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NARUC UTILITY RATE SCHOOL
San Diego, California | May 9-14.2010
Clearwater Beach, Florida | November 1-5.2010
Register Online: 31st Annual Western Utility Rate School
Program Information: Brochure [pdf] |
Fax-in Registration Form-09 [pdf] |
Faculty Biographies-09 [pdf] |
Agenda-09 [pdf]
Accommodations: Coronado Island Marriott |
Marriott Suites Clearwater Beach on Sand Key
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The NARUC Utility Rate School is presented by the Committee on Water of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). Michigan State University, through the Institute of Public Utilities, is host University for the Rate School and provides program support and continuing education credits. For the public sector, the Utility Rate School complements the IPU's "Camp NARUC" program. However, registration for the Utility Rate School is open to anyone in the public, non-profit, and private sectors.
The Utility Rate School is the best available opportunity for hands-on skills instruction in public-utility ratemaking and is invaluable to anyone needing a practical and comprehensive introduction to setting utility rates. The School features a mock rate case presented by an accessible program faculty of leading experts in every aspect of the process - from establishing revenue requirements, to determining the allowed rate of return, to designing water rates. This proven forum is beneficial for anyone involved in the ratemaking process, as well as related policymaking or management responsibilities for water, energy, or other public utilities. The course also provides exposure to current issues and an excellent networking experience for regulatory and utility professionals, plus an amenable learning environment.
The basics of utility rate-making are presented by a highly experienced and engaging program faculty. Participants function in teams to learn the fundamentals of establishing revenue requirements and rates by working through a hypothetical water utility rate case. The format also provides insight into current issues affecting the water utility industry.
TOPICS COVERED
- Industry Characteristics and Regulatory Issues
- Legal framework of Utility Regulation
- Basics of Rate Setting
- Income-statement Considerations
- Developing the Rate Base
- Capital Structure, Cost of Capital, Rate of Return
- Cost Allocation and Rate Design
- Mock Rate Discussion
View details about topics covered at the Utility Rate School here.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
- State Public Utility Commissioners
- State Public Utility Commission staff
- Utility personnel (public or private)
- Environmental regulatory agency staff
- Accountants and financial analysts
- Engineers and technical analysts
- Attorneys and consultants
- Consumer advocates
- Private investors
- Members of water utility oversight boards
- Anyone involved or interested in utility ratemaking
FEES
The fee for the 2009 Utility Rate Schools is $850 for Public sector attendees, and $875 for Private sector attendees. The fee includes program materials (including the Mock Rate Case), refreshment breaks, continental breakfast, and Thursday evening buffet dinner. We consider public-sector attendees to be individuals who are directly employed by the local, state, or federal government or individuals that are an employee of a recognized non-profit organization. When processing payments, the Institute of Public Utilities abides by Michigan State University's security policies for information collected to process payments.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND DRESS CODE
The 37th Annual Eastern Utility Rate School will be held at the Marriott Suites Clearwater Beach on Sand Key, 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33767 (727.596.1100). Booking your room early is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as rooms are given on space available basis until the reservation cut-off. The reservation cut-off date is October 1, 2009. After this date, the rate school block is released for general sale, and reservations will be made only on a space and rate available basis to be determined by the hotel. The conference rate is $165.00 per night, single or double. A one-night's deposit, for room and tax, (credit card/check) is required to guarantee the room.
Casual to business casual attire is recommended. Plan attire according to the weather. Meeting rooms can be cool. A light jacket or sweater is recommended.
DISCOUNTS, CANCELLATIONS, AND REFUNDS
Organizations registering large groups may be eligible for a group discount, please contact for more information. Cancellations may result in a forfeiture of the group discount. Cancellations less than 3 weeks prior to a program may result in a $150 cancellation fee; cancellations less than one week prior to a program will be billed at full cost. Substitutions are accepted at any time.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
The Institute of Public Utilities is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37210-2417. Website: www.nasba.org. CLE credits are also available. IPU-MSU will apply for accreditation or registration of the program. Application does not guarantee approval.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For additional information, please contact Utility Rate School Program Coordinator Jack Mozley [mailto] or IPU Support Staff IPU [mailto].
NARUC Utility Rate School
RATE SCHOOL ARCHIVES
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING...
- "All the speakers have been great and very helpful!"
- "I really enjoyed the Mock Rate Case...this portion of the school provided insight into the mechanics of what we have been learning all week long."
- "The speakers were engaging and personable, making for spirited teaching. Kudos!"
- "I felt that the school was a tremendous learning experience for me, especially as a new Commissioner. The interaction with staff and other participants was extremely beneficial … a totally worthwhile experience."
- "The Rate School is not just about learning the mechanics of ratemaking, but, more importantly, gives attendees an opportunity to understand the perspectives of the various players involved in setting utility rates. The effective mix of presentations by expert speakers and the use of group exercises resulted in an outstanding learning experience."
- “Being a lawyer and big picture policy driven, it was great to attend the rate school to see how the nuts and bolts work and see the interaction of policy makers with technical staff. It was a great experience with strong, confident and renowned faculty. All policy advisors or policy makers should attend.”
- "I want to thank you for making the conference a top rate learning experience. I will be attending the first week of Camp NARUC so I'll have another opportunity to gain insights from your experience."
SEND US FEEDBACK!
Please send us your feedback about a past IPU program or your ideas for a future program at ipu@msu.edu [mailto]