Courses
  • Date(s)

  • Offered
    • In-Person
    • Online
    • On-Site

2025 IDE Unit A
July 29-Aug.1, 2025
2025 IDE Unit B
Oct. 21-24, 2025

Overview

Introduction to Distribution Engineering (IDE) is a two-part training program designed to train early career engineers and experienced electrical technicians. The goal of this program is to provide participants with hands-on learning to assist in moving from theory to practical application.
What you will learn

At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

  • Gain practical knowledge of the foundational elements for proper system design and construction

  • Find and interpret applicable codes and standards

  • Anticipate and solve common distribution grid problems

  • Identify distribution engineering tools and processes

  • Recognize the three key components of distribution engineering work: Safety, Reliability/Resiliency, and Economics

 


Our Approach

The Introduction to Distribution Engineering program incorporates a proven approach focusing on, reliability, safety, and economics.


Reliability/Resiliency: These are the focal points of sound design and construction. Reliability is the system’s ability to operate as needed the majority of the time. Resiliency reflects the ability to recover after an outage or incident.


Safety: A core value of the cooperative, this includes designing and building the system to applicable codes and standards as well as understanding what is important from the ‘operations’ point of view.


Economics: Tradeoffs are always present and part of the engineering function is to analyze options that meet other needs at low costs and provide good value.


Standards Note

In practice, there are many rules-of-thumb applied to line design, construction and operation. This program recognizes the value of these informal rules yet helps participants understand when they are not applicable. The program also provides tools and resources to determine the right approaches when informal standards don't apply. This increases safety and reliability outcomes.


 

Testimonials


Read what previous Introduction to Distribution Engineering attendees have to say about their experience.

"The programs offered through NRECA have helped give me the confidence, foundation and understanding to transition from the operations side into engineering. The IDE program and its instructors provided me a deeper understanding of not only engineering and line design but also the regulatory, legal and financial aspects too. Additionally, collaboration with various other cooperatives throughout the country has provided insight into the different challenges cooperatives face along with providing new ideas and focusing on how technology is changing the future of line design and engineering."

—Andy Steele, Field Engineer, Oakdale Electric Cooperative



"Since the completion of the Introduction to Distribution Engineering program, I have a better understanding of how our cooperative operates. I was able to get back from the training and discuss with my manager as well as several other department heads what our processes were and how others in my training were doing things at their cooperatives...After attending the IDE training and learning more about the accounting and financial side of things, I was able to begin to connect some dots. "

—JT Horwat, Electrical Engineer, REA Energy Cooperative Inc.

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About the Location
The Fluno Center for Executive Education, located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, will put you within easy access to many of the popular restaurants and entertainment spots.

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Airport(s)
MSN
6
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Fees

Unit A

$2,599

Unit B

$2,599

Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES
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ROLE-SPECIFIC
  • Distribution Engineering
  • Safety and Loss Control
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SUPERVISORY, MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
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