Training the Next Generation of Power Engineers

Training New Engineers at ComEd

Laura Randle-Smith

Manager, Engineering Training

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Agenda

• ComEd

• Statistics

• Attrition

• New Hire Rotation Program

• Engineering Programs

• Technical Training

• Next Steps

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ComEd

ComEd is an electric delivery company providing service to approximately 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois. ComEd manages more than 90,000 miles of power lines in an 11,400-square-mile territory. Over the past 10 years, ComEd has invested more than $9 billion in electrical transmission and distributions systems to reduce and shorten power outages. ComEd understands how important safe, reliable power is to customers, and it is continuously looking for new ways to improve service. ComEd is investing in technology that will make power outages shorter and less frequent and offering programs to help customers make smarter choices about their energy use. As a major Illinois corporation, ComEd takes seriously its responsibility to be a good community partner. ComEd supports a range of initiatives that are making a difference in peoples' lives, with particular focus on education, environment, arts and culture, and community development programming.

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2014 Workforce

4

* Data valid as of 03/01/2014

2014 Workforce

5

* Data valid as of 03/01/2014

2014 Workforce

6

* Data valid as of 03/01/2014

Attrition Rates

• In 2013 63 eligible, 27 retired, 43% attrition

• In 2012 57 eligible, 15 retired, 26% attrition

• In 2011 43 eligible, 10 retired, 23% attrition

• In 2010 39 eligible, 9 retired, 23% attrition

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Retirement Eligible — Engineering

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Overall Now 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020+

Total Attrition 34 32 35 35 34 36 174

Running Total Attrition 34 66 101 136 170 206 380

% of total 6% 11% 17% 23% 28% 35% 64%

2% of total

** Total Attrition numbers represent overall numbers for Management employees** 11.94

Total Attrition (57 + 10) (Includes 2% annual attrition)

Overall Now 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020+ Grand Total

MGMT 63 16 29 22 21 29 417 597

Total Eligible 63 16 29 22 21 29 417

Running Total 63 79 108 130 151 180 597 597

% 11% 13% 18% 22% 25% 30% 100%

Retirement Eligible (57 + 10)

below 15 % is considered healthy and no cause for alarm

Overall Now 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020+

Overall 63 57 66 65 63 70 463

Total Forecasted Rtmt 22 20 23 23 22 25 162

2% 34 32 35 35 34 36 174

6% 5% 6% 6% 6% 6% 29%

Running Total Forecasted Rtmt 34 66 101 136 170 206 380

Forecasted to Retire (35% of those 57+10)

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Engineering Issues & Opportunities Engineering improvement opportunities can be categorized into six distinct areas of focus:

• Staffing & Recruitment

• Training, Development & Advancement

• Engage Non-Exempt Engineers

• Storm Restoration Process Roles

• Leadership Effectiveness & Communication

• Compensation & Benefits

Engineering

Specific issues identified with the Engineering role:

Staffing gaps: There are many Engineering roles left open which places a burden on the team to cover the work and train the replacement

Lack of career development and advancement: Need for education around the Career Ladder for both employees and managers

Work -Life balance: With the changes in storm response, we need to address the impact on Engineering regular rotation of storm role and added role with Storm Task Force in 2012/13

Work- Life balance: Lack of Prioritization Everything is a crisis and everything is important: Expectation to be available and support the numerous demands (War Room, multiple SRP roles, Critical Customers, Emergent Investigations, etc.). Need to eliminate low value add work as well as the constant shifting in priorities

Compensation: Frustration with inconsistent application of Compensation across groups and defining planned versus emergent work for overtime

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New Hire Rotation Program

Distribution

Testing*

Testing

Group*

Work

Control

Strategic

Support

Capacity

Planning

Transmission

Planning

Relay

Engineering

Reliability

Programs

T&S

Engineering

New

Business*

Standards

(T or D)

New Hire Rotation Program

Distribution

Engineering*

Project

Management

* Typical entry level department

Engineering Programs

• Career Ladder

• FE/PE Training

• Speed Interview Strategy

• Junior College Partnership

• Coaching Program

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Technical Training

Engineering Technical Training

• Engineering Excellence – Power System Concepts

– Power System Protection

– Financial Acumen for Engineers

• Human Performance for Engineers – Technical Human Performance

• First Line Supervisor – Technical Training

• Partnerships – EPCE (Energy Providers Coalition for Education)

– Illinois Institute of Technology

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Next Steps

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Questions

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