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One-time enrollment · 12-month access
Enroll NowGroup pricing available →A practical, in-depth introduction to the electric industry — how power is produced and delivered, how utilities and co-ops are structured and regulated, how electric rates are developed, who does the work, and where the industry is headed.
CPE Hours
Whether you're new to the electric industry or moving into a finance, accounting, or operations role, this course gives you the big picture — how the electric system works from power plant to customer meter, how utilities and cooperatives are structured and regulated, and how the costs of running an electric system flow into customer rates.
You'll learn what the major job functions are across an electric utility, why regulatory oversight matters, and how rate design connects to the day-to-day accounting and financial management of the organization. The course wraps up with a look at the trends shaping the industry — from distributed energy resources to grid modernization — and what the electric business of the future may look like.
This is the recommended first course for anyone entering the utility industry, and it anchors both the New Electric Utility Professional and New Electric Cooperative Professional career tracks.
Explain how electricity is produced, transmitted, and delivered to homes and businesses
Course materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, accounting, or professional advice. Users should consult their own qualified legal, accounting, or other professional advisors regarding their specific circumstances.
Course orientation, learning objectives, downloadable materials, and course roadmap. | 0.1 Electricity Powers Everything | 0.2 Course Learning Objectives | 0.3 Here are your course materials! | 0.4 Course Roadmap
Trace electricity from generation to the customer meter and understand who regulates the industry at the federal and state level. | 1.1 Making and Delivering Electricity
Explore the roles and functions across a utility or cooperative organization and understand the workforce challenges facing the industry. | 2.1 Who Works in an Electric Co-op or Utility? | 2.1 Flipcard Exercise — Reveal the Definitions
Understand how electric rates are developed, how regulatory oversight shapes pricing, and the principles behind cost recovery. | 3.1 How are Electric Rates Developed? | 3.2 Review Questions — 1
Explore the forces reshaping the electric industry — from electrification and distributed energy resources to grid modernization and workforce change. | 4.1 Current and Long-Term Industry Trends | 4.2 Review Questions — 2
Review key takeaways, complete the scenario exercise, and pass the final exam. | 5.1 Course Wrap-up and Key Points | 5.2 Exercise — What Answer Fits the Scenario? | 5.3 Course Evaluation | 5.4 Final Exam | 5.5 Course Conclusion and Next Steps
