If you’re just getting started in energy trading, reading is one of the lowest-stakes, highest-reward ways to explore the space. Books help you learn the terminology, understand core concepts, and absorb different perspectives — without committing to a full course or certification.
But there’s a limit to how far reading can take you. Energy markets are constantly evolving. The tools and strategies used on the ground move much faster than publishing cycles, which means the best way to learn will eventually come from experience.
In this post, I’ll share how to use books to build a solid foundation in energy trading and risk — and when to graduate to hands-on learning.
Learn more in our blog post, “What Is an ETRM System and How Does It Work for Power Companies?”
Why reading is a great way to start
Books are a low-commitment, high-reward way to learn. You can browse your local library, read a few chapters, and decide what resonates — or walk away if it doesn’t. It’s flexible, low-cost, and a great way to test the waters if you’re new to the industry.
Reading also gives you exposure to multiple perspectives. You’re not just getting a corporate training or a single manager’s view — you can explore the full ecosystem, from grid mechanics to global commodities.
Devin Elverdi, ETRM product manager at PCI Energy Solutions, shares why books are a great entry point into energy trading.
What books can’t teach you
Books give you concepts. But energy trading is about decision-making under pressure.
An ETRM system changes the game — not just because it centralizes processes, but because it reflects real-world dynamics in real time. Books can’t teach you how it feels when your unit goes down, when load spikes unexpectedly, or when you’re balancing dozens of trades across multiple markets.
And books aren’t updated at the same pace the industry evolves. By the time a strategy or market design hits a book, teams have often already adjusted. Software, by contrast, adapts constantly — and a good ETRM platform reflects those changes in workflows, data structures, and visibility tools.
Devin Elverdi, ETRM product manager at PCI Energy Solutions, explains why energy software evolves faster than published materials — and what that means for learning. Want more insights from Devin? Watch the full Hot Takes video where she talks books, platforms, and how to grow in energy trading.
Books + systems = scalable learning
At the end of the day, a system should do the heavy lifting — automation, data capture, forecasting — so humans can focus on making good decisions. The best systems make it easier to apply the things you read about.
Think of it this way: Books give you the language. Systems show you how it works.
So when we help someone implement PCI’s ETRM platform, we’re not just giving them tools. We’re helping them reexamine their workflows, understand the “why” behind their processes, and embed best practices they can build on.
Tips for reading your way into energy trading
Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re exploring energy trading through books:
- Start broad: Energy trading doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Read about policy, sociology, and energy infrastructure to see the big picture
- Try everything: Don’t limit yourself based on what you think you should read. Explore different formats and styles
- Watch for outdated content: If a book was written before a major market change, double-check that the info still applies
- Pair with hands-on learning: Reading is great. But when you’re ready, find a system or platform where you can see the principles in action
Want to go deeper?
Whether you’re reading up or getting hands-on, PCI’s ETRM platform supports teams at every step — from trade strategy to compliance and settlements.
