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Electric Utility Planner Certification Program

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The need for Electric Utility Planners is estimated to increase by 20% in the next five years due to an anticipated increase in new construction projects, grid modernization, aging infrastructure, and employee retirements.  The program at the College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) at Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) will prepare anyone pursuing the Electric Utility Planner career path to meet the demands of the workforce industry.

The program includes two (7-week) Core Classes (UPC 100 & UPC 101) and one (5-10 week) Elective Class.

UPC 100 & UPC 101, Core Classes include an introduction to electric utility planning; rules, rates, and tariffs; basic electrical theory; planner roles & responsibilities, meter spotting; overhead and underground material recognition, right-of-way; work order mapping; design construction concepts; overview of the distribution and the electrical grid.

Students must also complete one Elective Class, either Certified Associate in Project Management, C.P.M. Scheduling, AutoCAD, or Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc.

Required Courses (2 Courses)

Course topics include:
  • Intro and Rules
  • Electric theory I
  • Electric theory II
  • Electric theory III
  • OH Materials
  • UG Materials
  • Final Exam

The class will include weekly assignments and a final exam.

CEUs: 2.8 CEUs

Class begins on January 25, 2025. Class ends on March 8, 2025. (These meetings will be virtual via ZOOM)

 

Registration Info

Course topics include:
  • Civil Maps & RW
  • Utility Maps
  • Single & Three Phase Design
  • Meter Spotting
  • Field Applications
  • Planner Tools
  • Final Exam

The class will include weekly assignments and a final exam. 

CEUs: 2.8 CEUs

Class begins on March 22, 2025. Class ends on May 3, 2025. (These meetings will be virtual via ZOOM)

 

Elective Courses (1 Course)

Students must complete one elective course from the list below.

  • CAD100: Introduction to Computer-Aided Design
  • CMC150: C.P.M. Scheduling
  • PMP100: Certified Associate in Project Management
  • UPC110: Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc 

FAQs

  • Students should have an interest in pursuing a career in Electric Utility Planning
  • Students should have an interest in technical applications
  • Strong attention to detail
  • An interest in developing project management and customer service skills

  • It will take 14 weeks in total to complete UPC 100 & UPC 101 (these are the core courses)
  • It will take an additional 5 to 10 weeks to complete one of the required elective courses.

  • Two Required Classes
    • Electric Utility Planning 100 
    • Electric Utility Planning 101 
  • One Elective Class (choose one of the below)
    • AutoCAD
    • Construction Management
    • Certified Associate in Project Management
    • Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc

No, specific utility system training will not be taught. 

UPC 100 & UPC 101 are conducted online via zoom and Cal Poly’s Learning Management System. The electives are to be determined if those courses will be offered online or in person.

Core courses will be only offered in Fall & Spring semesters.  All core classes will be taught on consecutive Saturdays. The schedule may include either an 8:00 am - 12:00 pm/8:30 to 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm time schedule based on instructor availability. 

  • Elective classes will be offered at various times throughout the academic year
  • Certified Associate in Project Management and AutoCAD will be offered on Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm. (TBD)
  • Construction Management will be offered on weeknights (TBD)

  • Yes, CEU credits are awarded upon each class completion
  • Electric Utility Planning 100: 2.8 CEUS
  • Electric Utility Planning 101: 2.8 CEUS
  • Choose one Elective Class from below:
    • AutoCAD: 2.8 CEUS
    • Construction Management: 2.5 CEUS
    • Certified Associate in Project Management: 2.4 CEUS
    • Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc: 2.0 CEUS

Note:  Continuing Education Units cannot be applied toward an academic degree.

Two Required Classes:

Electric Utility Planning 100: $1345 (subject to change)

Electric Utility Planning 101: $1345  (subject to change)

One Elective Class (must choose from one of the areas listed below):

Certified Associate in Project Management: (hybrid) $950 (subject to change)

Construction Management: $475 (subject to change)

AutoCAD: $1,195 (subject to change)

Pole Loading with SPIDA®calc: $1,195 (subject to change)

  • There is no job placement
  • The content of the program includes the basics skills and knowledge required for an entry-level position.
  • Students are encouraged to inquire with each individual utility by contacting the HR department.

Core courses must be taken consecutively within each cohort since a future session is not guaranteed and may be cancelled.

Make-up classes are not available.

Students can miss only one (1) class in a course.

Students will need to contact the instructor for class material when they miss (1) class session.

The Utility Planner Certification Program will be offered twice a year, Fall and spring semesters. Typically, the Spring semester starts at the end of January or the beginning of February, and the Fall semester begins in September.

No, both core courses and one elective must be completed before a certificate is awarded.

Disclaimer

The current course schedule which includes class meeting times, locations and design is subject to change without notice or obligation. The University does not guarantee the availability of a particular course or section, and reserves the right to cancel due to insufficient enrollment.

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3801 W. Temple Ave.
Bldg 220C-140
 Pomona CA 91768
https://www.cpp.edu/cpge

 

Phone: 909-869-2288
Email : CPGEinfo@cpp.edu
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

 

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