Supporting Greatness. Developing Opportunities.

 ECG’s Powerline School is the culmination of years of field experience and countless hours of applied classroom training. ECG’s comprehensive training courses incorporate ‘Safety First’ while challenging and preparing the Electrical Lineworker for advancement.

ECG’s 1-year Advanced Lineworker Program is the next step in developing your Lineworker. 

Module I

Jeff Cook Training Center

March 6-7, 2024

Distribution System Coordination
This program is designed to acquaint the advanced lineworker with the basics of distribution system coordination from the engineering prospective. Components used to protect a distribution system as well as how they should work together. Fault current and how it relates to distribution system protection is also discussed. A demonstration board used to illustrate how these devices work together when properly coordinated will give the attendees a visual perspective. After the demonstration, the attendees work through sample coordination problems involving a distribution circuit. 

• Reclosers, OCR’s 
• Fuses 
• Sectionalizers 
• Breaker Relays 
• Fault Currents 

Customer and Employee Interaction 
Customer, employee and co-worker interaction is a key component of the overall success of your municipal enterprise systems. Dealing with a difficult or hostile situation requires analysis of the situation and the ability to manage intense emotions quickly. Participants will explore the dynamics of emotional behavior and learn to determine patterns of aggressive and assertive behavior and how to use techniques to defuse tension or hostility. 

Having a diversified customer base can be challenging as each may require a specified strategy of interaction. Differences between industrial and residential customers will be explored as well as the multiple personalities within any organization. Participants will learn to determine the most appropriate strategy required to handle these situations. 

Module II

Newnan Training Center

Dates TBD

Metering
This class features topics such as safe metering work practices, metering terminology and definitions, as well as an in-depth look at single phase and polyphase meters. Also included is a comprehensive look at instrument transformers, single phase and polyphase meter wiring diagrams and meter installation troubleshooting. ,

• Power Measurement Definitions 
• Basic Formulas for Metering 
• How Meters Work 
• Single Phase Meters & Wiring
• Diagrams 
• Polyphase Meters & Wiring
• Diagrams 
• Instrument Transformers 
• Meter Change Procedures 
• Meter Installation Troubleshooting 

Power Quality/System Grounding
Power quality has become an important concern within the electric utility industry. An understanding of power quality is an essential component to the overall knowledge of field operations personnel especially with the personal contact they have with your customers. System grounding is an important aspect of a distribution system since it plays a major role in items such as safety, protective device function, and overvoltage protection. This program will give an overview of system grounding which will include a discussion of ground rods, NESC requirements, pole grounds, lightning protection, and the role grounding plays in underground systems.

Module III

Jeff Cook Training Center

Dates TBD

Advanced Transformer Connections
Distribution transformers are worked on daily by field operations personnel and that is why it is critical to have an in-depth knowledge of them and how they are connected for single-phase and three-phase voltages. Single-phase distribution transformers can be interconnected to provide three-phase power in a number of different ways, providing a utility with the flexibility of meeting a variety of customer needs. This program demonstrates and explains how three-phase delta connections and three-phase wye connections are made; also, it will explain certain issues that could arise, what you should look for and trouble-shooting techniques. 

Accident Investigation
This course covers how to conduct a proper investigation of a workplace accident. The course stresses proper investigative procedure and conveys an understanding of the basic skills needed by the investigator. 

• Investigate “Why, Who, When” 
• Secure area, gather facts, collect evidence 
• Witnesses – proven interview techniques, written statements 
• Identify – pertinent evidence, contributing factors, root cause 
• Corrective action 
• Solutions – short, long-term 
• Complete report – document, review with involved parties & management 

Storm Restoration
Whether sending or receiving crews after a major storm it is of utmost importance that the lead/journeyman Lineworker know and understand the ins and outs of the ‘Mutual Aid’ process, along with the most efficient mechanism of fully restoring a system to normalcy. 

• System Evaluation – partial & full 
• Crew Evaluation – qualified Lineworkers, climbers 
• Critical Customers – Hospital, Water/Wastewater 
• System Restoration – Estimate time for total / feeders 
• Logistics – Motels, food, water/ice, fuel, laundry 
• Maps – Roads, system 
• Communication – 2-way radios, phones 
• Material – Emergency, circuit specific 
• Operational briefing – Daily crews, critical customers, media 

Distribution Switching
Switching distribution circuits either routinely or in an emergency situation is inevitable while working as a Lineworker. This class will assist you in understanding the proper procedures in tying circuits together originating from the same substation, as well as tying circuits together that originate in different substations. You will learn the purpose of the function switches, relays, breakers, regulators and how they all work together to form a distribution protection scheme. 

• Knowing relay settings 
• Checking balances 
• Deadline a station 
• Importance of Mapping 
• Tying circuits 
• Writing switching order 

Module IV

Newnan Training Center

Dates TBD

Underground Trouble Shooting
Classroom discussion on the physics of line locating, secondary and primary fault locating. 

• Testing a service for a bad leg and identifying a bad leg on a service 
• Proper use of a ServiSavor (Service Restoration Cart) 
• How a locator works and what they, (the machines), need to perform their job 
• Common problems with line locating and how to overcome them 
• How an A-frame fault locator works and what is required 
• High Voltage Fault Locating w/Radar, Efficiency and Safety 
• Outside hands-on training 

Exceptional Followership: The Foundation of Leadership
Leadership is best understood by studying the question of “Why do people follow leaders?” By understanding this concept, individuals are better able to become effective leaders. This seminar deals with the basic concepts of followership – learning why people follow a leader and the importance of a leader providing others a reason to follow. Participants will learn about their own leadership style and personality which relates to their personal followership style. They will discover the impact that positive ethics and values pay in creating effective followership. 

• Identify competencies of followership which lead to promotion or advanced leadership positions 
• Respond to the role ethics play in organizational behavior 
• Understand values and its role in followership/leadership behavior 
• Discover the concepts of motivation 
• Effective Team Dynamics 
• Principles of a Professional Environment 

Meet Your Instructors


Don Poole

Don Poole Consulting 

Don worked for Cobb EMC for twenty eight and a half years, twenty eight of those in metering. He retired in 2014 as Manager of Metering Services. He also served on the planning committee for the Southeastern Meter School and Conference as a Module Coordinator, and taught several classes at the school. Don was recognized in 1999 as “Meter person of the Year” by the school. Don earned a diploma in Electronics Technology, as well as an Associates degree in Electronic Engineering from Chattahoochee Technical College. He also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management from Covenant College. 

Scott Morgan

Morgan Advanced Products

With 48 years in the Electric Utility Industry, Scott worked for Memphis Light, Gas & Water as a Power Transformer Crew Leader for 13 years and he worked as a sales manager for 9 years for Altec Industries. Scott also worked as a tool specialist for Equity Utility Services for 12 years before starting his own business, Morgan Advanced Products, in 2009. Scott earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Christian Brothers University. 

Bruce Damrow 

Continuum, Inc. 

With over 35 years as an Air Force member and Chief Master Sergeant including such capstones as the establishment of 18 Airmen Leadership Schools nation wide, Bruce has instructed, lectured, taught and wrote curriculum for four levels of Air Force Leadership schools. He delivers thought provoking and solution based seminars and involves audiences in proactive thinking approaches to all aspects of leadership and management. 

Kayla Curry

Organization Impact, LLC 

Kayla’s industry experience spans 27+ years in both the corporate sector and non-profit market where she has worn hats such as Director of Organizational Strategy, Director of Human Resources and Director of Staff Development. She holds a B.S. and M.S. in Organizational Communication from Murray State University in Kentucky. Kayla is a DiSC trainer and Registered Corporate Coach™. She is the author of “Leadership Shorts: Practical Tips When You Are at Wit’s End”, Amazon #1 bestseller “The Complete Experience: Unlocking the Secrets of Online Reviews that Drive Customer Loyalty,” and Amazon #1 bestseller “Unstuck: 10 Proven Strategies for Breaking Through the Barriers to Small Business Growth.” Kayla is president of Organization Impact, LLC and is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management, Association of Talent Development, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Southeast Business Forum, Donelson/Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, and the Workforce Magazine Business Intelligence Board. 

Jeff Adams, PE 

ECG

Jeff has been practicing Distribution Engineering for the past 38 years and has been teaching linemen for over 11 years. Jeff is a registered Professional Engineer and the Principle Engineer at ECG. Prior to coming to ECG, Jeff was Manager of Engineering and Operations for an electric cooperative. His experience includes system coordination, power quality and all aspects of distribution engineering. 

Jon Beasley

ECG VP of Training & Safety

With over 41 years of lineman experience, Jon currently serves as the VP of Training and Safety for ECG. He has actively trained lineworkers in 3 states to more than 65 cities and over 1000 students. Jon coordinates and leads utility crews on disaster response/mutual aid for ice-storms, hurricanes and tornados. Jon provides expert testimony on behalf of Participant cities related to accident investigations. A key player in the creation of the “Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo” and the “APPA Lineworker’s Rodeo Competition” serving as Master Judge. His team took top honors in the “1999 International Lineman’s Rodeo Competition.” APPA honored Jon with the “Kramer-Preston Personal Service Award” in 2006 for his continued work and support. He has served on the APPA E&O Committee as Section Chair and as Chair of the Safety Committee. Jon currently serves on the APPA Safety Manual Review Task Force, and MAWG (Mutual Aid Working Group) as well as previously serving on the APPA RP3 panel. 

Who Should Attend

Lead or Journeyman Lineworker with a minimum of 4 years’ experience. Preferred completion of the ECG Groundman, Apprentice and Underground certifications

Class Location

Providing meeting space, classroom education and a pole-yard for hands-on instruction, our training centers are strategically located to allow easy, geographical access to our students.

Jeff Cook Training Center
261 Bozeman Road
Adel, GA 31620

Newnan Training Center
381 Corinth Road
Newnan, GA 30263

Class Pricing

Members: $4000
Non Members: $12000

*Please contact Kelsey Bennett at [email protected]

Class Schedule

Each Module is 2 full days from 8:00am to 4:00pm. 
Lunch will be on your own each day. 
Graduation with lunch will be on Day 2 of Module IV. 

Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend, substitutions will be permitted up to one week prior to the first class date with written notification, there will be no refunds given. Attendee must attend each of the modules to receive Certificate of Completion. ECG reserves the right to reschedule or cancel any scheduled training class or to replace personnel. 

*While ECG has made reasonable efforts to provide quality training services, it makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability with respect to any training for any particular purpose. Any reliance you place on such training for a particular purpose is therefore strictly at your own risk. All information and material presented herein are subject to copyrights owned by ECG and other individuals or entities. Any reproduction, retransmission, republication, or other use of all or part of any information found herein is prohibited unless prior written permission has been granted by ECG or the appropriate copyright owner. Copyright 2020. Electric Cities of Georgia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Upcoming Events

27
March 2024

ECG Board Meeting

10 AM EST

The March ECG Board Meeting will be held on-site at the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, 603 South Harris Street, Sandersville, GA 31082. It will also be available via Zoom; information is attached.… read more

8
April 2024

Apprentice Class 67 Academic Start

8 AM EST

ECG’s Powerline Workers Apprenticeship Program is a three-year certification designed to enhance utility employees’ knowledge and skills in this field. Powerline workers are responsible for building, improving, and maintaining the poles and wires that… read more

10
April 2024

ECG Foreman & Supervisor Conference

12 PM EST

The ECG Foreman & Supervisor Conference is held annually to keep Members informed on the latest safety techniques, tools, and management styles and to create an environment conducive to establishing and building professional relationships with peers and… read more

15
April 2024

Overhead Hotline School Class 10

1 PM EST

ECG’s Overhead Hotline School is designed to give linemen and Apprentice Lineworker Program graduates additional training. The program is simulated energized and at no time will students handle energized conductors. The school’s focus is to train students… read more

24
April 2024

ECG Board Meeting

10 AM EST

The April ECG Board Meeting will be held at the MEAG Power Transmission Training Facility. This meeting will also be available via Zoom; information is attached. ECG Board meetings are held the fourth Wednesday of every month at the MEAG Training Facility… read more