The North Carolina Electric Meter School and Grid Technology Conference brings together personnel from across the electric utility industry to explore common problems, standard practices, procedures and new technologies. The school provides a unique learning environment and opportunity to explore all aspects of metering and basic substation equipment and operation.
The school offers specialized tracks for beginners, seasoned professionals and leaders alike.
- Discover new technologies, practices and solutions to keep pace with the ever-changing electric industry.
- Connect with leaders and peers to discuss common problems and effective solutions.
- Engage directly with vendors to learn about the newest products.
This conference is open to anyone interested in learning more about metering and substations!
Earn PDHs at the NC Electric Meter School
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Eight Conference Tracks. Endless Opportunities.
Single Phase
The single phase track is designed for the entry-level person. You will gain a basis for understanding metering principles and power and complement your metering skills gained on the job. Sessions offered cover overviews of a power system, basic math, AC/DC theory and meter testing safety.
Polyphase
The polyphase track is designed to provide you with an overview of basic information needed to understand polyphase metering. You will learn about the selection, installation, and maintenance of polyphase meters, and receive training on programming polyphase meters. You will also receive training in the selection, use, and maintenance of current and voltage transformers.
Advanced Metering / Engineering
Designed for experienced field meter technicians, AMI technicians, engineers, and utility managers, the Advanced Metering/Engineering track offers in-depth training on the latest developments in metering and grid technologies.
Participants will explore advanced metering theory, power quality analysis, and high-end applications, as well as remote communication methods and the integration of metering systems into broader grid operations. This track also covers cutting-edge tools, equipment, and metering technologies shaping the future of utility operations. Additionally, this track offers valuable insights into meter engineering, grid design, and the latest updates to metering standards, including recent revisions to IEEE and ANSI regulations. Ideal for professionals desiring to stay current and drive innovation in their organizations.
Management
In the management track you will learn information about the newest technologies, current industry trends, day-to-day operational issues, and updates on new technology implementation projects. This track is ideal for professionals and managers.
Basic Substation & Distribution Principles
This track is designed to provide entry-level knowledge of substations and distribution systems. It is ideal for substation personnel with less than two years’ experience or meter technicians who work occasionally in substations.
You will learn the fundamentals of substation construction, proper grounding, electrical layout, and the purpose of typical equipment in a substation. Examples include safety equipment, station power transformers, batteries, circuit breakers, capacitors, switches, voltage regulators, basic communications systems, metering, and other miscellaneous components commonly found in most substations. You will also learn about distribution system operation and the various types of equipment used.
Advanced Substation & Distribution Concepts
The Advanced Substation and Distribution Concepts track is appealing to experienced substation and distribution engineers, technicians, and related career fields who design, operate, maintain, and oversee substation and/or distribution systems.
Classes focus on proactive and reactive maintenance of substation equipment, protection and control systems which may affect substation protection as well as transmission and distribution circuits, communications/SCADA, grounding, equipment testing, physical and cyber security, voltage regulation, transformers, circuit breakers, all equipment associated with transmission and distribution lines in the field, and related standards and codes, such as the NESC, IEEE standards, etc. and more.
Emerging Technologies
To incorporate new trends in our industry, we have added the following new topics and products related to electric metering and the electrical grid:
- Revenue
- Communications
- IT/Computer/Programmable Devices
- Security
- Renewable/Alternative Energy
- Customer Service
Engineering
The Engineering track appeals to engineers of all levels. Its cornerstone is Engineering Ethics, taught to fulfill the North Carolina Board of Engineering and Land Surveying’s annual professional development hour requirement for engineering ethics. Subjects can cover any other track, but in greater depth and complexity. Some items related to the engineering profession beyond ethics may also be discussed, such as methods to recruit, train, and inspire younger engineers to enjoy the profession, especially in the area of power/transmission and distribution.
Engineers who present are encouraged to showcase unique real-world problems and their methods for solving or mitigating these challenges. Engineering design tools, software, equipment (i.e. plotters, CAD, test equipment, specialized gear, etc.) and how to use these for safety and productivity may also be discussed.
Wired for Success: Past Conference Snapshots
NC State University wishes to advise all manufacturers, manufacturers’ representatives, distributors, consultants, contractors, utility commission members, utility employees and all other participants that this meeting and all activities related to the NC State Electric Meter School and Grid Conference are subject to compliance with all federal and state antitrust laws. Our activities are purposely designed to protect and promote fair competition, encourage higher quality products and services, promote innovation, expand customer choice for all consumers and for the benefit of the industry. We will not discuss any company’s specific pricing, vendor terms and conditions, discounts or any other competitively sensitive information that may affect prices, allocation of free markets or fair competition which benefits all customers.