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Career Plaining & Strategies (Part 1) > Career Plaining & Strategies (Part 1): Chapter 1 - Opportunities - Possible Test Questions - WEEK 11 > Flashcards

Career Plaining & Strategies (Part 1): Chapter 1 - Opportunities - Possible Test Questions - WEEK 11 Flashcards

1
Q

Utility:

A

Traditionally, power delivery has been grouped with other public utility services such as water or natural gas, which are regulated by some form of government. Hence, the term “utility” is a commonly used designation for those companies who provide power delivery. Utilities were granted franchises, or rights, to serve certain areas. Under conditions of the franchise, utilities were required to serve any and all customers requesting service.

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2
Q

Investor-Owned Utilities:

A
  • The first companies that evolved in the power delivery industry were private companies which were owned by stockholders and later became known as Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs), a name that is still used today. They served only highly populated areas that were profitable, such as cities and suburbs, but did not provide service to the rural communities.
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3
Q

IOUs are similar to:

A
  • corporations like McDonalds, Google, or Apple
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4
Q

About how many IOUs exist today?

A
  • Approximately 100 IOUs exist today, and as in the past, they serve highly populated areas so they can generate a profit for their shareholders. Their stock is traded at public exchanges, such as the New York Stock Exchange.
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5
Q

Who can buy stocks from IOUs?

A
  • Anyone can buy stock in IOUs and they are considered a safe and reliable long-term investment.
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6
Q

IOUs are private corporations, just like McDonalds, Google, or Apple. The only difference between these corporations is:

A
  • their product, which is electricity (and many times gas too). Examples of IOUs are The Southern Company, Pacific Gas and Electric, Ameren, Idaho Power, ComEd, etc.
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7
Q

Municipalities

A
  • It is not uncommon for cities to provide utility services, such as water, heat, and garbage. Some cities also provide power to their customers. In the power delivery industry, these city-owned power companies are referred to as Municipalities.
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8
Q

About how many municipalities exist today?

A
  • Approximately 2,000 Municipalities exist today. The vast majority of municipal power companies are operated by small towns; however, some large cities also provide power.
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9
Q

A unique trait of municipalities is that:

A
  • their service territories generally follow city limit boundaries. Examples of municipalities are Seattle City Light, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Long Island Power Authority, Austin Energy, Orlando Utilities Commission, etc.
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10
Q

Rural Electric Cooperatives:

A
  • In the 1920s and 1930s, the nation was gripped by a severe economic depression. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt recognized that the United States could be more productive if all corners of the country had electricity, which could help in reversing the crippling effects of the Great Depression. At that time, power was only available in populated areas, delivered mainly by IOUs.
  • Their service territories are most commonly in rural areas and the size of the territory can vary significantly from one cooperative to the next.
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11
Q

Roosevelt passed the Rural Electrification Act which provided:

A
  • low-interest federal government loans for the construction of power systems in rural areas. Citizens in rural areas would be allowed to form power companies that would serve its citizens, hence the term “cooperative.” Boards of elected officials, who live within the service territories of the cooperative, govern the not-for-profit REC’s.
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12
Q

About how many Rural Electrical Cooperatives exist today?

A

There are approximately 1000 Rural Electrical Cooperatives in the United States and many other countries are using the cooperative model to establish utility service in their rural areas.

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13
Q

Examples of Rural Electrical Cooperatives:

A
  • Raft River Rural Electric
  • Cobb Electric Membership Corporation
  • Ravali County Electric Cooperative
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14
Q

Public Utility Districs (PUDs) and Public Power Districs (PPDs) are similar to:

A
  • Cooperatives.
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15
Q

Public Utility Districts (PUD) and Public Power Districts (PPD) are established and recognized by:

A
  • individual states.
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16
Q

Public Utility Districts (PUD) and Public Power Districts (PPD) exist to provide:

A
  • service (largely to rural communities), and their rates are set by the boards of officials to cover their expenses and not to provide any profit. The utilities are owned by the customers that are served and not by stockholders.
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17
Q

Generation and Transmission (GT) Companies:

A
  • There are a variety of organizations across the US that provide bulk generation and transmission (G&T) services. Imagine an electrical cooperative in the middle of the US–where does it get its power from? Most all of these organizations serve smaller power companies, such as municipalities, cooperatives, PUD’s and PPD’s. G&Ts provide bulk power with transmission systems and have limited distribution lines.
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18
Q

Power Marketing Administrations:

A
  • There are only four Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) in the U.S.
  • Bonneville Power Administration
  • Southeastern Power Administration
  • Southwestern Power Administration
  • Western Area Power Administration.
  • PMAs are governed by the US Department of Energy.
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19
Q

PUD, PPD, and Cooperative G&Ts:

A
  • Public power companies, such as PUDs, PPDs, and Cooperatives sometimes collectively form Generation and Transmission Companies to provide bulk power to themselves. If the G&T is formed by a group of Cooperatives, the G&T is also formed as an electrical cooperative. The customers served by the G&T Cooperative are then the Rural Electrical Cooperatives that established it. Similarly, if the G&T is formed by a group of Public Power Districts, the G&T is formed as a Public Power District.
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20
Q

Irrigation Districts (IDs):

A

Another form of public power companies are Irrigation Districts (IDs). Because water is commonly used to generate power, it is then logical for Irrigation Districts to install power systems to deliver power to their customers.

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21
Q

Irrigation Districts are most common in:

A
  • the arid regions of the United States where farmers rely on irrigated water to grow their crops. It is important to mention that not all Irrigation Districts provide power-some focus solely on water. Examples of IDs providing water and power include Turlock Irrigation District, Modesto Irrigation District, Imperial Irrigation District, etc.
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22
Q

Line Contractors:

A
  • Line contractors are most commonly used when the power company has more work than their line crews can handle, or when a particular project is beyond the capability of the power company. Many construction and maintenance projects require specialized equipment and personnel, for which line contractors are well suited.
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23
Q

Although there are still many independent line contractors, most of the major line contractors are owned by one of two major holding companies:

A
  • The MYR Group

- Quanta Services

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24
Q

Major line contractors held by The MYR Group include:

A
  • Hawkeye Construction
  • Great Southwestern Construction
  • Sturgeon Electric
  • Harlan Electric
  • L.E. Myers
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25
Q

Major line contractors held by Quanta Services include:

A
  • IRBY Construction
  • Sumter Utilities
  • PAR Electric
  • Dillard-Smith Construction
  • Potelco
  • North Huston Pole Line Contractors
26
Q

Approximate number of new jobs annually in the US for beginning-level powerline installers and repairers according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A

4,000

27
Q

Approximate number of publicly-owned utility companies according the American Public Power Association.

A

2,000

28
Q

Approximate number of electrical cooperatives in the United States according the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

A

1,000

29
Q

Approximate number of investor-owned utilities in the United States according to research conducted by Northwest Lineman College.

A

100

30
Q

Approximate miles of transmission lines (230kV and higher) in the US according to the American Society of Civil Engineers.

A

160,000 miles

31
Q

Approximate dollars that will be invested in the US transmission system by the year 2025.

A

$2,000,000,000,000 ($2 trillion)

32
Q

Investor Owned, Large Municipal, or Federal Utility Structure:

A
  • This type of utility typically serves more than 500,000 customers and has in excess of 2000 employees. They typically serve large loads and have a large number of circuits and substations. In most cases they will own some power generating resources. They typically own major transmission facilities which deliver power from their generating resources to their substations. Their transmission system also has connections to other utilities to exchange power. Their distribution circuits are heavily loaded with a high number of customers per mile of line. They will have a power supply department, which buys, sells, and trades power based upon economics and load requirements. The work groups tend to be more specialized as a result of the facilities involved.
33
Q

Small Public Power Utility Structure:

A
  • Rural electrical cooperatives, public utility districts, and municipalities fall into this category. This type of utility typically serves less than 100,000 customers and has less than 200 employees. They typically serve smaller loads and have a limited transmission system. In many cases their transmission system consists of a sub-transmission system of 69 kV - 138 kV that delivers power to their substations. They typically have limited or no power generation and purchase power from other utilities or independent power producers. In the case of Rural Electric Cooperatives, their distribution circuits will be quite long and have few customers per mile of line.
  • The work is less specialized because of the types of facilities and employees typically perform a wider variety of activities. There is typically one main headquarters where the majority of the functions are provided. If the service territory is large there may be satellite offices and yards out in the service areas. Their structure is more consolidated as shown on the organizational chart below.
34
Q

Large Line Contractors:

A
  • This type of company would typically employee over 200 employees. They would be capable of working on large transmission, distribution and substation projects all over the world. They would likely have a considerable amount of specialized equipment such as wire tensioners, wire pullers, and cranes. They may also perform communications work including fiber optic installation. Their geographical work area would likely include several states and possibly other countries.
35
Q

Small Line Contractors:

A
  • This type of company would typically employ less than 200 employees. They may be limited in their ability to bid major projects. They normally would have the capability to perform transmission, distribution and substation projects on a smaller scale. Their equipment would be the more common line trucks and aerial lifts. They would likely rent specialized equipment when needed. They may also perform communications work including fiber optic installation. Their geographical work area would likely be more regionalized.
36
Q

Entry-Level Positions:

A
  • There are benefits for accepting entry level positions. You gain experience working with a line crew, you can obtain bidding rights to other positions, and you have time to learn the company’s safety rules and construction specifications. The following positions are commonly posted by power companies and can be a great way in which to launch a successful career.
37
Q

Utility Worker/Groundman:

A
  • This is a beginning-level position which performs semi-skilled labor as part of a line crew. Duties include handling materials, excavations, driving and operating equipment, and other labor to assist the line crew. Employees in this position usually are not allowed to climb poles. This position can also be called Helper, Line Mechanic Helper, etc.
38
Q

Equipment Operator:

A
  • This is a more skilled position with an emphasis on operating equipment including large trucks, backhoes, cranes, pullers, etc. Duties may also include assisting line crew personnel with handling, materials, tools, etc. The equipment operator may be a member of a crew, or rove between crews that need assistance with heavy equipment. Some companies require their lineworkers to perform most all equipment operator functions and therefore will not have this position.
39
Q

Meter Readers:

A
  • These positions are assigned a route of meters to read. They may also be assigned bill collections, service disconnects, and service reconnects.
40
Q

Meter Tester:

A
  • These positions are assigned to bench test revenue meters in a meter shop. They may also assist with ordering and stocking of meters.
41
Q

Tree Crew Helpers:

A
  • These positions are assigned to provide labor on tree or brushing crews. They would help chip brush, grind brush, flag traffic, etc.
42
Q

Warehouse Assistants:

A
  • These positions are assigned to assist with warehouse activities such as stocking materials, processing salvaged materials, loading jobs, etc.
43
Q

Apprentice Lineman:

A
  • This is a position from which the employee learns the skills of a lineman. The apprentice lineman is typically required to complete a formal program of on-the-job and academic training that can last three to four years. The apprentice learns the skills under the direction of experienced journey-level and apprentice lineworkers. The type of work (distribution, transmission, etc.) would depend on the company (IOU, Cooperative, Municipality, Line Contractor, etc.).
44
Q

Lineman:

A
  • This is a journeyman position, and employees may or may not work under the direction of a foreman. The lineman should have the skills to construct, maintain, and operate the power delivery system, although learning never ends. The lineman may also be required to operate equipment and supervise apprentice linemen or become a lead person of a small crew.
45
Q

Supervisory Positions:

A
  • Line Foreman/Crew Leader
  • Line Superintendent
  • Department Manager
  • Department Vice President, Director
  • General Manager
46
Q

Line Foreman/Crew Leader:

A

This is the first level of supervision that is found in most utilities and line contractors. The line foreman is typically in charge of two to more employees. The foreman is responsible for planning and completing assigned work projects. He/she is expected to have strong leadership skills and a high level of technical knowledge. The amount of physical work done by foremen varies between companies. The foreman is held accountable for the safety, work quality, and productivity of the crew.

47
Q

Line Superintendent:

A
  • This is the first level of management and is a position that does not involve field work. Line Superintendents are responsible for planning multiple jobs and providing direct supervision of several line foremen. Other duties may include budget planning, project scheduling, safety, and the coordination of other departments. Employees who have been line foremen normally fill this position. The position requires strong leadership skills, paper skills, strong technical knowledge, planning and organizing skills, along with basic computer skills.
48
Q

Department Manager:

A
  • This is the second level of management and is a position that has several management employees reporting to it. This position may also be responsible for engineering activities. Some companies require this position to have an electrical engineering degree.
49
Q

Department Vice President, Director:

A
  • This is the third level of management and is a position that would be responsible for an entire function such as power delivery, power supply etc. A degree in electrical engineering or business management is almost always required. This position would typically report directly to the chief operating officer of a company.
50
Q

General Manager:

A
  • This is a commonly titled position for a smaller utility. This person would be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the entire utility and would report to a board of directors. These positions require a good overall knowledge of the business and strong leadership skills.
51
Q

Other Positions:

A
  • Staking Technician
  • System Operator
  • Inspector
  • Substation Technician
  • Wind Generation Specialist
  • Communications Lineworker
  • Manufacturer Representative
  • Power Plant Technician
  • These positions are commonly found in the majority of the utilities and line contractors regardless of their size. These are positions that can be used as either entry-level to a company or as positions where experience can be broadened. The education gained in the Electrical Lineworker Program is applicable to these positions and many graduates are enjoying successful and rewarding careers in these tracts.
52
Q

Staking Technician:

A
  • These positions perform elementary engineering associated with the installation of customer requests for services. They must have the knowledge of line construction, materials, standards, computer operation, and be good representatives of the company as direct contact with customers is common.
53
Q

System Operator:

A
  • These positions are skilled positions, which are responsible for the operation of power plant, transmission, or distribution systems. They issue clearances, control power flow, and handle emergencies. To acquire these positions, an employee typically completes some sort of operator-in-training program.
54
Q

Inspector:

A
  • This position is typically responsible for ensuring that power lines are built to specification, and they also patrol existing lines to identify needed fixes. Inspectors must have a good ability to read, research, and interpret codes and regulations, read maps, and work independently.
55
Q

Substation Technician:

A
  • This position includes activities mainly associated with the construction and maintenance of substations, such as excavations, concrete/foundations work, crane operation, electrical equipment installation and testing, wiring, instrument installation and testing, etc.
56
Q

Wind Generation Specialist:

A
  • This position would include the installation and maintenance of wind farms. Wind farms include the wind generators themselves, underground and overhead powerlines, fiber optic circuits, and substations.
57
Q

The wind industry provides:

A
  • many opportunities for ELP students.
58
Q

Communications Lineworker:

A
  • This position would include the construction and maintenance of telephone, cable, and cellular networks in both overhead and underground installations. The telecommunications job market can lead into much more specialized jobs such as fiber splicing technicians.
59
Q

Manufacturer Representative:

A
  • There are hundreds of manufacturers that provide tools and equipment to the utility and construction industry. Connectors, tools, electrical equipment, line trucks, bucket trucks, rubber goods are just a few categories and these companies are always seeking people with basic trade knowledge for development and/or sales positions.
60
Q

Power Plant Technician:

A
  • This position would include the maintenance and operation activities of power plants, such as coal, hydro, nuclear, solar, etc.

Career Plaining & Strategies (Part 1) (2 decks)

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