Duke Energy Foundation Grant Supports Growing Substation Program

Jul 19

July 19, 2017 - Duke Energy continues its investment in Richmond Community College’s Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology (EUSRT) program to help build a skilled workforce for the energy industry. The Duke Energy Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to the College’s Foundation to expand the curriculum of the EUSRT program that prepares students to become relay technicians and transformer test specialists. College president Dr. Dale McInnis and Duke Energy's David McNeill talk with faculty about equipment in the substation.

The Richmond Community College Foundation was one of more than 70 education and workforce training initiatives across North Carolina to receive a portion of the $2.7 million Duke Energy Foundation grants for 2017. Duke Energy's David McNeill presents a check for $50,000 to the College to support the substation program.

“Our goal is to build a brighter future for the communities we’re fortunate to serve,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “That begins with smart investments in the people who will successfully move our industry, workforce and state forward.”

These grants will enhance educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), childhood reading proficiency and workforce development.

“When Richmond Community College recognized the power industry’s need to train the next generation of utility workers, Duke Energy was on board to help us establish a program that would meet a demand and offer our students an opportunity for high-skill, high-wage jobs,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, Richmond Community College president. “Duke Energy has been a key partner in the establishment, growth and success of our Electric Utility Substation and Relay Technology program, which is unlike any other two-year associate degree program in the country.”

Students in the EUSRT program learn how to maintain transmission equipment and troubleshoot when problems arise. Courses include theory in three-phase power, protective relaying, power transformers, voltage regulators, capacitors and power circuit breakers. These skills apply to the electric utility industry and numerous other industries.

About The Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit Duke Energy.

RichmondCC is now accepting new students for fall semester. Visit our Admissions page to enroll and register for your fall classes!