Graduate Practitioner's Course: US Electric Distribution Systems - Technology and Policy Changes for Energy Readiness
Pieces of this syllabus are also taught as webinars and lectures. This topic area is critical and fundamental to understanding the energy system in the U.S.
Graduate Practitioner's Course: US Electric Distribution Systems - Technology and Policy Changes for Energy Readiness
Washington, DC.
Arushi Sharma Frank, Esq.
Course Description
This graduate-level course provides an in-depth exploration of US electric distribution systems, focusing on technological advancements and policy changes necessary for energy readiness. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the distribution grid's fundamentals, regulatory structures, and the federal policy nexus impacting grid upkeep. The course emphasizes the critical importance of inter-jurisdictional policymaking in achieving energy transformation in the United States, highlighting that much happens outside the control or jurisdictional context of the federal government.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the fundamentals of the electric distribution grid and its distinction from transmission systems.
Analyze the regulatory structure governing distribution grids, including ownership, operation, and funding mechanisms.
Evaluate federal policies impacting distribution grid maintenance and development.
Assess technology solutions for closing the Energy Demand Readiness Gap.
Understand the criticality of distribution system readiness for bidirectional power flow applications.
Develop strategies for leveraging technology policy solutions across different jurisdictions.
Articulate the importance of distribution infrastructure transformation through technology.
Course Structure
1. Student Discussion Groups (3 per semester, 90 minutes each)
Focus: Distribution Grid Essentials 101
a) Fundamentals: What is the electric distribution grid and what makes it different than transmission, and equally (if not more) important? b) Regulatory Structure: Who owns it, who operates it, who pays for it? c) Washington DC: Federal policy nexus impacting distribution grid upkeep from DOE and Congress
These discussions will emphasize the criticality of inter-jurisdictional policymaking for effective energy transformation in the United States.
2. Class Lecture (1 hour)
Topic: Technology for the Electric Distribution Grid: Energy Demand Readiness and the Criticality of Distribution Infrastructure Transformation through Technology
a) Distribution System Technology Limitations Create an Energy Demand Readiness Gap b) Technology Solutions to Close the Energy Demand Readiness Gap (Examples of software technology, programs, hardware devices, strategies used worldwide) c) Criticality of Distribution System readiness for all bidirectional power flow applications (EV Fleets, EV in Home, Battery, Microgrid)
3. Office Hours
Primarily utilized to cover the extensive reading list for students on all topics noted above.
4. Public Event
A seminar hosted at the Capitol Hill Club, Washington, DC, featuring guest lecturers from DOE, FERC (technology officers), and DOT (EV readiness on distribution grids).
5. Site Visits
a) Department of Energy or Utility Company Washington, DC office
b) Edison Electric Institute (National Trade Association representing distribution and transmission utilities)
c) IEEE Leadership Lecture: Virginia Tech Blacksburg in DC Campus
d) DC office of a technology company supporting distribution utilities in the Washington, DC area
e) Introduction to opportunities like the Distributech conference 2025.
6. Written and Video Content
a) Fellows will complete a written essay or opinion article on a chosen tech policy topic for the TPP newsletter.
b) Research project on global implementation of distribution system technology enhancing federal policy initiatives.
c) Write a Podcast Script, and Record – Guest Appearance on energy podcast
Additional Engagement Opportunities
Attendance at guest lectures (remote and in person) at various institutions.
Participation in industry events such as Energy Bar Association events, annual meetings of Grid Operators, Deploy25 (DOE), government energy and transportation events.
Networking events with professionals working on Capitol Hill, graduate research fellows, staffers affiliated with technology and energy policy caucuses, committee staffers in Congress, Department of Energy staffers, and Clean Energy for America leadership.
Inclusivity and Engagement Drivers
Career shaping and academic goal setting during Happy Hours and Office Hours.
Insights into navigating exclusive professional social circles and bringing innovative solutions to change-resistant policy environments.
Exposure to diverse perspectives, including first-generation immigrant experiences and advocacy for special needs services.
Mentorship opportunities through various professional networks.
Guest Lecturers
The course will feature guest lectures from industry experts, potentially including:
Integrated Distribution System Planning team from the Office of Electricity, Dept. of Energy
Executives from technology companies in the energy sector
Lead Planners from Distribution Services divisions of major utility companies
Academic experts in electrical engineering and energy systems
Assessment
Participation in discussion groups and lectures (20%)
Written essay/opinion article for TPP newsletter (30%)
Research project on global distribution system technology implementation (30%)
Podcast appearance and video interview (20%)
Required Reading
An extensive reading list covering all course topics will be provided. Students are expected to complete assigned readings before each session, which will be discussed during office hours.
Please contact Arushi Sharma Frank to discuss the course provision and details.