Events

Essentials of Utility Accounting - Spring 2027

NARUC Professional Development
Track: Accounting & Rate Design

March 16, 17, 18, 2027 2-4 PM Eastern, Live online

Overview

This course provides an introduction to the processes, general principles, and terms used by regulated utilities in financial accounting and reporting. It is a recommended precursor to NARUC Rate School.

Fees:

NARUC State, Associate, and Federal Members: $265
Other State, Federal Government, and International Agencies / NASUCA Members / Academia: $465
All Others: $665

Registration will open November 19.

 

If you are interested in the NARUC Spring 2027 Rate School PLUS discounted access to the Essentials of Utility Accounting & Ratemaking (March 16, 17, 18, 2027, 2-4 pm Eastern) and How to Read and Analyze a Rate Case (April 6, 7, 8, 2027, 2-4 pm Eastern), registration for the bundle option should be done via the NARUC Rate School Registration. Please sign up for the Advance Notice List for early information. Please note that availability for Rate School is limited.

NARUC is not able to issue refunds or convert to the bundle option if an attendee purchases this online course separately and not through the Rate School bundle.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Public Utility Accounting and the FERC Uniform System of Accounts (USoA)

  • What is a Public Utility and how are they regulated?
  • What is the role of the FERC Uniform System of Accounting in Public Utility Regulation?

Day 2: Rate of Return Regulation and the Revenue Requirement Process

  • What is Traditional Rate of Return Regulation and Ratemaking
  • Calculating the Revenue Requirement
    • Operating Expenses
    • Rate Base
    • Capital Structure and Return

Day 3: Calculating the Revenue Requirement — An Illustrative Example

  • Examples of USoA accounting statements 

Instructor: Bill Steele, Bill Steele & Associates. Bill has over 40 years of experience in public utility regulation, with specific expertise in revenue requirements, cost allocation, class cost-of-service studies, rate design, alternative forms of regulation, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Steele spent over 30 years at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), where he was an advisor to the Commissioners, an expert witness, and the supervisor of financial analysts.