More than 255 utility professionals representing 71 member utilities gathered June 29–July 2 for Central Service Association’s 2026 Annual User Education Conference at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, Alabama. Centered around this year’s theme, “Empowering Your Vision,” the conference provided members with opportunities to learn, collaborate, and explore new ideas that will help strengthen their utilities today and into the future.
The week began on Monday with preconference training sessions designed to help attendees maximize their use of CentralView CIS while building connections with peers during the inaugural Vision Exchange: Coastal Edition, deep sea fishing, and golfing. Set along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, the networking events encouraged members to exchange ideas, discuss industry challenges, and share experiences in a relaxed environment before the conference officially began.
Tuesday’s general sessions set the tone for the week with an inspiring keynote from futurist Jack Uldrich, who challenged attendees to think differently about innovation, artificial intelligence, and the opportunities emerging technologies present for the utility industry. Throughout the day, members gained insight into CSA’s product roadmap, learned practical strategies for strengthening cybersecurity, explored the future of CentralView ERP, and heard how member feedback continues to influence product development and strategic direction.
One of the conference’s most meaningful moments came during Tuesday’s luncheon as CSA honored the memory of retiree Danny Russell, who died in January 2026. Russell’s 43 years of dedicated service to CSA left a lasting impact on the Association and its members. Russell’s family was recognized with a commemorative plaque and seated in a reserved place of honor during the presentation. CSA also introduced the inaugural Russell Hustle Award, established to recognize a utility that exemplifies the dedication, work ethic, and servant leadership that Russell embodied throughout his career. This year’s recipient was Pontotoc Electric Power Association. General Manager Frankie Moorman accepted the award on behalf of the utility.
Wednesday’s breakout sessions gave attendees the flexibility to customize their learning experience based on their individual roles and responsibilities. Members had opportunities to participate in sessions covering the latest enhancements to CSA solutions, including Meter Data Management, Customer Portal, Outage Management System, Works, +Fiber, GIS, and CentralView CIS.
Hands-on product demonstrations, one-on-one consultations with CSA staff, and the Product Showcase allowed members to ask questions, provide feedback, and discover new ways to improve efficiency and better serve their customers.
Beyond the educational sessions, members took advantage of countless opportunities to connect with fellow utilities, technology partners, and CSA staff. The exchange of ideas, best practices, and real-world experiences continues to make AUEC a valuable resource for CSA members.
The conference culminated with the annual Family Fun Night, where attendees and their families celebrated a successful week with great food, live entertainment, and fireworks on the Gulf Coast. It concluded with the annual stockholders business meeting and election on Thursday morning.
As another successful AUEC closes, CSA extends its sincere appreciation to every attendee, presenter, sponsor and exhibitor who helped make AUEC 2026 such a memorable success. We look forward to continuing to empower our members’ vision throughout the year and welcoming everyone back for AUEC 2027.