Course Overview
The primary aim of this course will be to introduce students to energy trading as well as commercial (economic and management) factors seen in traditional power systems. This will lead to a discussion of how to apply or adapt those techniques to modern grids which utilize smart grid technologies. Content introduced in this course will be applied further throughout the program and as part of the final project. The theory introduced will be supported with real-world case studies sourced from industry. This course will be offered entirely online and does not have a hands-on laboratory component however there will be a significant independent project component in the course. This project work will be part of the overarching project component of the program. As part of this course, students will be required to form costing, management, short- and long-term operational plans for their smart microgrid. This plan will be used to form the commercial portion of the proposal for the planned smart microgrid being proposed and implemented. The proposal will be developed for a non-specialist audience in order to exercise the students’ ability to communicate with other stakeholders in projects of this nature. This commercial proposal will form part of the students’ portfolio for the program.
Prerequisite(s)
- No prerequisites are required for this course.
Credits
3.0
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$2,621.02
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the different electric utility management structures (vertical integration and horizontal integration) and account for the history behind the implementation of these structures through privatization in key jurisdictions throughout the world
- Demonstrate understanding of the commercial aspects of traditional power systems including energy, reserve and carbon (CO2) markets
- Analyze the impact of key smart grid technologies on energy, reserve and carbon (CO2) markets and trading
- Analyze the operation of transactional markets and their use in achieving optimal management of the exchange or flow of energy in power systems in different jurisdictions
- Formulate short- and long-term forecasts, life-cycle analyses, as well as planning strategies for electric utility operations, infrastructure expansion or investments
- Utilize risk assessment and reliability analysis to calculate various metrics relating to the overall performance of a power system and its key assets, including transmission lines, generators, transformers and switchgear
- Apply asset management techniques in the context of a modern, smart microgrid
- Evaluate the initial and ongoing maintenance costs of various assets associated with the electric utility, including new smart grid technologies and renewable energy systems
- Formulate cost-benefit analyses for the adoption of new smart grid systems and technologies in traditional electric utility systems
- Develop optimal dispatch schemes for a variety of generation sources, including distributed, renewable energy resources (DERs)
- Apply distribution planning, growth forecasting and risk evaluation techniques to modern power systems and adapt these techniques for use in smart microgrids
Effective as of Fall 2021
Related Programs
Modern Electric Utility Systems Management (SGST 9120) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Energy
- Smart Grid Systems and Technologies
Master of Engineering Full-time/Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of SGST 9120 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 48868
Dates
Sep 09 - Dec 09 Loading
- CRN 48868
- $2621.02 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
15 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- No classes on September 30th (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) and November 11th (Remembrance Day) Registration in individual courses will be open to qualified candidates for professional development. Registration approval is automatically granted upon acceptance into the program.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.