FRI, established in 1988 as an academic institute, is a nationally recognized forum that brings together regulators, industry leaders, consumer advocates, and academics to drive deliberation and discovery on the critical issues shaping the future of management and regulation in today’s utility industry.
Connect with our network, view our latest news, and join us for our industry-recognized programming and professional development.
UPCOMING
Cracking the Code: Meeting Changing Customer Demands & Expectations
FRI’s Annual Public Utility Symposium marks 35 years as an essential gathering for decision-makers and practitioners navigating a dynamic energy and water landscape. Join state commissioners, utility executives, consumer advocates, policy experts, and academics for FRI’s signature forum examining how evolving customer demands impact affordability, infrastructure needs, reliability, and utility financial health. This year’s Symposium explores alternative regulatory structures that balance rapid market speed with consumer protection and financial health. Celebrating this 35-year milestone, it remains a must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of public utility policy.
This program is designed for regulators, advocates, and industry professionals looking to decipher rapidly changing customer expectations and emerging demand pressures, as well as experienced leaders seeking fresh perspectives on modern cost-allocation models.
Learn more about the agenda, featured speakers, and registration details by clicking below.
July 20, 2026
Appointments for J. Brian Bingman, Matt Kiessling, Geoff Marke and Mike Naughton complete 2026 roster The Financial Research Institute (FRI) today announced four new additions to its advisory board, completing its current 2026 roster. Joining the board are J. Brian Bingman, commissioner of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission; Matt Kiessling, managing director of state affairs for the American Gas Association; Geoff Marke, chief economist for the Missouri Office of Public Counsel; and Mike Naughton, manager of regulatory affairs for Nicor Gas. All four members have assumed their new roles. The FRI Advisory Board is an essential component…
July 15, 2026
FRI is pleased to announce that Greg R. White has been selected as recipient of the 2023 Crystal Award for Distinguished Contribution An experienced utility regulator and administrator with more than 40 years in energy, utility regulation, and public policy, Greg R. White recently retired as Executive Director of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) after leading the organization from 2015-2024, while also serving as Executive Director of the National Regulatory Research Institute (2017-2023). While leading NARUC, he was instrumental in significantly expanding NARUC’s training and education programs, both domestically and internationally, while also strengthening NARUC’s…
April 29, 2026
FRI is pleased to announce its 2026 class of Utility Policy Fellows program, made possible through the generous support of the Sloan Foundation. These five accomplished individuals bring significant expertise in critical areas of the regulated utility sector, establishing a strong foundation for FRI’s impactful research and analysis in this vital field. Dr. Thomas Gifford recently completed his PhD in Economics at Colorado State University and is beginning a position at the National Wildlife Research Center studying the economics of human–animal interactions. His research focuses on environmental and energy economics, specifically the impacts of wildfires…
Don’t miss out on FRI’s programs in 2026! Save these dates and plan now to attend one or all of FRI’s programs in the coming year. Check your email or follow our social media for updates on registration!