An Overview of Electric Power System Reliability for Non-Electrical Professionals
Online
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Sep 28, 2026
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Course Code: 0908-WEB26
- Overview
- Syllabus
- Instructor
Overview
After participating in this course, you will be able to:
- Understand electricity reliability matters, and how the transmission system reliability differs from electrical distribution system reliability, its rules and regulation as they apply to the North American power systems, applicable standards and the reliability framework in North America
- Interact more effectively with other work groups involved in electric power system transmission and distribution
- Apply knowledge of codes and standards of electricity reliability in regulatory work related to the bulk power system in North America
Description
Electricity reliability of an integrated power system is a complex matter. After the largest blackout in North American History in 2003, both Canada and the US governments initiated an effort to strengthen the reliability framework of the North American grid. The course explains the fundamentals of electricity reliability of North American Power System. It describes step by step the North American interconnection of transmission system, what is bulk power system reliability, why blackout happens, what is the reason for the largest blackout in North American history and what are the rules to avoid a black out. The course also describes the North American reliability framework, the role of North American Reliability Corporation (NERC), and the reliability standards overview. The course also explains how the elements of reliability of an electric distribution system differ from integrated transmission system reliability. .
The course is intended to provide a clear understanding of the reliability of bulk power system in North America to both technical and non-technical professionals who, although qualified in their own disciplines, may not have exposure to the electricity reliability matters associated with an integrated power system. To that end, it is a course that can benefit a wide range of audience who are associated with power system related work in any capacity.
Course Outline
- Blackouts and Causes
- Bulk Power System Reliability
- Blackout in 2003
Who Should Attend
The course is designed for individuals who are associated with power system related work but do not have direct power system background. For example, regulators, legal services, engineers from disciplines other than electrical engineering, as well as individuals involved in power systems transmission or distribution work, oil and gas industries professionals and electricity export/import market specialists will find this course to be useful.
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Please note: You can check other time zones here.
Syllabus
Bulk Power System Reliability
- Concept of electric power system reliability
- Transmission systems reliability
- Reliability of an integrated bulk power system
- North American interconnections
- Reliability of electric Distribution system
Blackouts and Causes
- What is a black out
- Cascading and blackout
- Geomagnetic disturbance
- North American blackouts
Blackout in 2003
- Blackout 2003 case study: How it happened, what are the impacts, what are the root causes, Task Force recommendations
- Reliability Framework in North America
- Reliability standards at a glance
- Reliability challenges of renewable generations
Instructor
Amitabha Gangopadhyay, M.Eng., P.Eng, is well recognized in power system engineering, where he has made many contributions to a wide range of power system applications for decades.
Prior to pursuing higher studies in Canada, Amitabha worked in the utility industry and with English Electric in India. In Canada, Amitabha has worked with Group Schneider, Global Thermoelectric, Fuel Cell Energy and SNC Lavalin in many areas of power system engineering. While working for Group Schneider, Amitabha has designed a number of microprocessor based protective relays and metering devices. For 17 years, he has served Government of Canada advising them on electric reliability of bulk power systems in North America.
His areas of interest are electrical transmission and distribution, protection and smart grid applications. Amitabha holds a Master's Degree from the Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has published several papers in international journals and conferences.
Amitabha is a professional engineer in the province of Alberta.
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Fee & Credits
$225 + taxes
- 0.3 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 3 Continuing Professional Development Hours (PDHs/CPDs)
- ECAA Annual Professional Development Points
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