Advanced Regulatory Studies Program

The IPU Advanced Program is offered as a series of specialized courses designed to meet the needs of public-sector and private-sector professionals in the regulatory policy community. IPU-MSU curricula feature high-quality content, expert program faculty, and interactive live online learning.

IPU Advanced Course: Cost Allocation and Rate Design

December 3-6, 2024

Access Course & Program Materials
Register Here
Register for 1.5. 2.5, or 3.5 days.
Tuesday 2-5 pm; Wednesday-Friday 10am-5 pm daily
Live Online I Open to Everyone I Eligible for continuing education credits, including IPU's CCRE.

Tuesday 2:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
Overview of Cost Allocation, Rate Design and Policy (Janice Beecher)

Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
Cost Allocation for Electricity and Natural Gas (Carl Peterson)

Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
10:00 am - 1:00 pm Rate Design for Natural Gas (Carl Peterson)
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Rate Design for Electricity (Jay Zarnikau)

Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
Cost Allocation & Rate Design for Water (Andrew Burnham)

*Contact us about discounts for IPU affiliates, groups, and multiple course registrations.

IPU Advanced Course: Regulatory Accounting and Auditing

November 6-8, 2024

Live Online I Open to Everyone I Eligible for continuing education credits, including IPU's CCRE.

Wednesday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
Rate case auditing I (Danny Kermode)
Utility asset depreciation and retirement (Dane Watson)

Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Eastern)
Rate case auditing II (Danny Kermode)
Regulatory treatment of income taxes (Tim Zeldenrust and Danny Kermode)

Friday 10:00 am - 3:20 pm (Eastern)
XBRL for regulators and utilities (Danny Kermode)
Methods of the valuation of utility assets (John Mastracchio)
Regulatory policy and accounting practice (Janice Beecher and Danny Kermode)

About the program

The IPU Advanced Regulatory Studies Program is a series of specialized workshops designed to provide public-sector and private-sector professionals in the regulatory policy community with a unique opportunity to interact and exchange ideas on technical, methodological, and policy issues. Each workshop provides an intensive, immersive and peer-based learning experience, emphasizing discipline-based analytical methods and theoretical rigor coupled with practical hands-on problems and exercises to unlock some of the "black boxes". The program faculty includes nationally known experts who draw from both academic and applied perspectives. The Advanced Program reflects our commitment to providing a reasoned and empirical approach to contemporary regulatory issues. The program offers flexible tracks focusing on ratemaking, accounting, finance, and economics.

For a list of IPU FAQ's Click Here.

Program learning objectives - Cost Allocation and Rate Design

To review the core principles and concepts of cost allocation and rate design for public utilities
To learn the generally accepted methods of cost allocation and rate design
To compare and contrast ratemaking practices in the water, electricity, and natural gas sectors
To gain a detailed understanding through examples and interactive exercises
To consider contemporary ratemaking objectives and policy issues

Who should attend

The program is open to everyone and is designed for experienced professionals in the regulatory policy community, including federal and state personnel, consumer advocates, and private-sector professionals. Generalists and specialists in the utility sectors will benefit from attending. Past attendees of IPU programs including the Annual Regulatory Studies Program ( Camp ) and the Accounting and Ratemaking Course will find that the workshops offer a unique professional development experience. IPU will also arrange continuing education credits for accountants and attorneys as requested. The Advanced Program provides not only a great learning environment, but also a great forum for exchanging ideas and networking with professional peers.

Testimonials

What past Advanced attendees say about the program:

"I really enjoyed the program last week, all the courses were beneficial in some way, I learned a good bit. Thank you for providing the platform for those of us out here looking for training."
A solid understanding of the fundamentals of regulation is essential in addressing contemporary issues facing utilities and regulators. The bonus session offered at IPU programs is a great opportunity to explore the historical and conceptual underpinnings of regulation.
"I think my understanding of regulation was upgraded..."
"This is a very effective (time-wise and cost-wise) venue for participants to access a wide range of topics."
Very interesting and relevant topics. The interaction between participants from other states and countries was very useful.
Excellent information excellent presenters.
"Very useful workshop..."
Great follow-up to Rate School!
As always IPU is awesome!
"You put on a great program... I enjoyed it quite a bit. In some respects I left with more questions than I had when I came into the program; I think that's a good sign.... Really enjoyed the instructors and their presentations, as well as the discussion among classmates."

Additional logistics

Materials: Attendees will have access to electronic materials, including presentations, worksheets, and useful supplemental resources. Having a computer is encouraged for accessing materials and participating in exercises.

Comfort: Campus casual attire is recommended.

Attendee list: Out of respect for your privacy, and in keeping with our educational mission, we do not publicize our attendee lists in advance of our programs.

Cancellation and refunds: Cancellations are generally accepted until one week before the program but may result in forfeiture of a group discount. Program fees may be applied toward a future program or refunded. Substitutions are accepted at any time.

Comments and complaints: IPU welcomes program input and feedback. Participants will be asked to complete the program evaluation forms. Comments and complaints about the program may be directed to IPU Director, Dr. Janice A. Beecher (beecher@msu.edu) or the IPU Operations Manager (ipu@msu.edu).

NASBA information

NASBA National Registry Statement: The Institute of Public Utilities is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual course for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Program Level: The program is classified as advanced. It is best for experienced professionals who have attended one or more of the courses classified as basic or intermediate. Prior participation in one or more basic courses and a minimum 2-3 years of relevant work experience is recommended. The program focuses on methods of accounting, financing, and evaluation related to public utility ratemaking.

Program Prerequisites: No formal prerequisites apply to this program. However, preparatory resources are available on the IPU program web page and prereading of some materials may be advised.

Program Delivery: The program delivery method is classified as a group-live event and organized as a series of intensive and interactive workshops with case example and hands-on exercises. Active learning and participation are encouraged. Program instructors are accessible for individual assistance throughout the program.

Field of study: This program is relevant to the following NASBA fields of study: administrative practice, accounting and auditing (corporate and governmental), business law, economics, finance, taxes, regulatory ethics, and specialized knowledge and applications. For program details and registration, please visit ipu.msu.edu/advanced.

Advanced Course: Regulatory Accounting and Auditing Program Materials

Copyright notice

Program materials are copyrighted and intended for use only by registered attendees. Please do not distribute by electronic or other means or cite without permission.

Program Materials

Agenda

Attendee List

Continuing Education Credits

Evaluation

Course Materials

Wednesday

Welcome
Rate Case Auditing I (Danny Kermode)

Utility Asset Depreciation and Retirement (Dane Watson)

Thursday

Rate Case Auditing II (Danny Kermode)
Regulatory Treatment of Income Taxes (Tim Zeldenrust and Danny Kermode)

Friday

XBRL for regulators and utilities (Danny Kermode)
Methods for Valuation of Utility Assets (John Mastracchio and Steven McDonald)
Regulatory Policy and Accounting Practice (Janice Beecher and Danny Kermode)

Supplemental materials

Assessment of the Widespread Use of Increasing Block Tariffs in the Municipal Water Supply Sector (2020)

COVID-19

General Resources, Manuals, and Guidance

Uniform Systems of Accounts

Advanced Course: Cost Allocation and Rate Design Program Materials

Copyright notice

Program materials are copyrighted and intended for use only by registered attendees. Please do not distribute by electronic or other means or cite without permission.

Program Materials

Attendee List
Continuing Education Credits
Welcome
Evaluations (Daily): Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Overall Evaluation

Course Materials

Tuesday - Overview of Cost Allocation, Rate Designing and Policy (Beecher)
Wednesday - Cost Allocation & Rate Design for Water (Burnham)
Thursday - Cost Allocation for Electricity and Natural Gas (Peterson)
Friday - Rate Design for Natural Gas (Peterson)
Friday - Rate Design for Electricity (Jay Zarnikau)