Upcoming Courses & Programs

  • CL-APPA Underground Distribution Systems - Series Part one

    • 5 May 2025
    • 7 May 2025
    • 3 sessions
    • APPA Spring Institute, Orlando, FL


    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.

    Location and Timing

    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.

    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

    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; 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. 

      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 / PDHs 19.5
      For Series BUNDLE CEUs 3 / PDHs 29.0

      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.

      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.

      Pricing

      Early       Bird through April 4: After April 4:

      Non-members     $3,590               $3,790 

      Members*           $1,795               $1,895

      *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

      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
      Show details

    • CL-APPA Advanced Underground Distribution Systems - (Series Part Two)

      • 8 May 2025
      • 8:30 AM
      • 9 May 2025
      • 4:30 PM
      • APPA Spring Institute, Orlando, FL


      PART OF THE APPA SPRING INSTITUTE

      Advanced Underground

      Distribution Systems (Part 1)


      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!

      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. 
      Recommended CEUs 1/PDHs 9.5 

      Location and Timing

      Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel
      9801 International Drive
      Orlando, FL 32819
      Thursday, May 8 – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

      Friday, May 9, 2025, 8:00 AM to Noon 

      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 
      (May 6-8, 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: 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. 

          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 29.0

          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.

          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.

          Pricing

          Early           Bird through April 4: After April 4:

          Non-members    $1,990               $2,190 

          Members*           $  995                $1,095

          *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

          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
          Show details

        • CL-APPA Virtual Series Part #1: Overhead Distribution System Principles and Applications

          • 20 May 2025
          • 29 May 2025
          • 6 sessions
          • Online, you will receive a link


          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.

          Learning Environment

          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 work at all levels of overhead distribution design including:
          • Engineering managers
          • Design engineers 
          • Design/staking supervisors and technicians
          • Consulting engineers
          • Crew supervisors and senior lineworkers 

          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:

          • Instructor and participant introductions 
          • Course overview, materials, and expectations
          • Technology and logistics (the APPA document portal and homework/exercises)
          • Zoom functionality (breakout rooms, webcams/audio,
          • best practices, etc.)
          • Completion requirements for continuing education credits

          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 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 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

          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).

          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.

          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.

          Registration Fee:

          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!

          WHEN REGISTERING, BE SURE TO USE PROMO CODE CL2025
          Show details

        • G.O. 95 and NESC Compliant Overhead Line Design

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


          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&amp;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.


          Show details

        Following is a selected sample of continuing education program titles and topics that Collaborative Learning (CL) has presented for a wide range of clients in the electric utility industry. While some of the programs are “standard offerings”, CL is prepared to offer this content in online live, online on-demand, and in-person formats and with various combinations of topics to best suit the needs of our clients.



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