Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013 - (Page 43)

EDUCATION Matters... For this to happen effectively, all parties involved in this interaction (e.g., ﬁeld crew, system operator or asset management) will need to work closely together through integrated business processes, integrated IT and OT systems and a common set of KPIs that drive their action. • Knowledge of detailed business processes and procedures necessary for workers to do their jobs, along with the associated KPIs. These KSAs (Figure 3), are still very new in many respects. In the GIS example mentioned above, the knowledge is still focused on the work that needs to be completed, but the new skills are the result of migrating from reading paper maps to viewing the same information on a computer screen. Likewise, work orders and switching sequences may now arrive via email, and these changed processes will force the need to work in real time with entirely new groups of people. While it might seem that the information provided here is basic and the needs obvious, there is very little attention being paid to this transformation of the workforce so far, making it essential to underscore the importance of the changes required. Training is also an important aspect of developing the intelligent workforce since workers will be dealing with a still evolving utility model. Improved training: Like many other businesses, utilities will need to do more with fewer people through increased automation, controls and improved business processes. For this to happen, the workforce of the future must not only be better trained in technology, but they must also feel comfortable with integrated business processes, which are currently siloed in various operating departments. As this industry evolves, it must be ready to anticipate many new dimensions such as the growth of microgrids, distributed renewables and an inﬂux of new participants to support retail markets as well as other foundational changes – changes that over the next decade could drastically change much of what we take for granted in the utility of today. Training must also be carefully designed to ensure that the workforce is ready to tackle the various types and scopes of the work at hand. A good training program will drive the program through a careful analysis of the KSAs required and answering the questions listed in Figure 3 above. This needs to be a combination of various elements including, but not necessarily limited to… • Awareness of how one’s job supports the utility’s strategic intentions as well as developing a broader business and technical awareness of utility industry issues and trends. • Speciﬁc training on all tools required to perform tasks more completely and effectively. Conclusion The workforce of today will also need to transform itself to handle new business, technological and regulatory changes, many of which are already here. In particular, the growing numbers of workers retiring over the next 3-5 years will quickly reach crisis level unless we react soon and proactively. We are beginning to see academia gearing up math and science programs in conjunction with some utilities to increase both the number of students they can handle and the technical skill sets that will be needed to meet these challenges. However, there is much more to be done – and the time to do it is now! uhQ Author Proﬁle Dr. Mani Vadari is founder and President of Modern Grid Solutions, delivering consulting and smart grid training to clients worldwide. For over 25 years, Dr. Vadari has delivered solutions to electric utility industry focusing on transmission and distribution grid operations, generation operations, energy markets, and the Smart Grid. He has also provided much sought-after expertise and technical direction for developing the electric power system to many of the world’s leading utility companies. Dr. Vadari’s Smart Grid Training Curriculum – offered through Modern Grid Academy – is being delivered to utilities and their vendors to educate the executives and the management of the new workforce. His new book, “Electric System Operations – Evolution to the Modern Grid,” is now available from all leading booksellers and is being met with 5-star reviews by industry leaders. www.UtilityHorizons.com Q2 - 2013 • UTILITY HORIZONS • 43 http://www.UtilityHorizons.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013

Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013
Publisher’s Message
Contents
The Queue
Automation Rising!
Inside Tracks
Focal Point
Automation and Innovation at Epcor Water Services
BLeading Edge: Advanced Technology Perspectives
Consumer Engagement: The Future Goes Mobile
Demand Response: Why the Future Is in the Cloud
Building Paths to Smarter Water Management
Bullet-Proofing Your Scada System Against the Evil-Doers
Education Matters
Standard Bearings
Regulation De Rigueur
On the Horizon
Purviews
Intersections
Eventualities
Thinking It Through With Sparky Flamedrop
Loose Ends

Utility Horizons - Second Quarter 2013

https://www.nxtbookmedia.com