Utility Day – Spring 2026
Utility Day by Forgent Power is the essential learning and collaboration day that brings utility decision makers together to learn how to move the energy industry forward.
We welcome you to join us for this one-day workshop, which provides a practical, end-to-end view of distribution transformer specification, testing and manufacturing.
Over the course of the day, participants will review key design options, material selections, performance requirements and applicable industry standards used to develop effective utility transformer specifications. The workshop also examines final manufacturing-stage testing, comparing major standards and approaches, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and field testing, to understand how compliance, reliability and performance are verified.
In addition, each attending utility will receive a free-of-cost pilot distribution transformer (up to 3750KVA), customized to the utility’s standard.
The day concludes with an in-depth, hands-on walkthrough of the transformer manufacturing process, highlighting our commitment to safety, quality and craftsmanship at every stage of production.
Registration
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for utility professionals involved in the specification, evaluation, and procurement of distribution transformers and substation equipment. Typical roles and responsibilities include:
- Engineers working with Transformers and Substation Standards, including those responsible for developing, interpreting or applying Utility specification and utility standards.
- Supply Chain professionals and Category Managers responsible for qualifying vendors, evaluating bids and managing supplier performance.
By bridging engineering, standards and procurement perspectives, this training supports better decision-making, stronger vendor qualification and improved outcomes for utility transformer programs.
What’s Included with your Registration
- Learning program. Please see Agenda.
- A Pilot transformer free of cost. A Padmount Transformer customized to the utility’s standard; one per utility up to 3750KVA.
- Hotel accommodations.
- Transportation to and from the hotel and factory.
- Meals: Dinner on April 15, breakfast, lunch and dinner on April 16
- Network Event: Connect and Share during our Golf-Outing on April 17
Cost: $200
Meet the Speakers
Jaber Shalabi
Jaber Shalabi has over 10 years of hands-on transformer design and manufacturing experience, overseeing Engineering and Supply chain Management activities from design concept to finished product, specifically in Distribution Transformers up to 10MVA and 46kV. Jaber’s innovative approach to Engineering has helped secure VanTran’s reputation as an industry leader providing customized solutions and best-in-class technical support. Before joining the VanTran team, Jaber worked in a power plant as a performance engineer, performing several roles in quality control and facility management assurance.
Christine Crites
Christine Crites, P.E., P.Eng. is VanTran Transformers’ Senior Applications Engineer. She joined VanTran in November 2025, bringing over 13 years of experience from GE Grid Solutions, where she held roles spanning technical support and field applications engineering for GE’s protection and control business across Ontario and the Midwest and South-Central United States. Christine received her Bachelor of Engineering Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario in 2012. She is currently based in the Houston, Texas area and holds Professional Engineer licenses in Texas and Ontario.
Jack Wenberg
After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, Jack has spent the last several years working at Vantran, becoming well-versed in the manufacturing process and design of liquid-filled distribution transformers. Today, Jack acts as our applications engineer and is the technical liaison for Vantran’s engineering and sales teams to potential customers, providing easy-to-understand technical answers to anyone who needs them. Jack can be found attending engineering conferences, hosting customer visits, and facilitating factory tours in Waco, going on site visits to diagnose potential transformer issues, and presenting lunch and learns for various clients
Itinerary & Agenda
Event Itinerary
- April 15: Travel day
- April 16: Technical Workshop: From Core to Test (see below).
- April 17: Networking Event: Golf-Outing at the Ridgewood Country Club
- April 18: Travel Day
Technical Workshop Agenda
From Core to Test: Manufacturing Performance & Reliability in Distribution Transformers
- Developing distribution transformer specifications: a review of design options, material selection, performance criteria, and applicable standards for effective utility procurement.
- Explore the comprehensive testing conducted at the final manufacturing stage to verify adherence to specifications. Compare key standards and approaches, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) versus field testing, highlighting how each ensures reliability and performance.
- Manufacturing excellence in action: a hands-on, in-depth exploration of each step in VanTran’s production process, showcasing our dedication to safety, quality, and craftsmanship.
Travel & Logistics
Recommended Airports
Flights and airport transfers are arranged and paid for by each attendee. We recommend the following local airports and to use Uber or arrange for your own rental car.
- Austin Airport (~110 miles)
- Dallas Airports (~102 miles)
- Waco Airport (~8 miles)
Hotel
Through your Utility Day registration, your hotel room will be booked and nightly costs covered through your event fee.
600 Mary St., Waco, TX 76701
Event Location
Utility Day will take place between the Hotel and VanTran’s Transformers factory located at 2700 Texas Central Parkway, Waco, TX 76712
Contact Us
Maddie Martinez
Marketing Specialist
Maddie.Martinez@ForgentPower.com
Forgent Power
In 2025, VanTran Transformers formally combined with 3 other companies under a unified company, Forgent Power.
Forgent Power is now among the top-3 leading U.S. designer and manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment used in data centers, the power grid and industrial facilities capable of delivering some of the highest levels of customization and shortest lead times available in the industry.