NARUC Professional Development
Track: Communications & Leadership
May 4, 5, 6, 2026, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM ET each day
In today’s high-stakes utility landscape, communication failures can be as damaging as operational ones. Utility commissions, senior leaders, and public information officers are increasingly at the center of volatile public debates about rising rates, grid reliability, climate policy, cyber threats, and storm recovery — with intense political and media scrutiny. This course uses real-world case studies and interactive strategy drills to prepare participants to communicate effectively when public trust is at stake.
Fees:
Dues-Paying Members / Associate & Federal Members: $250
State, Federal, and International Agencies / NASUCA Members / Academia: $450
All Others: $650
Registration will open soon.
Course Outline:
Lead Instructor:
Nils Hagen-Frederiksen, Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Nils is a trusted communicator with over three decades of experience navigating high-pressure communications in government, public service, and journalism. At the PA PUC he manages strategic messaging, crisis communications, and media response for one of the country’s largest utility regulatory agencies. He has led communications efforts related to cybersecurity incidents, fatal storm-related service interruptions, water and wastewater utility failures, high-profile rate cases, and sweeping energy transitions. Previously, Nils served as: Communications Director for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Press Secretary for two Pennsylvania Governors, Spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Office of General Counsel and various statewide campaigns, External communications lead for a global health nonprofit,, and earlier in his career, a journalist, anchor, and statehouse news bureau chief.