NARUC Professional Development
Track: Gas
October 20, 21, 22, 2026, 2-4 PM Eastern
Fundamentals of Gas Regulation provides an introduction to natural gas utility operations and regulation in the United States. This course follows the natural gas industry from production to end use. It focuses on the way in which natural gas is produced and delivered, pipeline safety and security, decarbonized resources, energy efficiency programs, and state and federal regulation. Students will learn the basics of natural gas utility regulation, including alternative regulation plans and will gain an understanding of new and innovative resources like hydrogen and renewable natural gas.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Fees:
NARUC State, Associate, and Federal Members: $265
Other State, Federal Government, and International Agencies / NASUCA Members / Academia: $465
All Others: $665
Course Outline
Day 1: Industry Fundamentals & Physical Infrastructure
Focus: Understanding how natural gas is produced, transported, stored, and physically brought to market.
Day 2: Market Operations, Jurisdictions & Economic Ratemaking
Focus: Navigating the commercial realities, market rules, and legal frameworks that govern natural gas transactions and pricing.
Day 3: Safety, Security & The Environmental Transition
Focus: Compliance, operations management, and adapting the natural gas sector to a decarbonizing economy.
Instructors
Juan Alvarado, Managing Director, Energy Analysis, American Gas Association
Mr. Alvarado provides economic analysis on the gas industry, focusing on affordability, efficiency, regulatory, and policy matters. Before joining the AGA, Juan was the Director of the Telecommunications, Gas, and Water Division and the Director of Economic Analysis at the Maryland Public Service Commission. In those roles, Juan and his team advised the Commission on revenue requirements, cost of capital, cost of service, rate design, economics and telecom, gas, and water industry policy and developments. Juan holds a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an M.A. in Industrial Economics from Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, Spain. Additionally, Juan is a Certified Rate of Return Analyst through the Society of Utility Regulatory Financial Analysts (“SURFA”).
Karl A. McDermott, PhD, Ameren Distinguished Professor of Business and Government, University of Illinois, Springfield; Special Consultant to National Economic Research Associates, Inc. (NERA)
Dr. McDermott has been working in the field of public utility regulation for thirty years with experience in nearly every facet of the regulation of public utilities. From 1999 through March 2008, he was a Vice President at NERA in its Chicago office. Prior to joining NERA Dr. McDermott served as a Commissioner on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
Marc Stubel, Manager, System Integrity, Elizabethtown Gas (NJ)