FRI news and announcements
April 30, 2026
FRI Announces 2026 Utility Policy Fellow Cohort
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 and determinants…
March 27, 2026
Seminar Explores the Intersection of Policy and Rate Design
COLUMBIA, Mo. — “Real rate design is learned where the formula ends – in a room of differing perspectives tackling the same big questions together.” This sentiment anchored the Financial Research Institute’s (FRI) latest Advanced Seminar on Transformational Pricing and Rate Design, held March 17–19 at the University of Missouri. The three-day intensive program brought together more than 20 professionals from across the nation to move beyond mathematical models and delve into the complex societal impacts of utility regulation. The seminar attracted a diverse cohort of utility professionals, state regulators, consumer advocates, attorneys, and policy analysts. Traveling from as far…
Feb. 25, 2026
Ohler Discusses RULI Impact on podcast
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Financial Research Institute (FRI) is featured in a recent episode of the “Show-Me MO Success” podcast, exploring the specialized world of utility management. FRI Associate Director of Policy Research Adrienne Ohler joined host Luke Dietterle to discuss the upcoming Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI) and its critical role in professional development. The conversation also featured Alex Antal, a Principal at the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) and a RULI alumnus. Antal provided a deep dive into the unique business context that defines regulated utilities, explaining how their managerial requirements differ significantly from other investor-owned firms. Listen to…
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 14, 2025
RULI Registration Deadline Looms
Don’t miss it! Friday, May 16 is the deadline to register. The Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute covers the history, economics, rate setting, and future trends that are shaping the utility industry. Learn from our industry-respected instructors – Dr. David Loomis, Dr. Adrienne Ohler, and Dr. Michael Sykuta. From foundational principles to advanced topics and leadership skills, this intensive program promises you impact. Register here. The direct access to cross-sector leaders and regulators was impactful. The insights I gained were of significant benefit. – S.K., Engineering Mgr, American Water…
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…
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,…
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,…
Dec. 9, 2024
FRI Welcomes Ewell Lawson as Program Director
The Financial Research Institute (FRI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Ewell Lawson as our new Program Director. As Program Director, Mr. Lawson will direct the operations and implementation of FRI’s educational programs, including the Annual Public Utility Symposium, the Advanced Seminar on Transformational Pricing and Rate Design, and the Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI). He will also contribute to FRI’s policy analysis and industry research efforts. Mr. Lawson brings a wealth of experience in utilities, government and association management, and policy leadership. Recognized nationally for his contributions to public power and…
Aug. 21, 2024
WUTC’s Ann Rendahl Joins FRI Advisory Board
FRI is pleased to welcome Commissioner Ann Rendahl of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission to our Advisory Board. Ann Rendahl was first appointed to serve as a commissioner of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission in December 2014 for a six-year term that ended Jan. 1, 2021. Ann has been reappointed and confirmed to a second six-year term ending Jan. 1, 2027. Ann serves as the Second Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, or NARUC, and serves as a member of the Committees on Electricity and Critical Infrastructure, prior chair of the Committee on…