Southeastern Distribution Apparatus School
August 18 – 21, 2025
The Hotel at Auburn University – Auburn, Alabama
Registration Opens June 5, 2025
General Information
The Southeastern Distribution Apparatus School and Conference is sponsored by Utility Technology Association. The school is an annual event with educational programs for electric utility managers, engineers, and technicians. Classes range from Fundamentals and Applications of Distribution System Apparatus for the substation or apparatus technician to SCADA, Communications and Smart Grid Engineering applications for the utility engineer, manager or specialist.
The school provides a forum for electric utility personnel from IOU’s, Cooperatives, and Electric Municipals to discuss utility practices, procedures, new technologies, and common issues with peers and representatives from industry.
The conference is divided into concurrent modules to better provide instruction for utility professionals at all levels of experience.
Module 100
Fundamentals of Distribution System Apparatus
This module provides instruction in basic distribution apparatus theory and application. Students will learn electrical fundamentals and power theory along with how the equipment works. This session should be attended by those who need to gain a better understanding of the components in an electrical distribution system. This module will help the student establish a good foundation for future classes.
Module 200
Principles & Applications of Distribution System Apparatus
This module provides a more in-depth look of the individual distribution apparatus equipment used in the substation and on the distribution feeders. The sessions will emphasize why the equipment is used and how the equipment functions. Distribution equipment included in sessions will be regulators, breakers, transformers, capacitors, arresters, switchgear and reclosers along with classes on system protection and protective grounding.
Module 300
SCADA, Communications & Cybersecurity
This module provides instructions on the principles and equipment of a Power System SCADA used for the monitoring and control of an electrical distribution system. Sessions also on Data Analytics & Generative AI, Creating a Digital Twin, Communications, and Cybersecurity Challenges.
Module 400
Smart Grid, Engineering & Emerging Technology
This module will examine the initiatives and engineering applications of electric utilities. Session topics will include Technology Roadmap, Microgrids, Witnessing DER Interconnections, Energy Storage, Managing Reliability, Solid State Transformers, Residential Demand Billing and Rate Design.
Module 500
Control Training Lab
This module will be demonstrations of apparatus equipment internal and external controls. Learn about programming and functionality of regulator, recloser and capacitor controls from the manufacturer. Also sessions on relays.
Both classroom and hands on experience opportunities are included. The courses are designed for participants to select topics they require or have an interest in.
Professional Development Hours
The Southeastern Distribution Apparatus School and Conference will award 18 professional development hours to participants attending the entire school.
Exhibit Hall
The Exhibit Hall will be open Monday through Wednesday. All the suppliers you need to meet will be in one place to answer your questions and demonstrate their products.
Day Participant Program
This provides an opportunity for management (general managers, purchasing agents, operation managers, engineers, etc.) to attend one day for a reduced charge. Come on any day and attend a few classes, then enjoy an evening of hospitality in the exhibit hall.
Location Information
The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center is centrally located three miles from Interstate 85. The Hotel at Auburn University is situated in a charming university campus environment within easy walking distance to many shops and restaurants in the quaint, historical downtown Auburn, Alabama.
The Hotel at Auburn University
241 South College Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Phone: 800-228-2876
Alternate Hotels
The Collegiate Hotel at Auburn
205 South Gay Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Phone: 334-821-2646
Call the Hotel for the Apparatus School Group Rate
Holiday Inn Express Auburn
2013 South College Street
Auburn, Alabama 36832
Phone: 334-502-1090
Use Hotel Name Link or Call the Hotel for the Apparatus School Group Rate
School Info
Planning Committee
Wes Abrams
Riviera Utilities
Solomon Brackett
City of Troy Utilities
Brian Chandler
City of Troy Utilities
Bob Cheney
Alabama Power – Retired
Chris Crawford
Superior Power Products
Tom Davino
1898 & Co. | Part of Burns & McDonnell
Bryan Dent
Flint Energies
Mark Ennis
Alabama Municipal Electric Authority
Mary Hester
Intelligent System Solutions
Joe Hall
CREASTA
Scott Johnson
Georgia Power Company
Chip Kanour
Utility Specialists, Inc.
Jack Kelley
Tri-State Utility Products, Inc.
Jarrod Kilgore
Carroll EMC
Justin Lee
Cullman Electric Cooperative
John Moore
Coweta-Fayette EMC
Suzanne Powell
Utility Technology Association
Rankin Rouse
Alabama Power Company
Nicole Sullivan
Patterson & Dewar Engineers
David Swafford
Southcon
Keith Thomason
Middle Tennessee Electric
Kevin Wiley
Alabama Power Company
Robbie Young
Snapping Shoals EMC
Designed + taught by industry experts
Utility Technology Association educational programs are unique because they are designed and taught by experts from the electric utilities, equipment manufacturing engineers and consultants. Our instructors combine their understanding of theory with hands on experience. Your personnel receive insightful practical knowledge that they can readily relate to and apply.
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