NWPPA/APA Alaska Electric Utility Conference

The NWPPA/APA Alaska Electric Utility Conference, organized by the Northwest Public Power Association, is a comprehensive event designed for professionals in the utility industry. This conference, taking place in Anchorage, United States, features a variety of educational opportunities, including a three-part webinar series titled 'Intro to AI for Utility Professionals.' This series is tailored for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, aiming to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and innovation through artificial intelligence. Participants can expect to engage in AI 101, which covers foundational concepts, AI 102, focusing on crafting smarter prompts for accurate results, and AI 103, which dives into automating workflows to boost productivity. Each session is rich with practical insights that attendees can apply immediately in their utility operations.In addition to the AI webinar series, the conference will include a workshop on NERC-Compliant Battery Maintenance for Utilities. This workshop introduces crucial IEEE maintenance procedures for ensuring the reliability of lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, covering the necessary practices for compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation Standards PRC-005-6 and TPL-001-5. Attendees will learn how to maintain battery-backed DC power systems effectively and analyze data for better outcomes. Moreover, the conference will feature a four-day Lineworker Skills Boot Camp, combining six popular courses into a focused training experience. This boot camp offers hands-on practice and classroom learning on vital topics such as grounding and bonding, switching and tagging, transformer connections and troubleshooting, as well as both overhead and underground system diagnostics. It aims to enhance confidence, efficiency, and readiness in the field.Furthermore, the course 'NRECA CCD 2610: Understanding the Electric Business' is designed for board members to equip them with knowledge and tools to navigate operational challenges in electric utilities. This course addresses the impact of policy and planning decisions, fosters a culture of safety, and aligns resources with strategic planning, while clarifying the board's critical role in electricity delivery and governance. The event also includes a collection of materials that utilities can leverage to engage consumers about the significance of public power, ensuring attendees leave with a comprehensive understanding and valuable skills applicable to their work in the utility sector. As an association representing over 150 public utility districts and 300 associate members across the U.S. and Canada, the NWPPA provides a vital platform for professionals to network and enhance their expertise in the electric utility industry.