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Welcome to 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.

Hot Topic Hotline, April 10, "Affordable Utilities: What does affordability mean and what does it look like?"

Friday, April 10, Noon Central Time

 

Aging infrastructure, increased storms, load growth, and heightened public attention on rising utility costs require attention. Many regulators, utilities, and consumer advocates are talking about affordability as the key issue in 2026. There are an increasing number of public utility commission dockets on affordability, pending bills or executive actions targeting ratemaking, and evolving expectations for spending discipline. What does affordability mean in the utility context? What are reasonable customer expectations given the reinvestment needs of electric, gas, and water utilities? Join us to learn from experts on the latest trends in utility rates, different definitions of affordability, and how to take steps toward more affordable utility rates.

 

Moderator: Commissioner Staci Rubin, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities

Speakers:

    • Jenifer Bosco, Managing Director of Energy Advocacy, National Consumer Law Center
    • Peter Cappers, Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
    • Kristine Telford, VP of State Engagement, Edison Electric Institute
    • Chuck Rea, VP of Regulated Pricing & Affordability, American Water
Register Now!

Save the Dates for FRI in 2026

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! 

 

  • March 17-19: Advanced Seminar on Transformation Rate Design and Pricing
  • June 1-4: Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute
  • September 23: 35th Annual Public Utility Symposium

FRI Spotlight

Holden - Crystal Award Winner

May 27, 2025

Mary-Anna Holden Selected for 2025 FRI Crystal Award

FRI is pleased to announce that Mary-Anna Holden has been chosen to receive the 2025 Crystal Award for Distinguished Contribution. The industry nominated award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding and sustained contributions to the public utility regulatory policy community. Ms. Holden will be formally presented with the award during the annual Public Utility Symposium hosted by FRI on September 17, 2025. “Mary-Anna has made a significant contribution to the utility regulatory world,” said Stephen Genzer, Partner at Saul Ewing LLP and one of Ms. Holden’s nominators. “She is a true thought leader with a legacy of presenting…

May 9, 2025

FRI Announces Inaugural Cohort of Utility Policy Fellows

FRI is pleased to announce the inaugural class of its Utility Policy Fellows program, made possible through the generous support of the Sloan Foundation. These three 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. Joseph Duggan joins the fellows cohort from the University of Dayton. He specializes in industrial organization with a focus on the design and regulation of wholesale electricity markets. His work as an associate editor for Renewable Energy Focus and co-editor…

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,…