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Project Management for Utilities

May 5 - 6, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“If interested in gaining more knowledge in Project Management. Sign up for EUCI’s Project Management for Utilities course to help you succeed in your future projects.”

Assistant Project Manager, Pueblo of Acoma Utility Authority

“I have enjoyed two classes at EUCI so far. What I especially appreciate is the real-world experience of the instructors - it's what sets this program apart—you're learning from professionals who are actively working in the energy and utility sector.”

Plant Manager, Seneca Generation, LLC

“Helpful concepts, ideas, and suggested resourceful tools.”

Senior Corporate Real Estate Consultant, PSEG
Read more testimonials

“This is a good course for the entry level and intermediate project manager, lots of good building block concepts.”

Executive Director, Pueblo of Acoma Utility Authority

Utility projects are complex and executed under unique constraints, requiring project managers to navigate intricate regulatory structures, public involvement, the overseas procurement of long-lead equipment, and system outage coordination. These factors can intensify traditional project management challenges, leading to schedule delays, cost overruns, safety risks, and coordination breakdowns. As a result, utility projects require a unique approach to planning, execution, and leadership that varies from traditional commercial projects.  

This two-day course provides a practical, utility-focused framework for managing projects from early planning through field execution. Attendees will explore why utility projects frequently struggle to meet schedule and budget expectations, how different types of utility projects introduce unique challenges, and how early decisions around project structure, delivery method, and contracts shape project outcomes. Throughout the course, emphasis is put on recognizing early warning signs, making informed decisions, actively managing handoffs and milestones, and leading teams effectively in dynamic project environments.

By the end of the course, attendees will be better equipped to anticipate challenges, manage execution risks, and lead utility projects with greater confidence, control, and consistency. Whether you are a project manager by title or you were just given the responsibility of managing a project from beginning to end, this course will provide the knowledge and skills to help you be successful in that role.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze the common causes of schedule delays and cost overruns in utility projects to identify early correction actions
  • Differentiate utility project types and assess how scope, regulation requirements, and execution constraints influence project strategy and delivery
  • Apply the utility project lifecycle to ensure appropriate planning, coordination, and execution at each stage of a project
  • Evaluate project delivery methods and contract approaches to assess their influence on risk allocation and project outcomes
  • Apply active engagement techniques and practical project management tools to improve safety, coordination, quality, and execution effectiveness
  • Analyze schedule performance using critical paths to protect key milestones and recover lost time
  • Evaluate and apply proactive cost management techniques to forecast, control, and correct cost performance throughout the utility project lifecycle
  • Demonstrate effective leadership behaviors that reinforce accountability, professionalism, and team performance

Register

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

This event has passed and cannot be registered for. If you would like to see if this event will be offered again please reach out to [email protected]

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before April 03, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Day one

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Day two

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Agenda

Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In and Welcome

8:45 AM

Lunch Break

12:30 - 1::15 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:30 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In and Welcome

12:30 - 1::15 PM

Lunch Break

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Course Timing

Day 1- Foundations of Utility Project Management: Setting Projects Up for Success

  • Why Utility Projects Miss Schedule and Budget Targets
    • Common causes of schedule delays and cost overruns in utility projects
    • Early warning signs and critical decision points
  • Understanding Different Types of Utility Projects
    • Types of utility projects
    • Impact on scope, risk, and delivery approach
  • Challenges in Delivering Utility Projects
    • Regulatory and stakeholder constraints
    • Safety, supply chain, and field constraints
  • Is Project Management for You?
    • Skills and behaviors of successful project managers
    • Leadership attributes
  • Building and Leading a Winning Project Team
    • Team structures
    • Accountability and communication
  • Stages of a Utility Project
    • Phases of a utility project from initiation through closeout
    • Key deliverables, decisions, and risks at each stage
  • Utility Project Delivery Methods
    • Common delivery models used in utility projects
    • Delivery method impact on cost, risk, and schedule
  • Contracts
    • Allocating risk
    • Defining scope

Agenda

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In

8:45 AM

Lunch Break

12:30 - 1:15 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:30 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In

12:30 - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Course Timing

Day 2- Tricks of the Trade: How to Successfully Manage Utility Projects

  • Active Engagement- The Importance of Never Managing by Autopilot
    • Safety Prioritization
    • Importance of Cost of Change Curve
    • Critical Paths
      • Shortening Critical Paths- A Day Saved is a Day Earned
      • Recovering Lost Days
      • Monitoring and Managing Baton Passes
      • Establishing & Monitoring Project Milestones
      • Float
    • Identify and Mitigate Project Killers
    • Proactively Manage Project Costs
      • Risk Management & Contingencies
      • Change Orders
      • The Power of S-Curves & Earned Value Analysis
    • Always Have Plan B
  • Powerful Project Management Tools
    • Divisions of Responsibilities (DOR’s)
    • Submittal Lists
    • Accurate Documentation, Meeting Minutes & Action Item Lists
    • Pull Scheduling
    • Expediting
    • Quality Assurance & Quality Control
    • Modularization
    • BIM & Lader
    • Value Engineering
    • Partnering
    • Develop & Follow Procedures
    • Active As-Built Processes
    • Field Promotions
  • Leading By Example
    • Follow the Golden Rule- Everyone is Watching
      • Treat Others with Respect
      • Ask Leading Questions, Listen, and Follow-Up
      • Credit Others for Their Contributions
      • Do Not Condone Bad Behavior
    • Live by the Cowboy Code

Instructor

Gary Barras

Past Director of Major Projects

Major Southwest Utility

Gary C. Barras, P.E., has dedicated his career to the design, construction, and management of a wide variety of domestic and international capital projects. He has worked on large, medium, and small electrical generation, distribution, and transmission projects. His experience includes project management of a power operations center, office buildings, warehouses, and heavy equipment maintenance facilities.

Gary was Construction Manager for a combined cycle gas power plant that was recognized by Power Engineering as its 2006 “Project of the Year.” He was Project Director during the demolition of a 2,250 MW coal plant, which received the 2022 Award of Excellence in Demolition from the National Demolition Association. The Arizona Department of Transportation has honored Gary with a Partnering Award. He has also received an “Innovation Team Training and Motivation” award from the Western Council of Construction Consumers in 2014.

Gary has coauthored numerous publications regarding trenchless technology and improving construction productivity. His master’s thesis was published in the Journal of Construction Engineering and Management by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Gary was also an instructor at the Del E Webb School of Construction- Arizona State University.

Gary graduated with honors from the University of Arizona, with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering, and from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in construction. He is licensed in the State of Arizona as a Civil Engineer and as a contractor.

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

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EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.4 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must log in each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, and active participation.

CPE

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 16.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI 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

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event.  Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.

Who Should Attend

  • Utility project managers
  • Engineers responsible for utility projects
  • Field supervisors and team leads
  • Emerging leaders or technical staff transitioning into project management roles
  • Utility planners, coordinators, and project control professionals
  • Professionals involved in contract management, delivery methods, or team coordination