CESAC Utility Regulatory Training (Rate School)
Spring 2026 in partnership with New Jersey Utility Association
The CESAC Utility Regulatory Training (Rate School) is an intensive professional development program designed to equip utility practitioners and public sector professionals with a strong understanding of utility regulation and ratemaking principles. The course comprises structured sessions over five days, featuring expert-led lectures, real-world case studies and mock cases, and hands-on practical exercises delivered by leading industry experts, regulators, and academic professionals. The training program will be held from April 27 to May 1, 2026, at Sheraton Edison, New Jersey.
This training will provide participants with in-depth knowledge of utility regulation, rate case procedures, and financial analysis essential for regulators, utility professionals, and stakeholders. Participants will explore the regulatory framework governing electricity, gas, and water utilities, master revenue requirements and rate design principles, and gain practical experience through mock rate case exercises. The training covers critical topics including PJM market operations, test year accounting, cost of service analysis, and emerging challenges such as decarbonization requirements and data center impacts on utility infrastructure. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with the analytical tools and regulatory expertise needed to effectively engage in utility rate proceedings and policy development.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the regulatory principles that guide utility ratemaking and rate setting.
- Interpret financial statements of regulated utilities and assess their regulatory implications.
- Apply analytical tools used in ratemaking, including how test year selection and revenue requirement determination.
- Examine the principles and processes used to develop the utility’s rate base.
- Develop a mock rate case using sample adjustments in the ratemaking process.
- Calculate the rate base, revenue requirement, and learn rate design for a regulated utility.
- Demonstrate knowledge of operating expenses, trackers, depreciation, and taxes in regulated utility ratemaking.
- Review and adjust utility income statements for regulatory purposes.
- Assess utility capital structure, including weighted average cost of capital, rate of return, and return on equity.
- Explain the impacts of cost of capital and return metrics on revenue requirements and investor perspective.
- Understand consumer perspectives and policy considerations in utility rate decisions.
- Apply cost allocation methodologies and compare alternative rate designs.
- Gain exposure to emerging approaches, including performance-based ratemaking.
Who should Attend?
CESAC Rate School is designed for professionals involved in, or impacted by, the utility ratemaking and regulatory process, including:
- State and municipal utility commissioners and policymakers
- Public utility commission and regulatory agency staff
- Municipal utility officials
- Administrative law judges and legal professionals
- Accountants, auditors, and financial analysts
- Consumer advocates and policy advisors
- Engineers and economists working in regulated utility environments
- Journalist and analysts covering utility finance and regulation.