Power Systems Operation & Planning

1. Training Introduction

Efficient operation and planning of power systems is crucial to ensure reliable electricity supply, optimize resources, and integrate emerging energy technologies. This programme provides participants with a deep understanding of generation, transmission and distribution system operations, combined with strategic planning approaches to meet demand growth, ensure system stability and optimize operational efficiency.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in load forecasting, generation scheduling, network analysis, contingency planning, and performance evaluation, preparing them to make informed operational and planning decisions in utilities and energy organizations.

 

2. Training Objective

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of power system operation and planning.
2. Conduct load forecasting and demand analysis.
3. Perform generation scheduling and economic dispatch.
4. Analyze transmission and distribution network performance.
5. Apply contingency planning and reliability assessment.
6. Integrate renewable energy and distributed resources into system planning.
7. Develop actionable operational and planning strategies for efficient, reliable power system management.

 

3. Targeted Group

The programme is suitable for:

• Power system engineers and planners
• Grid operators and control room personnel
• Transmission and distribution engineers
• Energy consultants and technical analysts
• Utility managers and decision-makers
• Graduate students specializing in electrical power engineering

 

4. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 2 Weeks
• Weekly Commitment: 16 Hours (Lectures + Labs + Exercises)

Total Learning Hours: ~40–45 hours

 

5. Training Methodology

A blended learning approach combining:

• Instructor-led lectures and technical discussions
• Hands-on labs and simulation exercises
• Case studies from real-world power systems
• Group workshops and problem-solving exercises
• Assignments and scenario-based exercises
• Capstone project integrating operation and planning concepts

Assessment includes quizzes, lab reports, assignments, and a final capstone project.

 

6. Course Modules & Content

Module 1 — Introduction to Power Systems Operation

• Overview of generation, transmission, and distribution
• System components and operation principles
• Operational objectives: reliability, efficiency, and safety
• Roles of operators and planners

Activity: Map functional responsibilities in a typical power system

 

Module 2 — Load Forecasting & Demand Analysis

• Short-term, medium-term, and long-term forecasting
• Statistical and engineering approaches
• Peak load analysis and demand patterns
• Impact of load growth on operational planning

Workshop: Load forecast exercise using sample system data

 

Module 3 — Generation Scheduling & Economic Dispatch

• Principles of generation scheduling
• Unit commitment and dispatch optimization
• Cost minimization and operational efficiency
• Integration of renewable generation

Lab: Economic dispatch simulation using sample data

 

Module 4 — Transmission System Operation & Planning

• Transmission network modeling and analysis
• Load flow studies and voltage control
• Contingency planning and N-1 criterion
• Transmission expansion planning

Exercise: Perform load flow and contingency analysis

 

Module 5 — Distribution System Operation & Planning

• Distribution system configuration and planning
• Voltage regulation, loss minimization, and reliability
• Network expansion and feeder design
• Integration of distributed energy resources

Hands-On: Design a distribution feeder and evaluate performance

 

Module 6 — Reliability & Contingency Planning

• Reliability indices (SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI)
• Contingency analysis and risk assessment
• System restoration and outage management
• Planning for resilience and emergency response

Workshop: Reliability assessment and contingency planning exercise

 

Module 7 — Renewable Energy Integration & Smart Technologies

• Impact of solar, wind, and storage on operations
• Microgrids and distributed energy resources
• Smart grid technologies and automation
• Operational strategies for flexible generation and storage

Exercise: Model renewable integration scenarios in power system planning

 

Module 8 — Capstone Project: Integrated Power System Planning & Operation

• Apply concepts to a simulated or real network scenario
• Conduct load forecasting, scheduling, and network analysis
• Evaluate reliability, cost, and operational efficiency
• Present planning and operational recommendations

Deliverable: Capstone project report and presentation

 

7. Expected Outcomes

Participants completing this programme will:

✔ Understand power system operation and planning principles
✔ Perform load forecasting and generation scheduling
✔ Analyze transmission and distribution networks
✔ Conduct reliability and contingency planning
✔ Integrate renewable energy and smart grid solutions
✔ Evaluate operational efficiency and economic performance
✔ Develop and present comprehensive system operation and planning strategies

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who:

• Attend at least 80% of sessions
• Complete all module assignments and lab exercises
• Submit and present the capstone project

will receive a Certificate of Completion from:

FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

Certificate Includes:

• Participant’s Full Name
• Programme Title: Power Systems Operation & Planning
• Duration & Completion Date
• Summary of Skills Acquired
• Official Seal & Signature of Programme Director