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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 as Idaho and Massachusetts, participants engaged in rigorous discussions regarding who pays for energy services, the justification for those costs, and the long-term outcomes for families, businesses, and local communities.
Endorsed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and recommended by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the American Gas Association (AGA), the seminar has become a cornerstone for those seeking a deeper understanding of informed regulation.
Participants reported an overwhelmingly positive experience, noting that the value of the seminar extended beyond the curriculum. By working alongside peers who represent opposing sides of the regulatory spectrum, attendees left with sharpened instincts and a stronger professional network.
“The room proved the point,” organizers noted. “Participants left with new frameworks and, just as importantly, relationships with people who see the same problems from very different angles.”
For those who were unable to attend the March session, the Financial Research Institute has announced its upcoming 2026-2027 schedule:
- June 1–4, 2026: Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute (Registration opens in April)
- Sept. 23, 2026: 35th Annual Public Utility Symposium (Registration opens in June)
- March 2027: Advanced Seminar on Transformational Pricing & Rate Design
For more information on upcoming programs and to register, visit the FRI website.