2026 Event Schedule

This course provides an examination of the fundamentals of electric utility supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems with a focus on case studies, industry best practices, and application of the concepts. Key topics to be covered include: SCADA system benefits, building blocks, and system integration; the business case for SCADA; delivering reliability outcomes through digital technologies; introduction to and comparison of communication technologies and protocols; and the use of SCADA in emerging applications. The presenters will also discuss “pain points” that can arise during implementation and maintenance. New applications in the areas of utility analytics, bridging physical and software systems through digital twin constructs, and the timing constraints of microgrid control will illustrate the “platform” aspects of SCADA. A student new to SCADA will leave with a thorough understanding of why these systems are so important to reliable grid operation as well as what other technologies and considerations accompany an actual deployment. A critical component of this class is the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and share experiences/issues with follow classmates. The presenters have over 60 years combined experience in this area so the talk will include many “real world” equipment and project examples (utility case studies) to go along with the technology narrative.