4–7 May 2026 • Chicago, IL
The IEEE Power & Energy Society’s Plain Talk courses about Electric Power Systems are designed for professionals working in or with the electric power industry, including those without a technical or engineering background. These expert-led courses provide a clear, practical understanding of electric power systems, including how they operate, current industry challenges, and key trends shaping the future of electricity delivery.
Whether you’re a new engineer, a professional transitioning into the energy sector, or a regulatory or policy expert, these courses will help you:
The electric grid is the backbone of our economy, yet many professionals lack a basic understanding of how it works. IEEE’s Plain Talk courses fill this knowledge gap with practical, industry-relevant training you can apply immediately.
Boost your energy industry knowledge with IEEE Power & Energy Society – the trusted source for power systems education.
| Plain Talk Courses | Advance Rate | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Talk: 3 Courses | $1,935 | $2,150 |
| Plain Talk: 2 Courses | $1,360 | $1,510 |
| Plain Talk: 1 Course | $715 | $795 |
Group and discount rates available.
Power System Basics: Understanding How the Bulk Electric Power System Works
Monday, 4 May 2025 | Room TBD
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor
Brent Olsen has 16 years of experience working at Electric Utilities Arizona Public Service (APS), Salt River Project (SRP), and Portland General Electric (PGE). He has degrees in Electrical Engineering, Energy Policy and Management, Spanish, MBA & PMP. He has been a Distribution Engineer, Transmission Engineer, and Generation Engineer, and is currently a Project Manager for Dispatchable Standby Generation. He teaches basic electricity courses at Portland General Electric, Clackamas Community College, and a variety of other groups. Brent lives in Portland with his wife and 3 energetic boys.
Course Description
The focus of this course is to provide a fundamental foundation in electric power systems, from basic formulas to the planning, operations, and equipment involved in generating, transmitting, and distributing electric power. Basic electrical terminology will be explained in simple-to-understand language about the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of power plants, substations, and transmission and distribution lines. Anyone who is involved in some way with the electric utility industry can benefit from attendance at this course.
The course covers topics such as an introduction to the fundamentals and basic formulas of electricity and the equipment involved in the electric power system. It also provides an overview of generation, substations, transmission, distribution, and utilization. Protection, reliable operation, and safety are also covered.
Distribution System: Delivering Power to the Customer
A prerequisite for this course is Power System Basics or a familiarity with basic formulas and power system equipment.
Tuesday, 5 May 2025 | Room TBD
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Instructor
Doug Houseman is a veteran of the industry with many years of experience in the global industry. He has spent the last two decades consulting on T&D-related issues. Doug is the Utility Modernization Lead at Burns & McDonnell and the former vice president of Technical Innovation at EnerNex. He is a senior member of IEEE and a very active member of the Power and Energy Society. His work spans more than 50 countries and more than 200 utilities.
Course Description
This course focuses on providing attendees with an overview of the issues associated with the planning, engineering, design, operation, and automation of electrical distribution systems. It will explore types of distribution systems and network circuits and engineering issues related to distribution systems. It will also address new concepts in the design, challenges, and operation of smart grids. This course is intended for those who are not familiar with the delivery of electricity to the end user.
Topics covered in the course include an introduction to the types of distribution systems, issues associated with distribution planning such as outages and reliability, distribution engineering considerations relating to radial and secondary networks, and distribution automation. The course also provides an overview of electrical distribution operations, including the roles of utility personnel, construction and maintenance considerations, and trends in the industry. The smart grid and its impact on the distribution system will be explored.
Transmission System: The Interconnected Bulk Electric System
A prerequisite for this course is Power System Basics or a familiarity with basic formulas and power system equipment.
Wednesday, 6 May 2025 | Room TBD
8:00 AM -–5:00 PM
Instructor
Douglas A. Bowman is a Lead Engineer in the R&D and Special Studies group at Southwest Power Pool, based in Little Rock, AR. He has served in various engineering roles within SPP’s engineering business. Doug is also the current chair of the Central Arkansas chapter of the IEEE Power and Energy Society.
Course Description
This course focuses on providing participants with knowledge of how electric power is transferred from generation sources to distribution systems via the interconnected electric bulk power system known as “the grid.” Basic physical laws governing the grid will be introduced, as will the regulatory agencies involved in its governance. The great blackouts will be explored. This course is intended to increase participants’ understanding of the electric grid and how it functions in the electric power system.
Topics covered in the course include an introduction to the fundamental concepts of power, energy, and power system stability as they relate to the grid. The grid is explored in terms of its interconnections, power flow, North American interconnections, and governing bodies such as NERC/ERO, ISOs, and RTOs. Reliability standards and contingency analysis are addressed. Issues related to the planning and operation of the grid, such as transmission and economic constraints, determining transmission transfer capability, and dealing with congestion, are reviewed. The course also discusses the great blackouts, their root causes, and lessons learned.
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