ECG

The 2026 Engineering & Operations Conference concluded with two informative presentations focused on innovation, planning, and the future of utility operations.

Our Senior GIS Specialist, Stephen Reynolds gave an update on Territorial & Full Asset Inventory. He shared the many ways territorial maps can be utilized to better serve members and support utility planning. Attendees learned about corridor mapping, service territory visualization, and the advantages of using Esri technology to provide accurate, accessible information.

In addition, Stephen provided an update on ongoing efforts to collect and manage pole data, emphasizing the importance of accurate asset information for long-term system management.

The final presentation featured an update from MEAG Power on key transmission initiatives and emerging challenges facing the utility industry. Large-load demands, the impact of data center expansion, transmission planning, and strategies being implemented to ensure reliability and meet future energy needs.

These presentations provided a fitting conclusion to the conference.

Thank you to all of our speakers, sponsors, vendors, and attendees who helped make the 2026 Engineering & Operations Conference a tremendous success.

The next to the last presentation yesterday was on 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 by 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, VP of Utility Asset Management, Inc..

Wayne shared valuable insights into the latest techniques and technologies used to assess the condition of wood utility poles without causing damage. His presentation highlighted how non-invasive inspection methods can help utilities identify structural concerns, extend asset life, improve reliability, and make more informed maintenance decisions.

Immediately after Wayne’s presentation, 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧, partner at Southern Power Connect, for providing a brief overview of the 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. Brian discussed the importance of efficient power, shared practical tips on what to look for and how to address power quality concerns, and emphasized the value of providing customers with reliable, high-quality service and power.

Congratulations to the City of Elberton - Utilities & Public Works on being awarded the 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝!

This recognition highlights Elberton’s dedication to continuous improvement, strategic planning, and excellence in utility operations. The city completed a full asset inventory, secured a GEFA Grant, improved three major intersections, maintained a full staff, and provided assistance to neighboring communities when needed.

These accomplishments demonstrate a commitment not only to strengthening local infrastructure but also to supporting regional partnerships and serving others.

Congratulations to the elected officials, utility staff, and everyone who played a role in this outstanding achievement. Your hard work and dedication continue to make a positive impact on your community and beyond.

The energy and inspiration continued as Vern Tubbs, COO of LDR Leadership, LLC, delivered a riveting presentation on “𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.”

Drawing from his military experience, Tubbs captivated the audience with powerful stories that illustrated how critical decisions can shape outcomes, teams, and lives.

He challenged attendees to pursue excellence through the 𝟑 𝐂’𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

🔹 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Knowing the mission, understanding priorities, and maintaining focus.

🔹 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 – Developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to perform at the highest level.

🔹 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 – Building trust, integrity, and authentic relationships that strengthen leadership and teamwork.

His message served as a powerful reminder that effective leadership is not just about making decisions, but about making the right decisions with purpose, preparation, and character.

One of the most impactful 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 was delivered by 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐨𝐧 of the Michael Hingson Group.

𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Blind since birth, Michael shared his incredible story of courage, leadership, and resilience as a survivor of the World Trade Center attacks. Operating his business from Tower 1, he successfully navigated the devastation and escaped the building with the assistance of his guide dog, Roselle.

Through his experience, Michael challenged attendees with powerful leadership lessons, including:

🔹 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 that can pull you away from your purpose.

🔹 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 True vision comes from perspective, purpose, and determination—not just sight.

🔹 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. Wisdom, guidance, and trusted counsel can make all the difference when facing life’s most critical decisions.

Michael’s story was a remarkable reminder that leadership is not defined by circumstances, but by mindset, preparation, perseverance, and the ability to move forward despite adversity.

Day 2 of the 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 kicked off with the opening General Session.

The morning began with a heartfelt tribute and 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 led by Blake Manning in honor of 𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑮𝒊𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒏, Apprentice Lineman with The City of Albany Utilities, who tragically lost his life while working. It was a solemn yet meaningful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve our communities every day and the importance of keeping safety at the forefront of everything we do.

Following the tribute, Walter West brought energy and excitement to the session with an update on the new 𝐄𝐂𝐆 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞. The institute represents a significant investment in the future of our workforce, providing enhanced opportunities for training, leadership development, and professional growth for generations to come.

From honoring those we’ve lost to investing in those who will carry the industry forward, the 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Our sincere condolences to Albany Utilities and the family of Caiden Gibson. 🕊️

Congratulations, Jeff. Well deserved!