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PART OF THE APPA SPRING INSTITUTE
Underground
Distribution Systems (Part 1)
Mon. May 5 through Wed. May 7, 2025 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Eastern
REGISTER NOW USING CODE: CL2025
Save $200 by bundling both underground courses!
Learning Environment
This course is group-live offering and includes lecture style teaching, case studies, whole class and small group discussion and sharing, quizzes, practical application problems and exercises, as well as Q&A sessions. Earn 19.5 PDH credits, 29.0 if you take the series.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel 9801 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 Monday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 7, 2025, 8:30 Am to 4:30 PM.
Although each course can be taken independently, we highly recommend taking both for the most complete and comprehensive training. Advanced Underground Distribution Systems (May 8-9, 2025). $200 discount for attending both courses.
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.
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; no advance preparation. It is highly recommended to attend this course in conjunction with the Advanced Underground Distribution Systems course. All materials will be handed out on-site in the classroom. Participants will receive an email one week in advance of the course with logistical information.
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 / PDHs 19.5 For Series BUNDLE CEUs 3 / PDHs 29.0
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.
Communication
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.
Pricing Early Bird through April 4: After April 4:
Non-members $3,590 $3,790
*Must register through APPA and use code CL2025
Underground Bundle – Save $200! Early Bird through April 4: After April 4:
Non-members $5,180 $5,380
Members* $2,590 $2,790 *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025
REGISTER NOW!
BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE: CL2025
Advanced Underground
Thu. May 8, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Fri. May 9, 8:00 AM - Noon (Eastern)
REGISTER NOW USING CODE: CL2025 Save $200 by bundling both underground courses!
This course is group-live offering and includes lecture style teaching, 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
Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel 9801 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819Thursday, May 8 – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:00 AM to Noon
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.
Ensuring long-life cable installations
Civil engineering considerations in underground distribution
Professional practice in utility underground line design
Intermediate: No prerequisites; no advance preparation. Some knowledge of underground distribution systems is helpful.
All materials will be handed out on-site in the classroom. Participants will receive an email one week in advance of the course with logistical information.
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 29.0
Non-members $1,990 $2,190
Non-members $5,180 $5,380 Members* $2,590 $2,790 *Must register through APPA and use code CL2025
Virtual Training Overhead Distribution Principles and Applications
May 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 2025 12:00-4:00 PM Eastern
Plus a required orientation session May 20, 12:00-1:00 PM.
Level 1 of the two-part Overhead Distribution Virtual Series. It’s a convenient way to 'attend' the course, while still having the opportunity to interact with the instructors, your industry peers, and earn 17.5 PDH credits. This course is applications-oriented, including online lecture, interaction, and learning by doing.
Learn about the characteristics and functions of overhead distribution components and the legal/regulatory/business requirements that drive today’s overhead distribution practices. Explore specific requirements and practices associated with overhead line conductors and cables, structural components, grounding, and lightning protection.
All sessions incorporate real-time presentations from industry experts, Q&A, group interaction, and hands-on exercises.
Timing
Participate in a 60-minute orientation session on May 20, followed by five, real-time sessions from Noon – 4 p.m. Eastern on May 21, 22, 27, 28 an 29. There will be two 10-minute breaks incorporated into each session.
Delivery Method/Learning Environment
This course is a Group Internet based offering (via Zoom). The class is applications-oriented, including real-time presentations, breakout sessions, in-class examples, quizzes, live polling, Q&A sessions, group discussions, and is focused on learning by doing. It’s a convenient way to attend the course, while still having the opportunity to interact with the instructors, your industry peers, and earn 18 PDH credits.
Course Overview
Overhead distribution continues to play an essential role for most utilities in delivering electric service to end-use customers, either directly or as the source for underground line extensions. Learn about the characteristics and functions of the various components that comprise the overhead distribution system as well as the legal/regulatory and business requirements that drive today’s overhead distribution practices.
Explore specific requirements and practices associated with overhead line conductors and cables, structural components, grounding, and lightning protection. Learn how to review and improve your utility’s overhead line design criteria and construction standards, make better design decisions, and enhance safety and service reliability.
Recommended For
Those who are relatively inexperienced in the industry or to overhead distribution, as well as those with experience who want to “refresh and update” their understanding of underlying principles, practices, and the components and equipment that comprise today’s overhead distribution system will benefit from participating.
It is highly recommended that you attend this course in conjunction with Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design August 26, 27, 28, September 2, 3 and 4. Save $200 by bundling both courses
Course Topics
Orientation Session: May 20 (Noon - 1 PM Eastern)
We request that all participants attend this session, though a recording will also be made available. The session will cover:
Each subsequent session will be held from Noon – 4 p.m. Eastern.
Introduction to Overhead Distribution:
The overhead distribution system: purpose, characteristics, components and equipment The legal, regulatory and business environment for overhead distribution design, construction and operation Introduction to NESC requirements for overhead lines
Overhead Line Conductors, Cables and NESC Clearances:
Overhead line conductor/cable types, properties and applications Basic concepts of sag-tension design and its impact on clearances Introduction to NESC clearance requirements and compliance
Overhead line conductor/cable types, properties and applications
Basic concepts of sag-tension design and its impact on clearances
Introduction to NESC clearance requirements and compliance
Overhead Line Physical Loading and Structures (Part 1):
Overhead line structure types and applications Basic concepts of structure loading and strength Introduction to NESC loading/strength requirements and compliance
Overhead Line Conductors, Cables, and Structures (Part 2):
Overhead line guying and anchoring Overhead line materials (wood and manufactured components) Basic line design application examples and assigned exercises
Overhead line guying and anchoring
Overhead line materials (wood and manufactured components)
Basic line design application examples and assigned exercises
Overhead Line Electrical Considerations:
Overhead line grounding Overhead line insulation and lightning protection
Course Level/Prerequisites/ Advance Preparation
Basic (Level 1): No prerequisites, though some advance preparation is requested, including attending an orientation session on May 20 (12-1 p.m. Eastern), which will be recorded.
Technology Requirements
Zoom Meeting Application: Attendees are required to have strong Internet access, in order to run the Zoom meeting platform. Click here to learn more about downloading the Zoom Web Client.
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 session and group discussions.
Additional Requirements
2023 NESC: Participants are required to have a copy of the 2023 National Electric Safety Code® (ANSI C2-2023) on hand to review during the course. Hard copies and electronic version can be purchased from IEEE (www.ieee.org; 800/701-4333).
Course Access and Materials
Zoom Links: Zoom log in credentials will be sent out 24 hours before the start of Session 1.
Course materials: Attendees will receive access to APPA’s secure online document portal a week before the course, where the eManuals and other course materials will be made available, allowing you to work with them before, during and after the online sessions.
Recordings: The sessions will be recorded and can also be accessed through APPA’s document portal (within a week of the last class in the program), in case you can’t attend the live versions. Recordings will be accessible for 90 days after the last course session. Note: Continuing education credits can only be issued for attending live sessions.
Application Exercises/Homework
Following each live session, participants are expected to either complete a quiz (to test your knowledge on key concepts) or work independently on line design application exercises (some exercises will be conducted during the live sessions). Further instructions will be provided at the beginning of Session One. The estimated time for completing these items is up to 1 hour per class day.
Accreditation
The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing 90% of all five live sessions. Certificates will available by Feb. 9. These sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in the live events (click here to review requirements).
Recommended CEUs 1.4 / PDHs 17.5 / CPEs 16.8 Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
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.
Registration Fee:
WHEN REGISTERING, BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE CL2025
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
Session II – Sept. 10
Overhead Line Conductor/Cable Sag and Tension
Session III – Sept. 11
Overhead Line Clearance Requirements (NESC and G.O. 95)
Session IV – Sept. 16
Overhead Line Structure Loading and Strength (Part 1)
Session V – Sept. 17
Overhead Line Structure Loading and Strength (Part 2)
Session VI – Sept. 18
Putting it all together
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.