IPU’s Annual Regulatory Studies Program (“CAMP”)
The Fundamentals Course

Essential education in the theory, principles, and practice of economic regulation organized by disciplinary perspectives, core functions, and utility subsectors. Commissioners may register for a 2.5-day option.

WHAT

IPU Annual Fundamentals Course 2024: Agenda and Faculty
Open to everyone
Eligible for continuing education credits, including IPU’s CCRE.

WHEN

August 12-16, 2024 – 10 am to 5 pm daily (Eastern Time Zone).
Live online learning.

REGISTRATION

Register online

Contact us about discounts for IPU Affiliates, early registration, and groups. 

“It’s that time of the year! In my “reg” life, this announcement signaled the best opportunities to advance one’s knowledge of the utility regulatory industry. Our regulatory resumes were incomplete without that IPU credential!”
Dr. Fred Grygiel, Former Chief Economist, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. 

About the program

This set of essential courses (affectionately known as the “Camp” program) is designed specifically to meet the educational needs of regulatory professionals, particularly those working at state and federal commissions and other public-sector and not-for-profit organizations. The Institute’s highly experienced program faculty members are drawn from various academic, governmental, and other organizations. Interactive presentations cover all aspects of the regulatory process, as applied generally and particularly to electricity, natural gas, and water sectors. Attendees receive a certificate of completion from Michigan State University and the program is consistently eligible for CLE and CPE credits in most jurisdictions, as well as credit toward IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education (CCRE).

For the resolution honoring the 50th year of the program, click here.
For IPU FAQ’s, click here.

Program benefits

The Annual Regulatory Studies Program:

• Is designed specifically and exclusively for regulators and other public-sector policy-makers.
• Creates a unique opportunity for total immersion in modern regulatory theory, institutions, and processes.
• Takes a neutral and reasoned approach to contemporary structural and regulatory change.
• Provides an opportunity to learn from highly skilled experts from various disciplines and backgrounds.
• Facilitates the formation of life-long networks among professional colleagues in the regulatory policy field.

Program format

Fundamental Course
The Annual Regulatory Studies Program is grounded in sound regulatory theory and established practices. The curriculum is comprehensive and intensive, focusing on the foundations and fundamentals of utility regulation. The program emphasizes the disciplines and skills essential for participating in an increasingly demanding and complex regulatory process. Core economic, legal, accounting, finance, and policy theories and concepts are introduced. The Fundamentals Course is especially suited to attendees relatively new to utility regulation.

Program learning objectives

 Fundamental Course 

• To understand the core theory, principles, and practices of public utility regulation and ratemaking.
• To understand the roles of law, economics, and finance in utility regulation.
• To understand the implications of regulatory modifications and alternatives.
• To understand the relevance of ethics to regulatory institutions.
• To compare and contrast the utility sectors- electricity, gas, and water.

Program Level: The fundamentals course is classified as “basic” and no prerequisites apply.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites are required to attend this course.

Delivery Format: The program delivery method is classified as a “group-live” event and consists primarily of lectures by experienced professionals, including examples and opportunities for discussion. Active learning and participation are encouraged. Instructors are accessible for individual assistance throughout the program.

Fundamentals Topics

Come back to Campus

As a leading provider of continuing education in our field, IPU welcomes new and “experienced” campers and the program provides a great opportunity to reflect and refresh. The Summer Program curriculum builds on a tradition of knowledge and experience while incorporating new developments in the regulatory field. The fundamentals course can be used to revisit the fundamentals, the basic “why and how” of economic regulation in the contemporary context.  Concurrent tracks in the industry sectors and special workshops provide opportunities for immersion in new issues. Even for those who have attended IPU programs in the past, lifelong learners will find that coming back to Summer Program will be a professionally enjoyable and beneficial experience. And keep in mind that the IPU Accounting and Ratemaking Course is eligible for continuing education credits as well as IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education, details of which are available at www.ipu.msu.edu.

Continuing education credits

The instructional hours for the program are indicated on the agenda and a personal attendance form that you can use to certify your attendance for continuing education purposes. If you would like IPU-MSU to certify your attendance for continuing education purposes, please complete the form and turn it in at the conclusion of the program.

IPU programs are NASBA approved for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits in accounting. For Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and other credits, attendees must submit application materials to their certifying body. IPU will provide a confirmation letter and certificate based on reported attendance and program hours.

Attendees from the public and nonprofit sectors will also earn credit toward IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education (CCRE). Please visitipu.msu.edu/ccre for details.

Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it, hear what past Camp attendees think about the program.

• “This level of ground truth is really humbling in thinking about all the different angles of utilities.”
• “All utility regulatory careers begin in East Lansing!”
• “Thanks for a wonderful Camp… Yesterday, I presented an 1 hour overview of my experience… to share some of the things I learned. It was very well received and I would expect that we will send staff for training to some of the IPU educational programs in the future (and I am planning to attend Week 2 during one of the next couple of years).”
• “I was long on good intentions, but short on technical details and knowledge when appointed as a Commissioner to serve my home state. Thank goodness MSU’s Institute of Public Utilities provides their amazing two week course, covering every topic that I am now responsible for knowing. MSU filled my head and built my passion for these issues and I am a better public servant today because of their great courses,” (Commissioner).
• “I was very pleased with the knowledge base that I have gained through Camp.”
• “The best thing about Camp has been the many different perspectives on regulatory policy.”
• “The best thing about Camp has been the excellent quality of the wide variety of lecturers, and the depth of their knowledge and experience.”
• The program faculty members were… “informative,” “engaging,” “interesting”, “exceptional”, “inspiring,” “intriguing”, “brilliant!”
• “The sessions last summer really helped in fast-forwarding me into the regulatory business, and the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t really understand.”
• “Thanks for the outstanding week….I have learned so much and will now feel more confident in my regulatory role.”
• “The week was packed with valuable information.”
• “Camp was a life changing experience for me.”
• “Excellent information…very up-to-date.”
• “…an overall GREAT program”
• “The IPU staff is OUTSTANDING – helpful, intelligent, friendly – absolutely a first rate conference put on by real professionals”

Additional logistics

Materials: Attendees will have access to electronic materials, including presentations, worksheets, and useful supplemental resources. Bringing a portable computer is encouraged for accessing materials. WiFi access is free of charge throughout the facility.

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 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.

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 Fundamentals Program is classified as both “basic” and “overview” and is accessible to relatively new personnel working in the regulatory policy community. The Intermediate Program is classified as both “intermediate” and “overview” and is accessible to relatively new personnel working in the regulatory policy community. Both programs draw on multiple disciplines to cover the basics of the public utility sectors and their regulation.

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 Internet Based” event with general and breakout lectures and opportunities for interaction. 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/annual.