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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.

Annual Public Utility Symposium Registration!

Join us for FRI’s 34th Annual Public Utility Symposium to explore the future of infrastructure investment, resource adequacy, and cost mitigation with leading minds in utility regulation, consumer advocacy, industry, academia, and state governments.

 

The 2025 Public Utility Symposium prepares to delve into key questions surrounding long-term transmission planning, resource adequacy across utility sectors, strategies for mitigating the costs of new infrastructure, and the speed of innovation and transitions in the utility landscape. Gain diverse perspectives on fostering sustainable growth in an evolving economy.

 

As we gather for this 34th year, the 2025 Symposium has become a ‘must attend’ event for those interested in public utility regulation. Learn more about the program and register today!