IN-PERSON CLASSROOM SEMINARS

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Integrated Resource Planning
An In-Depth Live Onsite Seminar Presented by Dr. Randell Johnson

A Two-Day Classroom Seminar (CPE Approved)

Register Soon to get Early Bird Pricing.
Houston, TX - December 9 & 10, Courtyard Marriott Houston by the Galleria

The U.S. energy system is changing faster than most organization's planning cycles, and new clean energy policies, evolving reliability standards, rapid load growth from data centers, electrification, and a flood of distributed resources are reshaping what a “leastcost, leastrisk” portfolio looks like.

Mastering Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) is no longer optional—it’s how utilities, regulators, and advisors make capital decisions that stand up to scrutiny, deliver reliability in extreme conditions, and keep bills affordable while meeting environmental commitments.

This seminar explains how to turn policy shifts and technological complexity into a repeatable, defensible planning process. You’ll learn the methods, models, and software that top IRP teams use to translate goals into portfolios—then into procurement and execution.

What You Will Learn

Module-1: Overview of Integrated Resource Planning – Big Picture
Module-2: Emerging technologies in IRPs – Recent trends
Module-3: Recent IRP Case Studies
Module-4: IRP Methods and Modelling Tools
Module-5: IRP Modelling, Calculation, and Simulation Examples
Module-6: IRP Forecasting

What You Will Also Learn

Module-1: Overview of Integrated Resource Planning – Big Picture
Duration: 90 minutes
 

Description
Integrated Resource Plans are not new to the utility industry. What is new is planning for the change in resource mix and capacity needs in the backdrop of a plethora of emerging technologies and state policies. The overview will cover the following

  1. Why IRP?
  2. IRP purpose, principles, and lexicon (capacity vs. energy, net load, portfolios)
  3. Hybrid Resources Capacity Credit
  4. Energy Storage Policy
  5. Distributed Energy Resources
  6. Microgrids
  7. Least cost planning
  8. Production Cost
  9. Effective Load Carrying Capability
  10. Stacked Services Emulation
  11. Clean Energy Competitive Auctions
  12. Reliability Criteria
  13. Renewable Portfolio Standard
  14. Endtoend process map: scoping → data → modeling → portfolios → filings → procurement
  15. IRPs in wholesale markets
  16. IRPs in States that do not have organized markets
  17. Role of State Commissions in IRPs
  18. Citizen and Consumer Advocates concerns
  19. Role of renewable auctions and PPAs
  20. Hybrid Project PPAs and Business Models
  21. Clean energy standards (RPS/CES), emissions caps, carbon pricing, and offsets
  22. Interplay with rate cases, cost recovery, and prudence standards

What Will You Learn

  1. Role of IRP in states with and without organized markets
  2. Role of state commissions and regulatory staff in IRPs
  3. Role of intervenors including consumer advocates
  4. How renewable auctions and PPAs are modelled in IRPs


Module-2: Emerging technologies in IRPs – Recent trends
Duration: 90 minutes


Description
There is no doubt that renewable technologies and other emerging technologies such as energy storage, distributed energy resources are providing capacity needs on the grid. This module will dive deep into technology characteristics and methods to represent emerging technologies in integrated resource plans.

  1. Federal Policy Changes
  2. Role of energy storage in IRP models
  3. Role of DERs in IRPs
  4. Hybrid Resources
  5. Microgrids
  6. Virtual Power Plants
  7. Capacity credit for resources
  8. ELCC calculations
  9. Demand-side options modelling


What Will You Learn

  1. How are emerging technologies modelled in the IRPs?
  2. What are the key characteristics that need to be modelled in the IRPs?
  3. How to calculate capacity credit for Hybrid Resources?
  4. How do the models need to change to incorporate characteristics of emerging technologies?


Module-3: Recent IRP Case Studies
Duration: 90 minutes


Description
There is a lot to learn from current and former IRPs. In this module, we discuss the following IRP key takeaways, as well as a comparison of IRP, approaches:

  1. Islands and Bird Curves
  2. Islands – Barbados, Puerto Rico
  3. Duke Energy (Carolinas)
  4. Dominion Energy Virginia
  5. PacifiCorp (6-state utility)
  6. Idaho Power
  7. Puget Sound Electric
  8. Arizona Public Service
  9. Xcel Energy
  10. Platte River – Colorado
  11. Lafayette Utilities
  12. Detroit Edison (DTE) Energy
  13. Basin Electric
  14. Evergy
  15. Nebraska Public Power District
  16. Northwestern Energy

What Will You Learn

  1. What are the general trends of IRPs?
  2. Hits and misses of the recent IRPs?
  3. How are mini-grids modelled in IRPs?
  4. How is reliability handled in IRPs?
  5. How were renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) incorporated in IRPs?
  6. How to show the rate impacts from meeting 100% renewable goals?
  7. How solar advocates voiced their concern with IRPs?


Module-4: IRP Methods and Modelling Tools
Duration: 90 minutes


Description
With the introduction of renewables and distributed resources, IRP models are also changing with the times. This module extensively discusses the inputs, outputs, and modelling methodologies of IRP framework tools.

  1. Unit commitment/economic dispatch basics and typical constraints
  2. Planning Reserve Margin Calculations
  3. Least Cost Capacity Optimization
  4. Production Cost Simulations
  5. Reliability Calculations of LOLE, LOLP, EUE
  6. Expected Load Carrying Capability (ELCC)
  7. Modeling demandside resources and storage
  8. Emissions accounting and policy constraints in optimization
  9. Stacked Services Dispatch
  10. Transmission deliverability, congestion, interconnection queues and lead times
  11. Distribution planning, hosting capacity, locational value of DERs
  12. Non‑wires alternatives (NWAs) and T&D deferral valuation
  13. Net Present Value
  14. Forecasting Fuels, Demand, and Renewables
  15. Forecasting Electricity Prices and Revenues
  16. System Inertia Evaluation
  17. Critical inputs to IRP models and typical input data sources
  18. Scenario framing (policy, technology, macroeconomics, weather)
  19. Sensitivities vs. scenarios vs. probabilistic analysis
  20. Key outputs from IRP models and Results Metrics

What Will You Learn

  1. What are the major IRP modelling frameworks?
  2. What are all the typical inputs into IRP models?
  3. What outputs should be expected?
  4. How to build a lean set of decision-useful scenarios & sensitivities?
  5. What are the challenges with these software models?
  6. How to represent emerging technologies in the modelling tools?


Module-5: IRP Modelling, Calculation, and Simulation Examples
Duration: 90 minutes


Description
The integrated resource planning modelling, calculations, and simulations can become detailed and complex, where this module carefully goes through workflow processes with real-world examples of integrated resource plans.

  1. Reliability Calculations of LOLE, LOLP, EUE
  2. Planning Reserve Margin Calculations
  3. Least Cost Capacity Optimization Expansion Cases
  4. Nodal Production Cost Simulations
  5. Expected Load Carrying Capability (ELCC)
  6. Stacked Services Dispatch
  7. Costing frameworks: NPV, present worth revenue requirements, levelization
  8. WACC, financing structures, rate base vs. PPA/contracted resources
  9. Forecasting Fuels, Demand, and Renewables
  10. Ratepayer impact analysis


What Will You Learn

  1. What is the workflow process steps for IRP studies?
  2. What are the procedures for developing IRP cases?
  3. What are the steps in running the simulations of IRP tools?
  4. How to interpret the results of IRP models?
  5. What are IRP metrics to focus on?

Module-6: IRP Forecasting
Duration: 90 minutes


Description
In this module, you will learn about different forecasting techniques and forecasting requirements for clean energy integrated resource planning. There many underlying forecasts that flow into the integrated resource plan process such as fuels prices, demand, renewables, energy, and ancillary services prices, technology costs, and others.  The module will go through the sources, shaping, scaling, methods, and outputs of the following forecasts.

  1. Demand Forecasts
  2. Fuel Price Forecasts
  3. Renewables Forecasts
  4. Energy and Ancillary Price Forecasts
  5. Revenue Forecasts
  6. Technology Cost Forecasts
  7. Other Forecasts


What Will You Learn

  1. What are the methods for forecasting and shaping demand forecasts?
  2. What are the typical sources for forecast input data?
  3. Where are the underlying forecasts used in integrated resource plans?
  4. How do IRP planners rely on forecasts in actual IRP’s?
Seminar Agenda

Day 1:

Module-1: Overview of Integrated Resource Planning – Big Picture
Module-2: Emerging technologies in IRPs – Recent trends
Module-3: Recent IRP Case Studies
Module-4: IRP Methods and Modelling Tools

Day 2:

Module-5: IRP Modelling, Calculation, and Simulation Examples
Module-6: IRP Forecasting

Your Instructor
Dr. Randell Johnson - CEO Acelerex

Dr. Johnson is CEO of Acelerex and has expertise and experience in the Valuation, Design, Procurement, and Operations of Grid Batteries Dr. Johnson has been involved in the Energy Storage Road Map for the Maldives, Bermuda Energy Storage Sizing Study, New York Energy Storage Road Map, Massachusetts State of Charge Study, MISO Energy Storage Study, Ontario Energy Storage Study, and numerous other energy storage studies. He was selected by the World Bank to study 100% carbon-free grids with energy storage and Acelerex software and methods were selected by the International Renewable Energy Agency for increasing penetration of renewables with energy storage. Dr. Johnson has invented and developed software for battery analytics and battery real time control. He is expert at power markets and valuation of energy storage to maximize utilization of existing transmission systems and co-optimization of transmission and other resources in addition of co-optimization of energy and ancillary services. A Harvard Business Case has been written for energy storage that includes methods pioneered by Dr. Johnson. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in Power Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in Economics from Cass Business School, UK, and a Utility Corporate Finance Certificate for Gas and Electric Utilities from UConn Business School. Dr. Johnson has background in strategy, regulatory finance, economic optimizations, quantitative finance, electricity and energy markets, public policy, technical grid design, real-time optimizations, and high-performance computing.

Hotel and Seminar Information

This two-day seminar will be held at the hotels listed below or can be conducted on-site at your facilities. The seminar will start promptly at 8:00 AM and will finish at 4:30 PM on the first day. On the second day, the seminar will resume at 8:00 AM and will finish at 12:00 PM. The program includes continental breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks on the first day. On the second day a continental breakfast, and coffee breaks are included. Attendees also receive a professionally produced seminar manual that can serve as a valuable office reference. Dress is  business casual for all seminars.

COVID 19 Information: Please click here for the PGS Covid-19 policy. You can confirm each hotel's specific COVID 19 policy using the link(s) provided below.
December 9 & 10
Courtyard Marriott Houston by the Galleria
2900 Sage Road
Houston , TX 77056
December Room Block Houston: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1755116095279&key=GRP&app=resvlink
Registration Fee and Discounts
The price for this comprehensive two-day seminar is $2,395 (USD).
Register online or Call (843) 212-4038.
Save $100 per seminar order if you register before the cutoff date.
Houston - December 9 & 10
Cutoff date for discount: November 19, 2025
  • Additional attendees and government employees receive a 10% discount.
  • Register 4 or more attendees and receive 20% Off. Special pricing is available for groups of 5 or more.
    If you want attendees to pay with separate credit cards or have other questions, please call (843) 212-4038 for assistance.
Payments and Cancellations
Payment is due prior to the start of the seminar by Visa, Master Card, American Express, or corporate check. Seminar fees will be charged to your credit card at the time of registration unless other arrangements have been made. Please make checks payable to "PGS Energy Training" 26 Teal Lane • Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Cancellations will result in a credit that is good for 2 years which can be transferred to a colleague. Substitutions may be made at any time. For more information on PGS policies regarding administrative matters and complaint resolution, please contact our offices at (843) 212-4038.
CPE Credits in Specialized Knowledge

This live group seminar is eligible for 11.0 CPE credits. Be aware that state boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. As of January 1, 2002, sponsored learning activities are measured by program length, with one 50-minute period equal to one CPE credit. One-half CPE credit increments (equal to 25 minutes) are permitted after the first credit has been earned in a given learning activity. You may want to verify that the state board from which your participants will be receiving credit accept one-half credits.

PGS Energy Training is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. CPAs interested in attending any seminars should contact our offices for details on CPE credits granted and any prerequisite requirements.
PGS Energy Training is registered with GARP as an Approved Provider of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. If you are a Certified FRM or ERP, please record this activity in your Credit Tracker at http://www.garp.org/cpd. Please inform PGS Energy Training that you are a GARP CPE participant upon seminar registration.

The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to preparing professionals and organizations for making better-informed risk decisions. GARP's membership represents more than 150,000 risk management practitioners and researchers at academic institutions, banks, corporations, government agencies, and investment management firms in 195 countries and territories. GARP administers the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and Energy Risk Professional (ERP) Exams – certifications recognized by risk professionals worldwide. Visit www.garp.org/cpd.
Who Should Attend

Among those who will benefit from this seminar include utility consumer advocates, regulatory staff, energy and electric power executives; attorneys; government regulators; traders & trading support staff; marketing, sales, purchasing & risk management personnel; accountants & auditors; plant operators; engineers; and corporate planners. Types of companies that typically attend this program include energy producers and marketers; utilities; banks & financial houses; industrial companies; accounting, law firms; municipal utilities; government regulators and electric generators.

Prerequisites and Advance Preparation

This fundamental level group live seminar has no prerequisites. No advance preparation is required before the seminar.

Why Choose PGS?

PGS seminars are known for their clear explanations and in-depth content. Register for a PGS class today and join the over 10,000 energy professionals who have already attended one of PGS's proven programs.

Program Level & Delivery Method
Basic level. This fundamental course begins with basic material and then proceeds to the intermediate level. Delivery method is "Group-Live.”