Like most people today, electric utility workers who want to develop their skills and advance their education often have a difficult time doing so because of work schedules, overtime hours, and family responsibilities.

Going online is one way to make it easier. In June 2000, Exelon, Entergy, Pepco, Florida Power & Light, OG&E Electric Services, Xcel Energy, and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, among other companies, unions, and organizations, formed the Energy Providers Coalition for Education. EPCE's goal is to tackle the industry's growing need for thousands of technicians and develop a flexible, online training and education program. Students can earn their A.A.S. degree or certificate in electric power technology completely online, from home or work, in approximately two years.

Since September 2001, 143 students have enrolled in EPCE's courses. "EPCE is the only program that would fit my schedule. It gives me the ease and freedom to accomplish a degree outside of the traditional atmosphere," says Robyn Wilson, a mother of three and heavy hauling field representative for OG&E Electric Services.

Professors at Bismarck State College in North Dakota teach the program, which expects to enroll 1,000 students by 2004. The program also offers around-the-clock tech support, an online library and bookstore, and other services.

"Every single course (with the exception of the general education courses) is being designed to pertain directly to the electric utility industry," according to Jim Hunter, former president of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1900. "It's a program developed by the industry for the industry."