Professional Development

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 2018 Engineering & Operations Webinars PDF Version

*Dates may have changed on the above pdf for the education menu, for an updated and current list of dates click on this link: NDAREC Association Dates


CHARACTERISTICS OF UNDERGROUND PRIMARY CABLE
January 9
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To efficiently size underground cables, one must fi rst understand the physical structure of the conductors, and the function of the components of the underground cable. Understanding the function and limitation of each layer of the underground cables enables the designer to more effi ciently design underground distribution lines.

Key Topics
-    The layers of primary conductors, their function and limitations
-    Practical application of conductors, based on material make-up (aluminum vs. copper) and configuration (stranded core vs. solid core)
-    Types of conductor shields, their purpose and effectiveness
-    Electrical characteristics of underground cables, capacitive reactance and dielectric loss

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SIZING THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS​
March 13
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Transformers are one of the most significant costs to be considered when serving new customers, and this is especially true for three-phase services. Unlike single-phase transformers, which are generally shared by two or more services, three-phase transformers are typically dedicated to one consumer. Sizing three-phase transformers is based on three methods: panel rating, comparable facility and diversity of the loads.

Key Topics
-    Three methods for sizing three-phase transformers
-    Evaluation of a new service, using the three methods presented, to determine the most ef cient transformer size.

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Crucial Conversations: Pushing Progress and Preserving Relationships
April 18
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Let’s face it. Regardless of your role, there will be times when those difficult conversations must occur. Whether it is a tough interaction with a member-owner, vendor, peer or your supervisor, learning how to conduct the conversation in a way that creates progress — but still maintains the relationship — can be difficult. In this webinar, participants will learn a proven five-step approach that helps to tackle even the most difficult conversation.

Key Topics
- The complexity of barriers in leading difficult conversations
- Action steps that manage both the issue and the relational dynamics of the relationship
- Closure and momentum following a crucial conversation

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Engagement and Loyalty: Two Sides of the Same Coin
May 2
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Every business wants loyal employees. But in today’s competitive environment, what prevents a valued employee from leaving to go to work for a competitor? This webinar will address the financial and psychological connection between engagement and loyalty; creating a unique engagement formula; and identifying the loyalty connects and disconnects employees may be demonstrating.

Key Topics
- Cultural factors that are contributing to poor employee engagement and loyalty
- The psychology behind an employee’s decision to stay with an organization
- Unique characteristics of your cooperative’s loyalty equation and practical steps to promote loyalty

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TRENDS IN FUSE SAVINGS​
May 8
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The goal of “fuse saving” is to avoid expensive fuse replacement and to avoid lengthy consumer outages. Fuse-saving schemes are not practical for all distribution lines. The distribution system must be evaluated to determine the sections of line where implementation of a fuse-saving scheme will be benefi cial, and to determine the coordination for a fuse-saving scheme.

Key Topics
-    Methods for evaluating distribution lines to determine those where fuse-saving schemes will be beneficial.
-    The benefits of a fuse sacrifice scheme
-    Analyzing sections of a distribution system where fuse sacrifi ce vs. fuse savings may be preferable

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APPLICATION AND USE OF FAULT INDICATORS​
June 19
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Locating faults on underground distribution systems is often frustrating and challenging. Installation of fault indicators can provide a means to quickly locate the source of the outage,  drastically reducing the outage time. The challenges with using fault indicators include when and where to install fault indicators to be most benefi cial and cost-effective. In addition, fault indicators need to be selected based on the continuous current and available fault current.

Key Topics
-    A strategic plan for installing fault indicators on the underground distribution system
-    How fault indicators function, and the different types of fault indicators available
-    Correct installation methods for fault indicators

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X, Y and Now Z: Meet the Newest Generation to Impact Your Workplace
July 18
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Millennials may be the largest population group, but the country’s newest group — Generation Z — is a force every business must understand. During this webinar, you will learn the latest statistics and trends about each generation in the workplace and the latest generational group that will have a significant impact on today’s business environment. 

Key Topics
- Current statistics and trends of each generational group
- The values and influence of Generation Z and the impact on your cooperative, as a customer and as an employee
- Ways to succeed and thrive in a workplace that blends each generational group

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UNDERSTANDING AND MITIGATING UPLIFT
July 10
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Uplift is a common problem in the electric utility industry. Understanding the causes for uplift is the beginning of solving and preventing uplift on the distribution system. Recognizing instances where uplift typically occurs will lead to design practices that eliminate the problem before construction. Understanding the causes of uplift, will help designers re-design existing structures to correct existing problems.

Key Topics
-    Situations where uplift is likely to occur
-    Grading a line to prevent uplift
-    Evaluation of existing structures to determine the cause of uplift, and re-designing the structure to mitigate uplift

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Your Culture Strategy: Five Building Blocks of Your Competitive Advantage
October 3
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Developing a strong culture is a journey; every business is at a different place in this journey. This webinar will highlight key principles and decisions needed to support a strong culture. The next step is to make sure employees know and understand them.

Key Topics
- Three business benefits of a strong culture
- Five culture building blocks and how they function inside your cooperative to drive retention of high-performing employees
- An action plan to integrate your culture building blocks with the cooperative’s leaders and teams

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PROFESSIONAL ETHICS FOR UTILITY PERSONNEL
October 9
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Uplift is a common problem in the electric utility industry. Understanding the causes for uplift is the beginning of solving and preventing uplift on the distribution system. Recognizing instances where uplift typically occurs will lead to design practices that eliminate the problem before construction. Understanding the causes of uplift, will help designers re-design existing structures to correct existing problems.

Key Topics
-    Situations that may be considered unethical
-    Mitigation of potentially unethical circumstances before they become a problem

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PRIMER ON CURRENT DEMAND˜SIDE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES​
November 13
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Demand-side management is employed with various goals and methods, which can include sustainability, improving load factor, reducing generation requirements, reduction in transmission congestion, and reducing wholesale power costs. Advances in communication such as RF mesh radio systems and smart thermostats have increased the number and types of tools available for deployment.

Key Topics
-    Common goals for demand-side management
-    Tools and techniques used for demand-side management
-    Communication infrastructure requirements, such as RF mesh radio systems and smart thermostats