Schneider Electric Sets Out WEFTEC 2026 Water Lineup

Schneider Electric will exhibit automation, cybersecurity, energy, and water data technologies at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans, where more than 23,000 attendees, 950 exhibitors, and 125 educational sessions are expected. The company will occupy Booth #4641 during the September 26-30 event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Its newly launched Modicon release is certified to IEC 62443-3-3 Security Level 2. The exhibition is happening as water and wastewater utilities are facing mounting pressure amid aging infrastructure, water scarcity, rising energy costs, workforce challenges, and escalating cybersecurity threats.

Cybersecurity For Water Controls

Schneider Electric’s Modicon update adds encrypted firmware, network authentication, and role-based access control across its automation architecture. The enhancements are designed to strengthen cyber resilience for Modicon M580 CPUs, related communication cards, and Modicon Ethernet switches while unleashing the cybersecurity capabilities of the Modicon Edge I/O NTS distributed I/O platform.

Its Cybersecurity Solutions offering includes OT security assessments, cybersecurity program and policy development, and managed services covering monitoring, threat detection, and response. Schneider Electric’s research found that 60% of U.S. leaders believe water-related risks will outpace all other infrastructure threats.

Sophie Borgne, Water and Environment President at Schneider Electric, said:

“Water providers are facing significant challenges from aging infrastructure, growing cyber threats, and increased pressure on resources. By adopting and deploying open, software-defined automation and technologies to secure industrial systems, organizations can harden critical infrastructure, future-proof operations, and leverage the agility of modern software to enable quicker, data-driven decisions throughout the water ecosystem.”

Automation And Plant Operations

The booth will feature EcoStruxure™ Automation Expert, an open software-defined automation system for plant upgrades and operations. Schneider Electric will also show TeSys™ Tera for motor protection, control, and monitoring, intended to reduce equipment failures, energy costs, and asset wear.

An Altivar™ Process ATV680 low-harmonic drive will be demonstrated for pumping, aeration, and dosing applications. The drive provides real-time intelligence and automated diagnostics for fluid-handling operations.

Water Data And Integration

Schneider Electric will also present EcoStruxure™ Water Advisor, water management software covering the complete water cycle through connected data and predictive analytics. Schneider Electric will also show AVEVA™ CONNECT, which centralizes organizational data, applications, and systems for integration and operational decision-making.

Systems Integrator Partnership

Schneider Electric has awarded Alliance Master status, its highest system integrator tier in the Alliance Partner Program for Industrial Automation, to CITI, Inc. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based Vessco Water Platform Partner provides control systems integration, PLC and SCADA software development, and UL-certified control panel construction for water, wastewater, industrial, and municipal applications across the Southeastern United States.

The designation is intended to support water and industrial customers updating aging control systems, improving operational visibility, and adopting open, interoperable automation architectures.

WEFTEC Sessions And Discussions

On September 28, Schneider Electric will hold “Modernize Without the Rip-and-Replace: How Open, Software-Defined Automation Is Transforming Water Utilities” from 10 to 10:45 a.m. CT in the Product Launch Theatre. Jacob Thompson will moderate the discussion with Fabrice Meunier, VP, Industrial End Users and Software, North America at Schneider Electric, and Leonardo Jurado, President at CITI, Inc.

In-booth sessions at Booth #4641, 11 to 11:30 a.m. CT, include “Roadmap to OT Cyber Protection” on September 28; “Accelerating Digital Transformation in the Age of AI: Lessons from Leading Utilities” on September 29; and “Start Small, Think Big: Using Proofs of Concept to Guide Modernization” on September 30.