Public utility commissions constantly face new and complex issues at the intersections of technology, engineering, policy, accounting and finance, regulation, and more. NARUC convenes members and experts, develops resources, and delivers training for commissioners and commission staff across the country on a wide variety of energy topics relevant to utility regulation. In addition, NARUC connects commissions with technical assistance and support opportunities from the federal government and the U.S. Department of Energy's National Laboratories.
NARUC CPI produces numerous publications each year to help support public utility commissions. These publications include foundational explanatory guides, how to materials, questions that commissions can ask their utilities, ‘state of the states’ resources, frameworks for decision making, and more
CPI Factsheet
The CPI two-page factsheet includes links to recently released resources and recordings, registration links for virtual and in-person trainings, forthcoming engagement opportunities, and contact information for NARUC CPI staff. The factsheet is updated in advance of each NARUC conference (three times per year).
On-Demand, Video-Based Learning Modules
NARUC hosts virtual training events with experts on electricity-related topics throughout each year. Video recordings are posted on NARUC’s YouTube channel and linked within topical webpages. Quick links are available for: electricity system planning, distribution systems and planning, innovations in electricity modeling, bulk power system issues, smart grid and EV interoperability.
DOE Technical Assistance for State Public Utility Commissions
The Resources and Assistance for State Energy Offices and Regulators program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy as well as the Office of Electricity. The program is offered in conjunction with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and the National Laboratory of the Rockies. The goal of the program is to provide high-impact technical assistance and resources at scales and intervals that are responsive to public utility commissions and state energy offices needs through multi-modal support options. It is designed to be responsive to a rapidly changing regulatory and policy landscape that seeks to match the timing and depth of questions with National Laboratory subject matter experts on key topical areas. Applications for assistance are open on a rolling basis.
On January 20, 2023, DOE leaders from the Office of Electricity and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy shared information about ongoing and new technical assistance programs available to state public utility commissions. View presentation.
In addition to three national conferences per year, NARUC routinely hosts virtual and in-person educational events. Topical pages within this website include links to recent and upcoming webinars, including recordings and presentation materials. The NARUC calendar includes links to NARUC’s twice annual Rate School, affiliated university training programs, and the live online Regulatory Training Initiative.
CPI facilitates various state working groups open to any commissioner or commission staff interested in learning from experts and collaborating with peers across the country.
NARUC-NASEO Resilience Cohorts: NARUC and the National Association of State Energy Officials, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity, invite staff from State Energy Offices, public utility commissions, and related agencies to join two resilience-focused cohorts in spring/summer 2026. Beginning in April, the Technical Foundations of Grid Resilience Cohort will be offered as a technical learning series covering practical tools like data, modeling, forecasting, and advanced resilience metrics, followed by a Wildfire Resilience Cohort focused on mitigation planning, PSPS, and risk assessment. To express interest, complete the application form. For questions, contact Hyleah O'Quinn.
Electric Vehicles State Working Group: Reflecting the rise in electric vehicle adoption and related investments and the increased interest from utilities and commissions, NARUC facilitates a learning group on electric vehicles. Members hear from experts and peers and discuss regulatory topics related to EVs during monthly webinars. This working group meets monthly. To express interest and for questions, contact Danielle Sass Byrnett.
Transmission State Working Group: Efficient development and deployment of transmission is essential to prepare for the grid needs of the future. This working group brings together state utility commissioners and commission staff in 6 meetings per year to explore the commission role and influence on transmission development and evaluation. This working group meets bi-monthly. To express interest and for questions, contact Deborah Reynolds.
DER Interconnection Cohort: Starting in March of 2026, this 9-month initiative will support a utility regulatory commission cohort to better understand utility interconnection practices and advance solutions that ensure timely and affordable interconnection to utility distribution systems. Participating commissions will learn practical information and help inform templates, frameworks, and model language developed by NARUC and LBNL for jurisdictions to adapt to their specific circumstances. To express interest and for questions, contact Jeff Loiter.
NARUC-NASEO Microgrid State Working Group: Microgrids can provide reliable, resilient, affordable, and efficient power to critical infrastructure and other electricity consumers, yet technology, policy, and cost barriers remain. This working group brings together Public Utility Commissions and State Energy Offices to participate in facilitated virtual and in-person discussions. The group explores state needs for microgrids, barriers to broader deployment, and strategies to increase adoption. This working group meets quarterly. To express interest and for questions, contact Anna Weiss.
Industrial Loads Needs Asssessment Advisory Group: NARUC is recruiting an advisory group of 5-10 commissioners from states with sizable and growing industrial loads to provide input on member challenges, needs, and areas where NARUC support could be valuable. For more information about participating, contact Deborah Reynolds.
NARUC is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity, DOE Grid Deployment Office, DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and National Institute for Standards and Technology which enable the resources and activities described on this webpage.
NARUC staff experts who support these activities include: