Introduction

Modern electricity grids are complex ecosystems driven not only by engineering principles but also by intricate market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks. Energy Market Operations encompass the day-to-day activities of buying, selling, and delivering electricity, including managing generation, transmission, and consumption in various timeframes—from long-term planning to real-time dispatch. These operations are designed to ensure reliability, optimize costs, and facilitate competition among diverse energy resources. Simultaneously, Regulations serve as the foundational rules that govern these markets, aiming to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, promote grid reliability, and incentivize investments in cleaner energy technologies. The interplay between market forces and regulatory oversight is critical for a well-functioning energy sector, influencing everything from power plant construction to consumer electricity bills. Without a comprehensive grasp of Energy Market Operations and Regulations, stakeholders risk misinterpreting market signals, failing to comply with legal requirements, and missing opportunities to innovate within a rapidly evolving energy landscape. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Energy Market Operations and Regulations.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower energy professionals, including market analysts, traders, utility managers, regulatory affairs specialists, policymakers, legal advisors, and project developers, with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to navigate the complexities of Energy Market Operations and Regulations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of different market designs (e.g., centralized vs. bilateral), explore the mechanisms of wholesale and retail electricity markets, learn about the role of independent system operators (ISOs) and regulatory bodies, and acquire hands-on experience in analyzing market data and interpreting regulatory decisions. The course will delve into topics such as market power mitigation, transmission access and pricing, demand response participation, the impact of renewable energy integration on market rules, and compliance requirements. By mastering the principles and practical application of Energy Market Operations and Regulations, participants will be prepared to make informed strategic decisions, ensure regulatory adherence, optimize their participation in energy markets, and contribute effectively to the development of a resilient, competitive, and sustainable energy future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Energy Market Analysts
• Energy Traders and Schedulers
• Utility Managers and Executives
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Government Policy Makers
• Legal Professionals in the Energy Sector
• Project Developers (Generation, Renewables)
• Financial Analysts in Energy
• Consultants in the Energy Sector
• Business Development Managers (Energy)

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and structures of electricity markets.
• Learn about the key functions and operational processes within wholesale electricity markets.
• Acquire skills in interpreting market prices (e.g., Locational Marginal Pricing - LMP).
• Comprehend techniques for managing market risks and developing trading strategies.
• Explore strategies for ensuring compliance with energy market regulations.
• Understand the role and impact of regulatory bodies on market operations.
• Gain insights into retail electricity market structures and consumer engagement.
• Develop a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities of renewable energy integration in markets.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Energy Markets

• Overview of power system value chain: generation, transmission, distribution, retail.
• Evolution of electricity markets: from vertically integrated monopolies to competitive markets.
• Drivers for market liberalization and restructuring.
• Key characteristics of electricity as a commodity (non-storability, instantaneous balance).
• Global perspectives on energy market designs.

Module 2: Wholesale Electricity Market Design

• Centralized (pool) markets vs. bilateral markets.
• Day-ahead vs. real-time markets: bidding, clearing, settlement.
• Capacity markets and their role in resource adequacy.
• Ancillary services markets (frequency regulation, reserves, voltage support).
• Role of Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs).

Module 3: Market Operations and Pricing Mechanisms

• Generation bidding and offer strategies.
• Load forecasting and demand-side participation.
• Understanding Locational Marginal Pricing (LMP) and its components (energy, congestion, loss).
• Price formation in competitive electricity markets.
• Impact of market power and its mitigation strategies.

Module 4: Transmission System Operations and Congestion Management

• The role of transmission in market operations.
• Identifying and managing transmission constraints and congestion.
• Methods for congestion management: re-dispatch, financial transmission rights (FTRs).
• Transmission pricing methodologies.
• Inter-area coordination and regional market integration.

Module 5: Retail Electricity Market Structure and Customer Engagement

• Different retail market models: regulated, competitive, choice.
• Role of electricity retailers and load-serving entities.
• Pricing structures for end-consumers: fixed, time-of-use (TOU), real-time pricing.
• Customer acquisition, retention, and service in competitive retail markets.
• Demand response programs and consumer participation.

Module 6: Energy Market Regulations and Compliance

• Overview of energy regulatory bodies and their mandates.
• Key regulatory objectives: consumer protection, grid reliability, environmental goals, competition.
• Regulations related to market access, transmission rates, and interconnection.
• Market monitoring and enforcement of market rules.
• Compliance frameworks and best practices for market participants.

Module 7: Renewable Energy Integration and Market Impact

• Impact of variable renewable energy (VRE) on market operations and prices.
• Grid integration challenges: intermittency, forecasting, grid services.
• Market mechanisms to incentivize renewable energy: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), feed-in tariffs.
• Regulatory frameworks supporting renewable energy deployment.
• Evolution of market rules to accommodate higher renewable penetration.

Module 8: Emerging Trends and Future of Energy Markets

• Role of distributed energy resources (DERs) and microgrids in market participation.
• Energy storage integration and its market potential.
• Blockchain technology and peer-to-peer energy trading.
• Digitalization and data analytics in market operations.
• Policy trends and future regulatory challenges (e.g., decarbonization, grid resilience).

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.