Plain Talk
Plain Talk About The Electric Power Industry
Are you in the power industry but not an engineer? Whether you’re in management, regulatory affairs, legal, finance, policy, administration, marketing, communications, or customer relations, these courses demystify the technical language of the grid and equip you with the practical knowledge needed to thrive in today’s evolving energy landscape. Understanding how the electric power system works is critical to your success.
That’s where IEEE Power & Energy Society’s Plain Talk About the Electric Power Industry courses come in. Designed specifically for non-engineers and early-career professionals, these engaging sessions explain technical concepts in clear, accessible language. You’ll walk away with the knowledge and confidence to contribute more effectively to projects, make better decisions, and communicate across technical and non-technical teams.
Course Curriculum
Each Plain Talk one-day course is eligible for 0.8 CEUs (equivalent to 8 Professional Development Hours, or PDH).
Participants who complete the full three-day series are eligible to earn 2.4 CEUs (equivalent to 24 PDH).
Each course builds your understanding step-by-step:
Day 1 – Power System Basics – Understanding How the Bulk Electric Power System Works
- Overview of how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed
- Key industry players and their roles
- Types of generation: fossil, renewable, nuclear, and emerging tech
- Understanding grid reliability and regulation
Day 2 – Distribution Systems – Delivering Power to the Customer
- How electricity reaches homes, businesses, and communities
- Smart grids, metering, outage management, and resilience
- The role of consumers, utilities, and new technologies (DERs, EVs, etc.)
Day 3 – Transmission Systems – The Interconnected Bulk Electric System
- What makes up the high-voltage transmission network
- How electricity travels long distances
- Interconnections, substations, transformers, and control systems
- Wholesale power markets and how energy gets priced Electronic course materials, meals and snacks are provided each day.
Who Should Attend?
- Utility and regulatory staff
- Energy policy professionals
- Communications and PR personnel
- Legal and compliance teams
- New hires in the energy sector
- Finance, customer service, and IT professionals
No engineering background? No problem. We teach the “why” behind the wires. Why Attend?
- Gain a clear understanding of how electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed
- Learn from experts in a jargon-free, accessible format
- Connect the technical with the operational to boost your effectiveness and confidence
- Ideal for newcomers or experienced professionals transitioning into the energy space
Get empowered with the knowledge that drives the electric power industry.
Register for IEEE PES Plain Talk About the Electric Power Industry– and speak the language of energy.
Flexible Learning Options
- In-Person Events – Register for a scheduled event or host a private event for your organization, customized to your needs.
- On-Demand Courses – Learn anytime, anywhere, at your own pace with our self-paced recordings and materials. All on-demand Plain Talk About the Electric Power Industry is available in the IEEE PES Resource Center. They are free for active IEEE PES members, discounted for IEEE members, and available for purchase by non-members.
On-demand Plain Talk About The Electric Power Industry are available in the IEEE PES Resource Center here. These on-demand courses are free for PES members, discounted for IEEE members, and available to non-members for purchase.
IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) Plain Talks are educational presentations designed to provide technical knowledge to power industry professionals without an engineering background. These sessions provide an overview of the power and energy industry’s technical aspects, offering insights into the demands of regulators, consumer groups, and trends that impact the power systems operations.
In-person Plain Talks are available for a fee at applicable IEEE PES conferences. Upon successfully completing each session, attendees receive a certificate of completion.
All on-demand Plain Talk About The Electric Power Industry is available in the IEEE PES Resource Center. They are free for active IEEE PES members, discounted for IEEE members, and available for purchase by non-members.