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Welcome to the FRI

The Financial Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1988 at the University of Missouri to promote education, research and service across various areas of finance. Today, through its public utility division, the FRI provides a neutral environment for stakeholders in regulated public utility industries to come together to examine, understand, and debate current issues relating to public utility policy.

The FRI Public Utility Symposium, held in the fall, examines issues that impact consumers, industry, and regulators. Held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO, this one-day symposium brings together regulators and commission staff, legislators, utility managers, policy analysts, attorneys, consumer advocates and academics. The FRI Advanced Pricing Seminar, held in late spring, brings together a range of industry experts to discuss issues around industry innovation, dynamics, and pricing in the electric industry. We also host a series of Hot Topic Hotline webinars throughout the year.

The FRI is housed within and under the academic leadership of the University’s Division of Applied Social Sciences. Working in cooperation with MU Extension, the FRI shares in the University’s mission of engagement and economic development. Learn more about FRI, our staff, and programs from the About FRI page.

Register Now for the Advanced Seminar on Transformational Utility Pricing & Rate Design!

Register now for the Advanced Seminar on Transformational Utility Pricing and Rate Design! This year’s program includes two tracks; one for water and wastewater utilities and one for electricity and natural gas utilities. The program is led by experienced industry experts that will work closely with each cohort to explore and consider advanced pricing and rate design models to address regulatory, technological, and economic challenges facing each industry.

The program will be held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO. In addition to expert instruction, the program includes ample networking opportunities for participants to build their professional connections.

Save the Dates for FRI in 2024

Save the dates for FRI’s 2024 programs. Registration information will be posted for each program later this year.

  • The Regulated Utility Leadership Institute (RULI) will be held June 3-6 on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia. This program is designed for people newer to the regulated utility sector, or individuals whose jobs at investor-owned utilities may not be directly involved in rate cases, but who want to understand more about the whys and hows of public utility regulation.
  • The 2024 Fall Public Utility Symposium will be held September 18 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel in St. Louis. Note this is a new location for the Symposium. For those arriving early on Tuesday, Sept. 17, we are planning site visits to investor-owned utilities in the St. Louis area Tuesday afternoon. Details on specific tour options will be posted as plans are confirmed.