The Electrical Grid: A Nontechnical Guide

• Description of the elements and organizations that make up the electrical grid
• How the bulk power system generates electricity
• How the transmission system carries electricity over long distances
• The process of delivery of electricity to consumers through the distribution grid
• Description of the specialized equipment in the electrical grid
• The core and advanced software systems that enable the electrical grid to function
• How a distribution utility operates day to day
• The many types of regulatory agencies and how the utilities finance their operations
• What's next for the electrical grid

• Field level personnel
• Management
• Energy lending and finance professionals
• Anyone who seeks to understand how, or relies upon, energy markets
• Students

Jim Ketchledge, a certified PMP, is the President of High Summit Partners LLC. An astute and entrepreneurial executive, he has founded and matured several utility consulting businesses over his 35-year career, and is a recognized leader in the industry who has helped dozens of clients from the early stages of projects through to “go-live.” He has melded business leadership skills, deep technical and engineering expertise, along with people and change management skills to manage all aspects of intricate smart grid implementations. Jim is a long-time member of the DistribuTECH Advisory Committee and teaches national courses on smart grid and project management. He holds Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in electrical engineering from Drexel University and Syracuse University, respectively.Steve Catanach is the former Light and Power Manager at the City of Fort Collins CO and is currently an executive consultant to electrical utilities. His professional experience aligns with the knowledge, leadership, and teaming required to support large projects and transitions at utilities. He brings more than 33 years of experience in the electric utility industry. The past 20 years have been in executive leadership positions. Prior to E Source, Steve was the director of the Department of Climate Initiatives and Electric Utility Development for the City of Boulder, Colorado. He began his electric utility career as an engineer working on the analysis, design, and execution of a diverse set of projects. As he progressed into leadership, he repeatedly built systems and work teams committed to providing the highest level of safe, reliable, and effective service to organizations, communities, and coworkers. He has a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University.