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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.

RULI Registration is Now Open!

FRI’s Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI) is a four-day, in-person program designed to empower decision-makers and practitioners in the face of today’s complex challenges. This year’s program will be June 2-5 on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia.

 

Through analysis of evolving market structures in electricity, natural gas, and water systems, you’ll gain the insights needed to lead effectively. Engage in discussions exploring public utility theory, corporate finance, and societal considerations. RULI’s program links business education with the specialized needs of utility leaders, fostering an understanding of the regulatory impacts on investment, operations, and stakeholder engagement.

 

Described by previous participants as a “pre-rate school” opportunity, RULI explores the whys and hows of public utility regulation in the context of state and federal utility regulatory landscapes. It is an excellent opportunity for those newer to the regulated utility space and for utility leaders who don’t work in regulatory affairs, but who have a desire to better understand the economics of the utility business. Space is limited to encourage engagement and discussion. Don’t delay, sign up today!

Learn More and Register Now!

Advanced Seminar on Transformational Pricing & Rate Design

FRI’s 2025 Advanced Seminar on Transformational Utility Pricing and Rate Design will be held April 7-9 on the University of Missouri campus. Registration deadline is March 31!

 

The Advanced Seminar offers an in-depth analysis of evolving electricity and natural gas rate making. Building upon NARUC’s Rate School, this 3-day program examines advanced cost allocation and pricing strategies within the context of current industry trends, including load growth from data centers, electrification, distributed energy, and emerging sectors. Participants will explore rate design strategies promoting affordability, grid integration, load flexibility, energy efficiency, and economic development.

 

Designed for commissioners, commission staff, and experienced professionals in the regulatory space, the program offers opportunity to learn from established industry experts as well as through group discussion and small group break outs.

 

Learn More About the Program

FRI Spotlight

Dec. 16, 2024

FRI Receives Sloan Foundation Grant

The Financial Research Institute (FRI) at the University of Missouri is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to connect early-career energy economics researchers with energy industry practitioners through FRI’s Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI). This three-year grant will allow FRI to recruit four early-career energy economics scholars each year to be FRI Utility Policy Fellows. Selected Fellows will participate in a week-long research workshop in conjunction with FRI’s regular RULI program. In addition to sessions focused on public utility economics, data sources,…

Feb. 10, 2025

EEI’s Nethercutt Joins FRI Advisory Board

FRI is pleased to welcome Elliott Nethercutt, Senior Director of State Regulatory Affairs at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) to the FRI Advisory Board. In his current role, Elliott guides EEI’s members on advocacy, policy positions, and initiatives related to the energy transition, resource adequacy, resilience, rate design, and other industry issues. Elliott has over 10 years of policy and regulatory experience in the energy sector. His career has engaged him in several topics of importance, including performance-based ratemaking, advanced market design, and the development of reliability assessments. Prior to EEI, his career has included meaningful stints with NARUC,…

March 26, 2025

New Jersey Commissioner Dr. Zenon Christodoulou joins FRI Advisory Board

FRI is pleased to welcome Dr. Zenon Christodoulou, Commissioner with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), to its Advisory Board. Commissioner Christodoulou was appointed to the NJBPU in August 2022. Prior to joining the Board, Dr. Christodoulou had a long and distinguished career in business and academia. He has been a management consultant in various industries and has owned successful businesses in print manufacturing, graphic design, the restaurant industry, and the media sector. Additionally, he has taught as an adjunct professor at William Paterson University educating undergraduate and graduate business students in areas as diverse as organizational behavior,…