@Your Site Training

AC Power Systems, offered in-person or virtually, 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.

Advanced Transformers, offered in-person or virtually, 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.

Capacitors, offered virtually or in-person, covers what a capacitor is, why they are needed, and how they affect the power system. Safe work procedures are also included.

Topics covered:

• The electrostatic field
• What’s inside the case
• The relationship of voltage and current in resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits
• Why capacitors are needed
• Calculating power factor
• The hazards of working with capacitors and the necessary PPE required for safe operation
• Safe work procedures for working on capacitors

Format:

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

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.

This session explores the following:

• Factors used to extinguish arcs
• Arc Interrupting Mechanisms
• Breaker Operating Mechanisms
• Breaker Tests
• Racking a Breaker
• Personal Protective Equipment

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.

Electrical Test Equipment prepares participants to proficiently identify and use electrical test equipment in the field and in a substation.

Topics covered include:

• High and Low Voltage test equipment
• Cable & Fault Locators
• Phasing Sticks
• Power Analyzers
• Arrester Testing

Format

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

Electrical Theory covers the basics of electricity from atomic structure to AC power.

Topics covered:

• Atomic Structure
• Law of Charges & Law of Centrifugal Force Current Flow and Magnetism Static Electricity
• Volts, Amps, Ohms – Ohm’s Law Define Electric Power

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

Reclosers covers the purpose and application of reclosers on a distribution system. Also covered are system faults, recloser application and safe work procedures while working on a recloser, or the circuit fed by a circuit recloser.

Upon completion, participants will:

• Understand the purpose, operation, and maintenance of reclosers on distribution
• Ability to identify different types, classifications, controls, and interrupters of
• Understand application of reclosers in system protection
• Review how to bypass and replace a
• Program a recloser

Format:

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

Offered in-person or virtually, this class explores the basic functions, elements, and purpose of relays in system protection including different types of relays.

Upon completion, participants are able to:

• Understand the main functions of a
• Identify the five (5) main elements of
• Identify and explain various types of relays

Format:

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

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.

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.

Offered in-person or virtually, 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.

The primary objective of “System Protection” is to protect the public and utility employees, reduce the damage to electrical equipment, and reduce the duration and number of outages on any system. This class covers line and equipment protection utilized by virtually all electric utilities.

Students will learn:

• Electrical system protection fundamentals
• Distribution lines and equipment
• Lightning protection
• Substation protection
• Outage record keeping

Format:

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

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual.

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

This class covers several typical scenarios of power disturbances/outages.

Students will learn:

• Difference between a temporary and permanent repair
• Properly follow emergency response and trouble reporting
• To walk through steps to troubleshoot:
  • Overhead Primary Outage
  • Underground Primary Outage
  • Voltage Regulators
  • Capacitors
  • Overhead & Step Transformers
  • Service Troubles

Format:

Highly interactive discussion and problem-solving scenarios.

What to Bring:

Current APPA Safety Manual and practical examples of past situations and case studies.

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.

This class covers the theory of operation and the construction of step voltage regulators and load tap changers. Control setting and programming are presented along with safe work practices and the hazards of voltage regulators is stressed.

Upon completion, participants will:

• Understand Induced Voltage
• Identify Induction Voltage Regulators
• Identify Step Voltage Regulators
• Understand Autotransformers
• Understand How Step Voltage Regulators work
  • How they are controlled/programmed
  • How they can be maintained

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.

2024 fees listed below are subject to change in 2025

We continue to encourage hosting members to invite and group with nearby systems to foster collaboration, facilitation and to meet the minimum attendance, as needed.

3-Hour @Your-Site Training

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

• • NEPPA Members (Utility & Affiliate)
    • $78 per person, minimum $650 (i.e. 9 participants)
  • Non-Members
    • $155 per person, minimum $1,250 (i.e. 9 participants)
      

4 to 6-Hour @Your-Site OSHA Fundamentals Courses
With the exception of First Aid/CPR (since the class size is restricted by the card certifier – i.e. American Heart Association, American National Safety & Health Institute, or Medic First Aid), the OSHA Fundamentals courses will be billed at the following rates:

• • NEPPA Members (Utility & Affiliate)
    • $140 per person, minimum $1,200 (i.e. 8 participants)
  • Non-Members
    • $255 per person, minimum $2,100 (i.e. 8 participants)

@Your-Site Virtual Training

In special circumstances NEPPA offers the ability to take certain @Your-Site courses virtually. Please contact NEPPA to schedule this.

Participant may register for individual sessions:

NEPPA Member:  $55 per person
Non- Member:  $110 per person 

January

• • 17th Edition APPA Safety Manaul
    • Part 1 (Definitions Parts 1, 2 & 3)
    • Part 2 (Part 4:  PPE; Part 5:  Operations 508-514)

February

• • OSHA Fundamentals 1 (Hazardous Communication, Right to Know, Blood Borne Pathogens, Silica Protection, and Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasures)

March

• • Underground Distribution Review
  • Work Zone Safety

April

• • OSHA Fundamentals 2 (Emergency Action & Evacation Plans, Fire Prevention Plan, Fire Extinguishers, Ladder Safety, Walking and Working Surfaces, and Hearing Conservation where applicable)

May

• • OSHA Fundamentals 3 (Lock Out/Tag Out, Switching & Tagging and Bucket & Pole Top Rescue)
    Or
  • Enclosed & Confined Space Rescue

June

• • Bucket & Pole Top Rescue

July

• • Make-Up Classes

August

• • Make-Up Classes

September

• • OSHA Fundamentals 4 (Forklift Training & Practical Demonstration)
    Or
  • Personal Protective Grounding

October

• • Rigging, Ropes & Safety

November

• • Trouble Investigation

December

• • Chainsaw and Chipper Safety

@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 classes will begin at 8:00 am and conclude at 11:00 am. OSHA Fundamental Courses are held from 8:00am to 2:00pm. 

Unless noted, there are no prerequisites for these courses.

Cancellations made less than 24 business hours before the class will be billed. Multiple classes can be held on the same day, but are billed separately.

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.