@Your Site Training

Course Length: 3 Hours

AC Power Systems covers alternating current power from theory to generation to the effects of AC power on different circuits. It also compares three-phase power to single-phase power.

Topics covered:

• How AC differs from DC
• How electromagnetic induction affects different circuits
• How the components of an AC circuit affect power factor
• What current and voltage do in series and parallel circuits
• How three-phase power is generated and how it differs from single-phase power

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

Course Length: 3 Hours

Advanced Transformers takes an in-depth look at how a transformer works and how it is built. It covers Lentz’s Law and how electromagnetic induction creates a counter EMF to allow a transformer to work. Angular displacement and vector analysis is covered in detail.

Topics Covered:

• Transformer theory
• Transformer core construction
• Transformer windings and voltage ratios
• Transformer ratings and applications
• Angular displacement of the various connections
• Vector analysis of three phase transformer banks

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

THIS IS A COMBO CLASS: a 4-hour class that covers two related topics in a single session. Because of the extended duration, this course is priced differently than a standard 3-hour course. 

Course Length: 4 Hours

This course provides utility employees with the knowledge required to understand the operation, control, and maintenance of voltage regulators and capacitor banks used on electric distribution systems. Participants will learn how these devices improve voltage regulation, power factor, and system efficiency while maintaining reliable electric service.

Topics Covered: Voltage regulator fundamentals, regulator components and controls, line drop compensation, control programming, bypass procedures, capacitor bank fundamentals, power factor correction, switched and fixed capacitor banks, capacitor controllers, switching operations, troubleshooting, safety considerations, and system voltage optimization.

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

NOTE: The use and availability of a voltage regulator to demonstrate concepts learned is very helpful.

THIS IS A COMBO CLASS: a 4-hour class that covers two related topics in a single session. Because of the extended duration, this course is priced differently than a standard 3-hour course. 

Course Length: 4 Hours 

This combined course provides utility employees with a comprehensive understanding of circuit breakers and protective relaying, focusing on how these critical components work together to safely protect electric power systems. Participants will learn the operation of circuit breakers, arc interruption principles, breaker operating mechanisms, and safe work practices, while also gaining an understanding of protective relay fundamentals, fault detection, and system coordination. Emphasis is placed on improving system reliability, protecting equipment, and ensuring the safe operation of electrical systems.

Topics Covered: Circuit breaker functions, arc interruption principles, arc extinguishing methods, breaker operating mechanisms, breaker testing, racking procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), relay fundamentals, protection schemes, current and voltage transformers, overcurrent relays, directional overcurrent relays, reclosing relays, voltage relays, auxiliary relays, solid-state relays, differential relays, distance relays, pilot wire relays, breaker failure relays, transfer tripping, and relay coordination.

This class covers the main function of a circuit breaker and how it extinguishes an arc. The different operating mechanisms and safe work practices are also covered.

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

Please note: This special course offering is an increased price. Please contact NEPPA for pricing details. 

This course is also offered at NEPPA’s training center in Littleton, MA. For more information on this training center course CLICK HERE. 

NEPPA is pleased to offer this training on understanding the inner workings of electric distribution and operations for customer service representatives. This course also includes training on how to use verbal de-escalation techniques in interactions with the public.

Who Should Attend:

• All customer service representatives who respond to the customer’s questions.
• Anyone who interacts with customers, whether on the phone or in person.

Course Overview:

Understanding the inner workings of Electric Distribution and Operations for a Customer Service Representative.
Public power utilities need to be adaptable and responsive to changing customer expectations. Customer Service (CS) Representatives need to understand when a customer asks about the electric utility, how it operates, and what and why when speaking with the customer. After taking this course, the CS rep will gain a better knowledge of how the electric distribution system works, understand the essential components and definitions of the electric distribution system, and know how to answer the customer without diverting the call to operations or engineering. This course defines good customer service, how to identify and meet the needs of different types of customer questions, and how to create a culture of commitment to excellence in customer service across all areas of utility management, operations, and customer interactions—focusing on building customer service as a strategy, not simply an administrative function.

Using Verbal De-Escalation Techniques – Dealing with Customer and Public Interactions
As a customer service representative, you will encounter a threatening situation when the customer becomes unruly. This course will teach you some de-escalation tactics to calm the customer down politely. Also, you will understand the barriers to communicating. While not placing yourself in a compromising position.

THIS IS A COMBO CLASS: a 4-hour class that covers two related topics in a single session. Because of the extended duration, this course is priced differently than a standard 3-hour course. 

Course Length: 4 Hours

This combined course provides utility employees with the knowledge and practical skills needed to safely test electrical systems and establish effective personal protective grounding. Participants will learn how to properly identify, inspect, and use common electrical test equipment while applying OSHA 1910.269 grounding requirements and industry best practices to protect themselves when working on de-energized electrical systems. Emphasis is placed on verifying an electrically safe work condition, selecting the appropriate test equipment, and installing protective grounds correctly in overhead, underground, and substation applications.

Topics Covered: High- and low-voltage test equipment, cable and fault locators, phasing sticks, power analyzers, arrester testing, OSHA 1910.269 grounding requirements, effects of electrical current on the body, de-energizing procedures, clearance responsibilities, testing before grounding, grounding methods, equipotential grounding, bracket grounding, installing and removing grounds, overhead grounding, underground grounding, substation grounding, secondary system grounding, and grounding equipment inspection and use.

Format: Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

THIS IS A COMBO CLASS: a 4-hour class that covers two related topics in a single session. Because of the extended duration, this course is priced differently than a standard 3-hour course. 

Course Length: 4 Hours 

This combined course provides utility employees with a strong foundation in electrical theory while reinforcing the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in maintaining a safe work environment. Participants will gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of electricity and how they relate to the hazards encountered in the electric utility industry. The course also covers the selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of PPE, along with employer and employee responsibilities for hazard assessment and workplace safety.

Topics Covered: Atomic structure, laws of charges, current flow, magnetism, static electricity, volts, amps, resistance, Ohm’s Law, electric power, employer and employee PPE responsibilities, hazard assessments, hierarchy of controls, head protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, rubber insulating equipment, live-line tools, foot protection, body protection, PPE inspection and maintenance, training requirements, and ongoing PPE evaluation.

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

(Required for Licensing in Massachusetts)

This course is also offered at the NEPPA training center in Littleton, MA. For more details on this training center course CLICK HERE.

NEPPA offers test preparation and continuing education training for 1B-1D and 2A-2C Hoisting.

1B-1D Hoisting covers the following:

• Laws of 1B Hoisting
• Definitions of Terms
• SDS, GHS Review
• Rigging Fundamentals
• HOISTSAFE Acronym
• Environmental Considerations

2A-2C Hoisting covers the following:

• Excavation laws, regulations, standards
• Soil classification
• Soil testing
• Hazardous Conditions
• Competent person responsibilities
• Hazards associated with
• Protective systems

THIS IS A COMBO CLASS: a 4-hour class that covers two related topics in a single session. Because of the extended duration, this course is priced differently than a standard 3-hour course. 

Course Length: 4 Hours

This combined course provides utility employees with a comprehensive understanding of electric distribution system protection and the operation of automatic circuit reclosers. Participants will learn the principles of system protection, fault detection, coordination, and protective devices, while gaining practical knowledge of recloser operation, control programming, application, and maintenance. The course emphasizes improving system reliability, minimizing customer outages, and safely operating and coordinating protective equipment throughout the distribution system.

Topics Covered: System protection fundamentals, temporary and permanent faults, fault types, coordination studies, time-current curves, fuse coordination, reclosers, relays, sectionalizers, circuit breakers, fused disconnects, current and potential transformers, lightning arresters, substation and transmission protection, service reliability, SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI, recloser functions, hydraulic and electronic controls, vacuum and oil interrupters, recloser classifications, application criteria, automation and SCADA integration, recloser control programming, event logs, non-reclose and hot line tag operation, bypassing and replacing reclosers, and OSHA requirements for circuit re-energization.

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment.

Course Length: 3 Hours

This class covers the practical application of weights and loads, the Working Load Limit of equipment, shock load, sling angles and parted blocks with snatch blocks.

Students will learn:

• How to calculate strains and tensions found in rigging
• The Working Load Limit
• Different types of rope
• How knots affect the Working Load Limit
• How to apply their knowledge to practical applications in line work
• Parted blocks and snatch blocks
• The importance of safety in rigging

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate hands-on application and demonstration of concepts and equipment.

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual and a calculator.

NOTE: Rigging, Ropes and Safety does NOT satisfy MA Hoisting Licensing requirements.

Course Length: 3 Hours

This class stresses the importance of cover-up and use of rubber gloves and sleeves as an industry best practice.

Upon completion, participants will:

• Understand Insulate & Isolate Requirements
• How to Properly Insulate & Isolate
• Use, Care, Testing & Inspection of Rated Protective Equipment:
  • Insulator Hoods
  • Pole Guards
  • Line Hoses
• Use, Care, Testing & Inspection of Rated & Tested Protective Equipment:
  • Rubber Gloves & Sleeves
  • Rubber Blankets
• Work Area Safety
• Understand Arc Flash Safety: Hazards in Open Air

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools, equipment, and rubber goods.

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual.

Course Length: 3 Hours

Substation Components & Safety explores the key elements of a substation including its role in the transmission and distribution system and how that can affect the safe operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment. Upon completion, participants can:

• Identify major types of substations
• Understand differences and classifications of power transformers Identify hazards in the safe operation and maintenance of substation batteries Electrical hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE) DC fuse protection
• OSHA regulations for electric utilities in substations

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate hands-on application and demonstration of concepts and equipment.

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual.

Course Length: 3 Hours

Transformer Review & Connections covers a review of electromagnetic induction, the components of a transformer and their functions, bushing arrangements and the various types of transformers. Some basic field testing of transformers is also discussed.

Upon completion, participants will explore:

• Definition of a Transformer
• Identify Types of Transformers
• Understand How a Transformer Works
• Understand Transformer Ratings & Nameplates
• Single Phase Transformers
  • Calculating Load
  • Paralleling
• Three Phase Transformers
  • Connections
  • Paralleling
• Transformer Connections
• Trends & Troubleshooting

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate examination and demonstration of utility tools and equipment.

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual

Course Length: 3 Hours

This class discusses the design of underground electrical conductors with the related substructure and covers trenching and excavation. URD splicing, terminating, and marking are also discussed. Upon completion, participants will:

• Discuss history and types of underground installations
• Identify different conductor types, components, and cable specifications
• Discuss cable testing and fault locating
• Understand substructure and cable installation considerations
• Identify best practices of pulling cables
• Understand methods of Splicing, Terminating, & Marking

Format:

Lecture with class interaction and discussion. Where possible, trainers will incorporate inspection of utility tools and equipment, including the proper use of fault locating tools.

We encourage members to invite and host nearby systems to foster collaboration, facilitation and to meet the minimum attendance, as needed. We review course fees annually and therefore the fees listed below are subject to change. 

2027 Registration Fees

3-Hour @Your-Site Training*

NEPPA has a per person registration fee for @Your-Site Safety & Technical Classes:

• NEPPA Members (Utility & Affiliate)
  • 9 or more participants is $89 per person. 8 or less participants is a $750 flat fee. 
• Non-Members
  • 9 or more participants is $180 per person. 8 or less participants is a $1,500 flat fee. 

*Please note that First Aid/CPR is a 6-hour course but it is billed at the 3-hour rate.

4 to 6-Hour @Your-Site Training:
(This includes all OSHA Fundamentals and Combo courses)

• NEPPA Members (Utility & Affiliate)
  • 9 or more participants is $165 per person. 8 or less participants is a $1,400 flat fee. 
• Non-Members
  • 9 or more participants is $295 per person. 8 or less participants is a $2,400 flat fee. 

@Your-Site Virtual Training

In special circumstances NEPPA offers the ability to take certain @Your-Site courses virtually. Please contact NEPPA to schedule this. Fees will be determined on a case by case basis. 

@Your-Site in-person trainings may be conducted on-site at a member utility or at NEPPA’s Training Facility. NEPPA encourages nearby utilities to group together for trainings which helps facilitate the sharing of ideas and best-practices, as well as build the overall public power community. 

Some specialty courses have differing start and end times. That being said, most in-person 3-hour classes will begin at 8:00 am and conclude at 11:00 am. 4-6 hour courses are usually held from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

NEPPA offers the following “Combo Courses” at a cost savings:

Combo courses are normally 4+ hours and are typically held from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, unless otherwise requested.

• • Arc Flash and Hot Stick Safety
  • Capacitors and Voltage Regulators
  • Circuit Breakers and Relays
  • Electrical Test Equipment and Personal Protective Grounding
  • Electrical Theory and Personal Protective Equipment
  • Reclosers and System Protection
  • Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures and Trouble Investigation

 RECOMMENDED TRAININGS

We recommend the following trainings, which contribute to a culture of safety in the workplace. Please note: Because requirements differ in each state, we suggest you research your state’s regulations to confirm what is required for your system specifically. 

• Bucket & Pole Top Rescue (Required every year)            
• Enclosed & Confined Spaces (Required every year)     
• OSHA Fundamentals (1) HazCom, Right to Know, Blood Borne Pathogens, Hearing Conservation (Required for all new employees and periodically thereafter)
• OSHA Fundamentals (2) Emergency Action & Evac Plans, Fire Prevention Plan, Fire Extinguishers, Ladder Safety, Walking & Working Surfaces (Required for all new employees and periodically thereafter)
• OSHA Fundamentals (3) Lock Out/Tag Out, Switching & Tagging, Job Briefing (Required for all new employees and periodically thereafter)
• OSHA Fundamentals (4) Forklift Training & Practical Demonstration (Required for all new employees and periodically thereafter)
• Excavation & Trenching Safety
• Hoisting (1B-1D & 2A-2C) (Required for licensing in MA)
• Medic First Aid/CPR/AED (Annually for field workers, every 2 years for office staff)
• Work Zone Safety (Recommended Annually in spring) 

Unless noted, there are no prerequisites for these courses.

Cancellations made less than 24 business hours before the class will be billed at the minimum/flat fee rate. Multiple classes can be held on the same day, but are billed separately. To cancel, please reach out to training@neppa.org or call 978-540-2200. For last minute cancellations when a trainer has already been assigned and may be traveling, it is also appreciated if you call the trainer directly to alert them.

NEPPA strives to provide the highest level of training and education. An important part of the educational experience is to have the knowledge of other participants and their surroundings.

We encourage the participation or observation of utility management, general foremen or elected leaders at courses. This better facilitates the communication process between field workers and decision makers on safety issues.

If a utility is hosting a training and they wish to have a non-affiliated person attend or participate, they must seek approval from NEPPA prior to the training.

NEPPA reserves the right to remove or ask an attendee to leave its programs.

Reasons for removal include:

• • Disruptive or inappropriate behavior for the learning environment;
  • Lack of appropriate dress or equipment for classes requiring protective gear or equipment;
  • Refusal or inability to perform for classes requiring physical performance;
  • Non-adherence to safety rules or standards in classes where standards apply

The General Foreman or General Manager will be alerted to the situation.

Removal for any of the above reasons does not entitle participating parties to a refund.

Note: For classes requiring physical performance, students who have obtained confirmation from their utility acknowledging their inability to perform due to injury will be allowed to observe. This will be documented on the class roster.