What is RULI?
We are excited to announce FRI’s newest education program for utility and regulatory leaders. The Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (RULI) is a leadership development program for utility decision-makers and regulators to understand the unique business context of regulated utilities and how they differ from other investor-owned firms from a managerial perspective. Public utility systems, such as electricity, natural gas, and water are undergoing rapid transformation and warrant further study to understand how they are likely to evolve in the years ahead. Along with learning the changing market structure, regulatory agents, and competing industry objectives, participants will develop a network of peers in other regulated organizations and industries to share experiences and perspectives. Based on research driven by existing public utility theory and corporate finance, this leadership program will help develop industry trailblazers who can more effectively lead their organizations amidst the evolving regulatory landscape.
This year’s RULI is scheduled for June 3 – 6, 2024. Register now!
Why RULI?
The nature of public utilities and their regulatory context present managerial challenges that non-regulated investor-owned firms don’t face. These differences are not limited simply to regulated rate setting itself, but consequently to other areas such as investment decisions, operations management, and investor relations. Additional factors such as social equity and environmental concerns influence policies directly related to the regulated firm’s operations.
Academic business programs focus primarily on non-regulated corporate management. Experience in other industries doesn’t adequately prepare managers for decision-making within regulated utilities. To train the next generation of managers and utility leaders, this program is designed to help industry newcomers in electricity, natural gas, and water better understand the regulatory landscape, think about the design and functionality of key institutional mechanisms across energy and water systems, and account for consequences to managerial leaders in regulated firms.
On the regulatory side, a commission’s view of a well-regulated firm can vary widely from state to state, depending upon the state agency’s legislated mission. Perspectives often focus primarily on the financial and technological aspects, such as what are reasonable costs to ensure reliable and resilient performance and what are reasonable rates-of-return for investors to receive. Yet, environmental, social, and equity concerns often arise as stated strategic goals of a public utility commission. This program will provide commission staff a more holistic view of the organization and how its regulatory context effects more than simply consumer service and financial performance.
Who should attend?
This program is designed for utility decision-makers, even if their responsibilities are not directly related to pricing, rate, and regulatory affairs; and for commission staff who seek a higher-level understanding of the firms they regulate. To ensure ample opportunity for in-depth discussion and maximum networking, attendance will be limited to no more than 30 participants. Preference and priority will be given to individuals who are recommended to the program by FRI’s sponsoring organizations.