The Gulf Power Foundation recently approved a $200,000 grant to the University of West Florida to help equip their Electrical Engineering “Power Lab” as well as fund the curriculum.

Gulf Power Company also provided consultation and direction for the design of the state-of-the-art Power Lab which will include three phase circuits, transformers, motors and generators, transmission line models, unbalanced system operations, fault analysis, system protection and metering. The equipment will allow students to analyze how new components with “smart grid” capabilities will impact system efficiency, reliability and performance. The lab will act as a learning tool and a proving ground for the next generation of components being integrated into the electric system.

“During the design phase of the new science and engineering building, Gulf Power engineers were consulted to provide layout and equipment recommendations for the power lab,” said Leo ter Haar, school director. “Thanks to this generous gift, we will complete our lab and immediately enhance and support basic engineering curriculum.”

Susan Story, President and CEO of Gulf Power, said the grant would also provide for enhanced curriculum.

“In addition to equipping the lab, this grant will help with professional development, new courses, distance learning and new online classes,” said Story. “This is an important investment in terms of educating future employees who will have the knowledge and skill sets needed for our workforce. This Power Lab will empower these future engineers.”

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility that serves more than 428,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.