Teaching utility applications of power electronics in a first course on power systems Power electronics applications in utility systems are growing very rapidly and promise to change the landscape of future power systems in terms of generation, operation, and control. This paper attempts to justify the importance of introducing undergraduates to these applications in the first course in powersystems, so they become familiar with current and future practices and technologies. It presents a roadmap of doing so, taking a top-down approach where first various utility applications of powerelectronics are briefly described along with the role of power electronics as an interface, and then thepower electronics systems are discussed in appropriate detail to fulfill these roles.