Practical Applications of Electric Utility Design Standards
About the Program

The Utility Design to Field Application course provides a comprehensive exploration of how utility design choices influence safety, cost, and operational effectiveness. Through lectures, case studies, and practical assignments, you’ll understand hazard identification, strategic equipment placement, financial considerations, and safety planning specific to utility construction. Designed for professionals seeking to improve utility planning and construction management, this course combines technical content with real-world application.
At A Glance
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What You Will Learn
- Utility Design Standards & Documentation
- Underground and Overhead Utility Design
- Safety and Risk Mitigation
- Financial and Operational Impacts
- Collaboration with Field Personnel
- Real-World Case Studies & Practical Application
Who Should Enroll
- Engineering students and recent graduates
- Utility professionals and contractors
- City planners and infrastructure consultants
- Anyone interested in utility design and safety
Program Outline
- Week 1: Identifying Underground Utility Structures & Equipment; Utility Pole & Meter Panel Placement; Safety hazards and best practices
- Week 2: Financial impact of utility designs; balancing customer and utility needs; case studies
- Week 3: Safety factors for field personnel; installation practices; hazard prevention design principles
- Week 4: Building effective relationships with field personnel; communication and feedback integration
- Week 5: Summary; Best practices; Final exam
The class will include weekly assignments and a final exam.
James Rowe is a Senior Supervisor at a major electric utility company, where he leads a large operations team. His career began in the planning organization, where he honed his expertise in utility design. Over time, he transitioned into operations, expanding his skill set to include field execution and team leadership.
James is deeply passionate about safety and the importance of making sound design decisions. He focuses on bridging the gap between design standards and practical, real-world applications. With a strong understanding of the critical relationships between design and safety, James teaches how to build effective collaboration between teams and how to leverage field staff feedback to improve outcomes.Disclaimer
The current course schedule which includes class meeting times, locations and design, is subject to change without notice or obligation. The University does not guarantee the availability of a particular course or section, and reserves the right to cancel due to insufficient enrollment.