures
        • Engineering testing
        •  Installation of cable in underground structures
        Distribution system planning and capital improvements
        • Key drivers for underground performance improvement
        • System improvement goals
        • Strategic system planning
        • Improving underground distribution design criteria and standards
        • Prioritizing capital investments 

        Professional practice in utility underground line design

        • Risk exposures and management strategies
        • Legal and regulatory environment for utilities and engineers
        • The underground line design process

          Recommended for

          Designed for electric utility engineers, designers, technicians, and field personnel who are responsible for, or who make decisions concerning, distribution systems, as well as those involved in the management, construction, and operations aspects of distribution systems.

          This course is conducted at a practical level and is appropriate for degreed engineers and engineering technicians, as well as non-degreed high school graduates with a general knowledge of the electric utility system.

          Course Level


          Intermediate (Level 2): No prerequisites, though it is recommended that attendees have foundational knowledge of underground distribution systems, their components, and basic design principles, either through attending APPA’s Underground Distribution Systems (Level 1) course or through work experience. 

          Some advance preparation is requested, including attending an orientation session on Nov. 3 (Noon – 1 pm ET – this will be recorded).

            Accreditation

            The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all six live sessions. Certificates will be available by June 6. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events.
            Recommended CEUs 1 / PDHs 9.5
            For Series BUNDLE CEUs 3 / PDHs 31.5

            What to Bring

            • Required: a scientific calculator or smart phone calculator app.
            • Required: a print copy (or have access to a digital copy) of the 
              2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) during class.

            • Encouraged: interesting underground distribution photos, as well as underground distribution design guides and standards to share.

            Technology Requirements

            • Computer: Each attendee needs to work from their own computer, to fully participate in the discussions and exercises.
              Contact Academy@PublicPower.org if you are participating as a group in a conference room.
            • Zoom Meeting Access: You’ll need strong Internet access to run the Zoom meeting platform. 
            • Audio/Webcam: You will need to enable computer audio to listen and speak (alternatively a call-in number will be provided) and you will also need a webcam, so you can fully engage in the small group breakout sessions and group discussions.
            • Download the Kahoot! App: The instructors will be using Kahoot during (and after) live sessions and will provide you with the game PIN number needed for each quiz. Go to the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and download the free Kahoot! app on your phone.

            Communication

            • 24 hours after registering: You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of registering, which contains some preliminary information.
            • 24 hours before: You’ll receive your Zoom log in links the day before the first session in a course (sent from the APPA Academy’s Zoom account <no-reply@zoom.us>)  
              You’ll also receive a final logistics email 24 hours in advance of the first class. 
              If you don’t receive this, email EducationInfo@PublicPower.org

            Instructors
             

            Lead Instructor R. John Miner, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager and educator with over 45 years of experience in the electric utility industry. He is president of Collaborative Learning, Inc., of Austin and San Antonio, Texas and has been an APPA instructor for more than 30 years and an instructor for the University of Wisconsin for 20 years. Before forming his own company, he worked for the Austin, Texas, Electric Utility Department, Rochester Public Utilities in Minnesota, and as an assistant professor for the University of Houston. John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering (with honors), and a Master of Science degree in engineering science, both from the University of Toledo.  John is a Senior Life Member of the IEEE and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Texas and Minnesota. 

            M. Thomas Black, P.E., is an accomplished executive manager, consultant and course instructor with more than 30 years of experience in the electric and gas utility industries. In addition to working with Collaborative Learning, Tom’s experience includes employment with both municipal and investor owned utilities across multiple jurisdictions in Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. He teaches a variety of courses on technical topics and also has extensive executive level experience in managing electric and gas utility systems, including serving as chief energy officer and energy delivery general manager. Tom has also served on the boards of RMEL and the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities and is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

            Erich Schoennagel, P.E., has cultivated over 45 years of experience in the electric industry. He is a former manager and engineer with CenterPoint Energy and managed the Transmission Project Engineering group. Erich served for 15 years as a member advisor and chairman of the Underground Transmission Task Force for the Electric Power Research Institute until his retirement from CenterPoint Energy. There he directed research related to underground transmission and superconductivity. He was a board member of the annual TSDOS symposium, and a former member of the American Concrete Institute 336 committee related to foundation design and construction.

            Tom DeBell, P.E., is an independent consultant and course developer and instructor for Collaborative Learning with experience in the electric, water, telecommunications, and gas utility industries. Tom recently concluded a successful 34-year career with Riviera Utilities, a municipal utility in Foley, Alabama. Transitioning from this extensive career in November 2023, Tom founded an executive and leadership coaching company. During his tenure at Riviera Utilities, Tom held various pivotal roles, including engineering and management positions, culminating in his role as President/CEO. In his engineering roles, Tom developed line construction specifications, designed transmission and distribution lines, including both overhead and underground distribution, and collaborated closely with construction crews on major line projects. Tom also specialized in the design and construction of electric transmission and distribution substations, conducted system coordination studies and implemented cascading protection schemes.

            Pricing

            Underground Distribution Systems:
            Non-members     $3,390 
            Members*           $1,695
            *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

            Advanced Underground Distribution Systems:
            Non-members     $1,790 
            Members*           $895
            *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

            Underground Bundle (Both Courses) – Save $200!
            Non-members     $4,980 
            Members*           $2,390
            *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025

            Group Discounts:
            Save $50 per person with a group of 5-9, $100 per person for 10-14, $150 per person for 15 or more. The more in your group, the greater the discount!

            REGISTER NOW!

            BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE:
            CL2025

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