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.
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Friday, October 23, Noon Central Time
In a recent paper, Dr. Kristina Pitman and coauthor Dr. Ben Gilbert study the emissions effects of fossil fuel power plants ramping up and down to balance variability in renewables output. They examine plant-level emissions across the Western Interconnect and find emissions are sometimes better–and sometimes worse–due to the fossil fuel ramping activity. Learn more about this study from Dr. Pitman and hear from industry stakeholders as they discuss the study and its relevance to their work.
Moderator: Dr. Adrienne Ohler, FRI Associate Director of Research
Speakers:
Sep. 23, 2026
COLUMBIA, MO (September 23, 2026) – The Financial Research Institute (FRI) today announced that Greg R. White, a veteran utility regulator and administrator with more than 40 years in energy, utility regulation and public policy, is the 2026 recipient of the policy institute’s Crystal Award, which recognizes individuals for lifetime contributions to public utility regulatory policy. The awarding of the Crystal, established in 2013, was part of FRI’s Annual Public Utility Symposium held each September at the University of Missouri, Columbia. “Greg White contributions to energy policy and public utility regulation over the course of his tremendous career,…
Sep. 21, 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. (Sept. 22, 2026) – The University of Missouri’s Financial Research Institute (FRI) today announced two new additions to its advisory board. Joining the board are Lorna Eaton, Director of Rates and Regulatory for Kansas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, Inc., and Anthony Swinger, Chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Both appointments are effective immediately. The FRI Advisory Board is an essential component of the Institute, offering strategic counsel, industry perspective, and expert insight to inform program development. Members represent regulatory, industry, and consumer stakeholders across the United States, with operational support…
Sep. 8, 2026
Panel discussion hosted by Financial Research Institute on distressed water and wastewater systems cites need for multi-pronged approach in addressing national water infrastructure crisis (This story appeared in the September 2026 issue of Public Utilities Fortnightly) Addressing the nation’s complex challenges of distressed water and wastewater systems requires careful assessment, strong community engagement, and flexible approaches tailored to local conditions. Such was one of the top takeaways from a panel organized by the Financial Research Institute (FRI) on July 21 in Minneapolis, bringing together regulators, public utility commissioners, municipal leaders, consumer advocates and water utility representatives…
FRI 2026–2027 Upcoming Programs & Deadlines
Save these dates to join us for expert-led discussions on utility policy, rate design, and regulation. Stay tuned to our communication platforms and social channels for registration launches and event details!
2026
2027