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# 2026 Point On Wave Applications Conference

## POWA

We are excited to announce the 2026 Point On Wave Applications (POWA) Conference! The conference will be held on September 29 and 30, 2026 in Chattanooga, TN. Additional details, including the conference agenda and keynote speakers, are coming soon. For attendees looking to make their Travel Arrangements, there are several helpful resources available here. Registration is now available and can be completed here. If you have any problems or questions regarding registration, please reach out to Angie Henegar.

We are pleased to offer PDH (Professional Development Hours) for attendees.

## Why another Point-on-Wave Applications Conference?

There are conferences focused on topics like Power Quality, Fault Analysis, Protective Relaying, and Synchrophasors; However, there has not been a conference dedicated to discussing the present and future applications of high-resolution waveform data, including continuous and synchronized waveform data in a more general setting. There has been a significant push to include these topics in various existing conferences, but several industry leaders expressed the desire to have a dedicated conference to discuss the real world challenges and opportunities of waveform data in the context of utilities, vendors and real world applications.

In Fall 2025, the inaugural POWA Conference was held with the intention of becoming an annual event. It is intended to be a forum where utilities, researchers, academics, and vendors can collaborate and discuss current and upcoming applications of the technology. The conference scope was expanded to include the challenges and opportunities of waveform data, adding topics such as cyber security, planning, maintenance, operations, and data management.

## Call For Abstracts

The 2026 call for abstracts is now available. We are excited to recieve technical submissions for the conference.

Topics of interested include but are not limited to:

- Analysis of Incipient Faults & Asset Health Using POW Data
- Novel Applications of POW Data Related to Power Quality Issues
- Novel Applications of POW Data Related to Fault Analysis
- Analysis and Detection of Geomagnetic Events with POW Data
- Predictive Maintenance Applications Using POW Data
- Wildfire Prevention & Detection Using POW Data
- Monitoring of Datacenter Load Characteristics Using POW Data
- Monitoring of Inverter-Based Resources Using POW Data
- Sub-synchronous Oscillation Detection Using POW Data
- Computer Simulation, Analysis & Modeling for POW Applications
- Management (Compression, Transport, Storage, etc.) of Large POW Data Sets
- Enhancement of Existing Decision Tools and Processes
- Cyber-Security Related Application

The conference will not require a full length paper. Anyone interested in submitting a presentation should prepare an abstract including the details below before July 15th 2026. To submit abstract please send an email with the abstract and information below to cLackner@GridProtectionAlliance.org or tlaughner@lifescaleanalytics.com.

Acceptance Notifications will be sent out by August 15th, 2026.

Abstract Submission Information:

1. Authors name, Affiliation and contact information
2. Title of proposed presentation
3. Summary of proposed topic (up to ½ page)

Student Poster Competition:

This year's conference will also include a Student poster competition. The competition is open to all students doing research or project work in the areas of interest. To submit a student poster please follow the instructions above, but include "STUDENT POSTER ENTRY" in the submission. The registration fee will be waived for all students attending the conference.

The best student poster will be recognized during the conference reception as the winner of the 2026 POWA Student Poster Competition. The winner will also recive a prize provided by the POWA student poster competition sponsor, Electric Power Board of Chattanooga (EPB).

All posters must use the provided poster template. Final posters must be submitted to the conference electronically as .ppt or .pdf by August 14th 2026 The student author must be present at the student poster session, which will be held at the POWA Reception on September 29th 2026.

## Registration Cost

Our sponsors allow us to keep registration cost low. Final registration and payment are completed through the conference registration portal.

Registration Option | Cost |
--- | --- | ---
Standard Attendee | $ 75 | Includes access to conference sessions, meals, and reception.
Reception Guest | $ 25 | Includes access to reception only.
Sponsors and Exhibitors | Waived or $ 75 | Each sponsor gets a number of free registrations with their sponsorship. Please check with your company before registering.
Presenter | Waived | Registration fee is waived for those with abstracts accepted for presentation.
Student Attendee | Waived | Registration fee is waived for students from any University participating in the conference.
UTC Faculty Attendee | Waived | Registration fee is waived for UTC faculty participating in the conference.

For the latest pricing updates and to complete registration, visit the online registration page.

## Keynote Speakers

We are excited to feature the following keynote speakers at POWA 2026.

### Alex McEachern

CEO, McEachern Laboratories Inc.

Alex McEachern is a Life Fellow of the IEEE, a Visiting Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, a Visiting Scholar at U.C. Berkeley's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, an Affiliate at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and the CEO of McEachern Laboratories where he develops and manufactures extreme grid instruments. He has recently completed projects in this area for DARPA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and other government organizations. He has been awarded 30 U.S. Patents, and wrote or Chaired many of the original IEC and IEEE power quality standards. Known globally for his cheerful, practical, hands-on lectures on electric power measurements, Alex will discuss his expectations for the next 5 years of state-of-the-art CPOW measurements.

### David Nordy

Director of Energy Solutions, EPB

David Nordy is the Director of Energy Solutions at the Electric Power Board (EPB), where he leads a cross-functional team delivering innovative energy programs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. David oversees initiatives spanning advanced grid modernization, electric vehicle infrastructure, battery storage, energy efficiency programs, and other customer-focused energy innovations. A licensed Professional Engineer with over 15 years in the energy sector including more than a decade with EPB and earlier roles at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Nordy’s leadership prioritizes innovative, sustainable approaches to enhance grid reliability and customer value.

### Dr. Jean Mahseredjian

Professor, Polytechnique Montreal

Jean Mahseredjian is an IEEE Life Fellow for his contributions to the computation and modeling of power systems transients. He received the Ph.D. degree from Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Canada, in 1991. From 1987 to 2004, he was with IREQ (Hydro-Quebec), Montreal, working on research and development activities related to the simulation and analysis of electromagnetic transients. In December 2004, he joined the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal. Jean Mahseredjian is the creator and lead developer of the new EMTP® software.

### Tony Ranson

CEO, Metha Tech

Tony Ranson is the President and Executive Officer of Metha Tech, where he leads the company's strategic vision and growth in delivering innovative technology solutions for the electric power industry. Throughout his career, he has worked with utilities, technology providers, and industry partners to help advance the adoption of modern technologies that improve the reliability, efficiency, and resilience of critical infrastructure. As a respected industry leader, Tony is passionate about driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and helping organizations navigate the rapidly evolving energy landscape. His broad perspective on technology, operations, and the future of the electric grid makes him a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and events.

## Agenda (Draft)

Day 1 - September 29
7:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast Sponsored By Powerside and EPRI
7:55 a.m. | Welcome and Logistics Welcome, Logistics, Safety Christoph Lackner, PoWA Committee Chair
8:00 a.m. | Keynote 1: Extreme CPOW Measurements in the Late 2020's: Challenges, Opportunities, Recent Experiences, and Applications Alex McEachern, CEO, McEachern Laboratories
8:45 a.m. | Welcome to UTC Dean Kumar Yelamarthi, Ph.D., P.E.
9:05 a.m. | Session 1 - Fault Analytics Chair: Tom Cooke, EPRI
10:05 a.m. | Break Sponsored By Ametek
10:35 a.m. | Session 2 - Power Quality Cases Chair: Aaron Wilson, ORNL
11:55 a.m. | Lunch Sponsored By APP Engineering
12:55 p.m. | Session 3 - Sensors & Measurements Chair: Derek Elam, APP Engineering
2:15 p.m. | Break Sponsored By Schneider Electric
2:45 p.m. | Keynote 2: Advances in Computational and Analytical Methods for the Safe Integration of Renewable Energy into Power Grids Dr. Jean Mahseredjian, Professor, Polytechnique Montreal
3:30 p.m. | Session 4 - Waveform Analytics Chair: Jeff Wischkaemper, Texas A&M
4:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks Christoph Lackner, PoWA Committee Chair
6:00 p.m. | Conference Reception TN Aquarium Sponsored By Mehta Tech
6:30 p.m. | Student Poster Competition TN Aquarium Sponsored By EPB

Day 2 - September 30
7:00 a.m. | Registration and Breakfast Sponsored By Elspec, Siemens and EPRI
8:00 a.m. | Welcome and Logistics Christoph Lackner, PoWA Committee Chair
8:10 a.m. | Student Poster Awards Merrick Walker, EPB
8:20 a.m. | Keynote 3: POWA: A Utility Perspective David Nordy, Director of Energy Solutions, EPB
9:05 a.m. | Session 5 - Standards and Phenomena Chair: Yayu (Andy) Yang, UTK
10:05 a.m. | Break Sponsored By Saetec Inc
10:35 a.m. | Session 6 - DER Related Applications Chair: Phil Stoaks, SEL
11:55 a.m. | Lunch Sponsored By SEL
1:15 p.m. | Session 7 - Oscillation Related Applications Chair: Merrick Walker, EPB
2:15 p.m. | Break Sponsored By Pfiffner Moser-Glaser
2:45 p.m. | Keynote 4: PoWA - A Vendor Perspective Tony Ranson, President, Mehta Tech
3:30 p.m. | Session 8 - Continuous Waveforms Chair: Asaf Varol, Dalton State
4:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks Christoph Lackner, PoWA Committee Chair

## Travel Arrangements

### Hotel Information

A hotel block has been provided for conference attendees at the Hilton DoubleTree, Chattanoog Downtown. The block is availlable until August 29th 2006 and can be booked here. The Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, within walking distance to the TN Aquarium and a short drive from the conference venue.

### Reception at the TN Aquarium

Join us for the conference reception at the TN Aquarium on September 29, 2026. Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, this iconic riverfront venue offers a memorable setting to connect with colleagues, meet presenters, and continue the conversation beyond the technical sessions.

## Sponsors

The 2026 POWA Conference is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. There are no more sponsorship opportunities available for the 2026 conference. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2027 conference, please contact Tony Murphy at ammurphy@tva.gov.

### How to Pay for Sponsorship via Credit Card

Sponsors can pay invoices or registration fees via check to UTC's Office of Advancement, or by calling Marykay Branwell (423)425-4076 or Robert Parker (423)425-5946 to pay with a credit card by phone.

### Platinum Level Sponsorship

Platinum Sponsors receive a display table at the venue and 5 conference registrations, and will be specifically acknowledged during registration and at the conference reception as 2026 POWA Platinum Level Conference Sponsor. Platinum sponsors will be acknowledge on our website and have an opportunity to include their branding on conference materials. In addition, Platinum sponsors will have the opportunity to display their branding during the conference reception.

### Gold Level Sponsorship

Gold Sponsors receive a display table at the venue and 4 conference registrations, they will be specifically acknowledged during a daily lunch as a 2026 POWA Gold Level Conference Sponsor. Gold Sponsors will be acknowledged on our website and have an opportunity to include their branding on conference materials.

### Silver Level Sponsorship

Silver Sponsors receive a display table at the venue and 3 conference registrations, they will be specifically acknowledged during a daily breakfast as sponsoring the 2026 POWA Silver Level Conference Sponsor. Silver Sponsors will be acknowledged on our website and have an opportunity to include their branding on conference materials.

Silver Level Sponsorship is available for $3,000.

### Bronze Level Sponsorship

Bronze Sponsors receive a display table at the venue and 2 conference registrations, and will be specifically acknowledged during a coffee break as sponsoring the 2026 POWA Bronze Level Conference Sponsor. Bronze sponsors will be acknowledged on our website and have an opportunity to include their branding on conference materials.

Bronze Level Sponsorship is available for $2,000.

### Non-Sponsor Exhibitors

Vendors who would like to participate and have an opportunity to have a display table during the conference will be accommodated on a space remaining basis. This includes a display table at the venue and 2 conference registrations.

Non-Sponsor Exhibitor participation will be available for $1,000 on a space available basis.

## Organizing Committee

If you are interested in supporting the conference and would like to be part of the organizing comittee please reach out to Christoph Lackner cLackner@GridProtectionAlliance.org, Theo Laughnertlaughner@lifescaleanalytics.com or Don Reisingdonald-reising@utc.edu

Name
Affiliation
Position
Christoph Lackner
Grid Protection Alliance
General Conference Chair
Theo Laughner
LifeScale Analytics
Marketing/Publicity Chair
Donald Reising
UTC
Finance/Treasury Chair
Tony Murphy
TVA
Sponsorship Chair
Jeff Wischkaemper
Texas A&M
Technical Program Co-Chair
Tom Cooke
EPRI
Technical Program Co-Chair
Angie Henegar
EPRI
Registration Chair
Aaron Wilson
ORNL
Technical Program Co-Chair
Asaf Varol
Dalton State College
IEEE Liason
Andy Yang
UTK
Student Poster Session Co-Chair
Merrick Walker
EPB
Student Poster Session Co-Chair
Laurie Okun
LifeScale Analytics
Member
Richard Kirby
SEL
Member
Phil Stoaks
SEL
Member
Derek Elam
APP Engineering
Member

## 2026 Participating Companies and Organizations

### Utilities

Alabama Power, Duke Energy, EPB, Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission Corp, National Grid, North Georgia EMC, Salt River Project, Sequatchie Valley EC, Tennesee Valley Authority

### Universities

Auburn, California Riverside, Dalton State, Polytechnique Montreal, Texas A&M, UTC, UTK, Dalton State

### Research

EPRI, ORNL, PNNL

### Consultants

Arnada Engineering, Elevate Energy, Enernex, McEachern Laboratories, Vantage Point Solutions

### Vendors

Ametek, APP Engineering, Elspec, Grid Protection Alliance, Grid Visibility, Lifescale Analytics, MacLean Power Systems, Mehta Tech, Pfiffner, PingThings, PMI, Powerside, Qualitrol, Satec, Schneider Electric, SEL, Sentient Energy, Siemens

## Contact Us

For more information please reach out to cLackner@GridProtectionAlliance.org, tlaughner@lifescaleanalytics.com or donald-reising@utc.edu