Optional Pre-Conference Tutorials - May 19, 2026

Tutorial 1

Title: Introduction to Transformer Testing

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM 

Format: Presentation with Q&A

Presenter:  Logan Merrill

This tutorial covers the fundamentals of electrical testing for power and distribution transformers. Participants will have the opportunity to learn everything from the basics of what we are testing and why, to the details involved in analyzing the results of each test. 

Who should attend: 

This tutorial is intended for anyone who is involved in, or interested in learning about, the process of performing or reviewing transformer tests. 

Topics include: 

• Basic electrical testing theory 

• Turns ratio 

• Winding resistance 

• Leakage reactance 

• Demagnetization 

• Exciting current 

• Power Factor 

• Power Factor Sweep tests 

• Common mistakes and troubleshooting 

• Result analysis 

Tutorial 2

Title: Virtualization in Electrical Power Systems 

Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

Format: Lecture & Instructor Demonstration 

Presenters: 

Pascal Francis-Mezger

Brian Ciccariello, Burns & McDonnell

This tutorial provides a practical overview of modern virtualization technologies and their growing role in electrical power systems. Participants will explore how virtualized infrastructure is implemented, operated, and secured within operational technology (OT) environments, with a focus on substation and control-center applications. 
  
The session includes a live demonstration of a virtualized protection system from both the OT engineer’s and protection engineer’s perspectives. Attendees will see how protection and SCADA systems can be deployed, tested and commissioned, monitored, and maintained in a virtual environment. The tutorial will include a live demonstration of protection and SCADA testing using a combination of physical and virtual test tools, illustrating real-world workflows and considerations. 
 

Who should attend: 

This tutorial is designed for protection, automation, and power-systems engineers who want to understand how virtualization is being applied in modern substations and control centers. No prior experience with virtualization is required. It is especially relevant for those interested in how virtual systems are deployed, tested, and secured, as well as the benefits and limitations associated with this emerging approach. 

Presentations

Keynote 

Electric Power High Voltage Emerging Technology
Mark Lauby, NERC

Enhancing Protective Relay Settings Reliability Through Process Automation
Brandon Davies – TRC

Comprehensive Safety Strategies for BESS: Planning, Construction, Commissioning, and Beyond
Robert Tekach – Entrust

Energy Storage in Practice: Applications from C&I to 345kV Substations
Eli Ladd – Newtility

Optimizing Distribution System Reliability Through Recloser Testing
David Stelmach – Intellirent

Digital Substations: Enabling IEC 61850
Ryan West – BBA Consultants
Raphael Beaulieu – BBA Consultants

Versant Power High DER Penetration Experience
David Norman – Versant Power

Transforming Protection & Control (P&C) Data: Con Edison’s Approach to Data Alignment
Catalina Gil Salazar – Danovo Energy
Patricia Jacques – ConEdison

Panel: The Changing Utility Landscape for New England
Wayne Bishop Jr. – Danovo Energy
Mark Lauby, NERC
Chris Root - Danovo Energy
Mike Hyland, NEPPA
Matthew Rolnick - FERC

Panel Discussion
Tim Walker – OMICRON

What’s Happening at FERC
Matthew Rolnick – FERC

Versant Power Integrated Grid Planning 
Tyler Stanley – Versant Power

The vPAC Blueprint: A Practical Path to Substation Modernization
Brian Ciccariello – Burns & McDonnell

FLISR – When Communications Fail – A Dynamic Approach to Grid Resiliency and Improved Reliability
Mat Garver – Wunderlich-Malec

Making a Vanilla Cap Bank Behave Like a STATCOM, or Mitigating Voltage Dips When Energizing a Transformer Using a Gang-Operated Breaker: An Outline of Options You Might Not Believe Controlled Switching Permits
Vincent Balvet – Vizimax

Substation Time Sync Resilience Using PTP Translation of Telecom Profile to Any Substation Time Sync Protocol (PTP Power Profiles, IRIG-B, etc.)
Tahmina Hoque – Meinberg USA
Doug Arnold, Meinberg USA

Welcome Reception

Where: Brickyard Hollow

When: May 19, 2026

Time: 6 PM -8 PM

Networking Reception

Where: Conference Venue

When: May 20, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM -8:30 PM

PDH Calculation – NEPEC Conference

Definition:
1 PDH (Professional Development Hour) = 1 hour of technical instruction.

Conference

• Day 1: 8 PDH

• Day 2: 6 PDH

Total: 14 PDH

Tutorials

Previously listed tutorials:

• Tutorial 1: 2 PDH

• Tutorial 2: 4 PDH

Total Tutorials: 6 PDH

Total Possible PDH for the Event

• Technical Sessions: 14 PDH

• Tutorials: 6 PDH

Grand Total: 20 PDH

Mission Statement & NEPEC Committee

To provide a regional forum where professionals from industry, academia, utilities, government, and manufacturing share and exchange knowledge on systems responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power. The sharing of information at this conference will help attendees and their organizations become more competitive, efficient, and successful in their efforts. The conference will provide many networking opportunities to facilitate collaboration amongst attendees, creating a special and unique electric power community.
 

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