Center for Business and RegulationPhotos of UIS Students and Faculty

Advanced Gas Rates and Regulatory Issues Course

Register Online October 8 -10, 2012
Gleacher Center, University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

This intensive, 2 ½ day program focuses on complex pricing policy issues affecting a changing natural gas regulatory landscape.  Advanced rate design and regulatory topics related to utility infrastructure, energy efficiency, cost recovery, and alternatives to traditional cost of service ratemaking will be covered in depth.   Strategic management of a gas distribution utility’s rate case is the ultimate goal of the course.

Program Information

Course Objectives

The objectives of this program are to further the rate design knowledge and skills developed in the AGA’s introductory rates course, and to learn how business strategies, communications, and regulatory relations intertwine and impact a gas distribution utility’s ratemaking and regulatory policies.

Expert utility instructors and industry leaders in legal, regulatory, and ratemaking matters teach the individual sessions of the course.  The sessions will emphasize interactive participation, the use of real-world case studies, and role playing techniques to maximize participants’ learning experience.

The format includes instruction from speakers with first-hand, practical experience in:

  • Effective Rate Case Management
  • Advanced Cost of Service Techniques
  • Contemporary Rate Design and Pricing Concepts
  • Current Issues in Cost of Capital
  • Managing Utility Business and Regulatory Risks
  • Balancing the Utility’s Regulatory Compact
  • Rate Case Communications with Utility Stakeholders
  • Best Practices in Managing the Discovery Process

Who Should Attend?

This program is offered to professional staff of firms in the natural gas industry.  Enrollment is limited to 70 participants to ensure there is ample opportunity to participate actively in the individual sessions.

Although the introductory course is not a prerequisite for this program, participants should be experienced or knowledgeable in basic rate design concepts in a regulated network industry.

Cost

ALL employees of AGA member companies, including Canadian and international members, pipeline members, and associate members, receive the member company discounted price of $1150.  Non-members of AGA pay the full fee of $1400. 

Continuing Education

This course is expected to qualify for continuing professional educations credits for accountants and lawyers.

Location and Accommodations

This course is conducted at the Gleacher Center just off North Michigan Avenue. Many name brand business hotels are within walking distance of the Gleacher Center, and attendees are welcome to choose among them.

Getting to Gleacher Center

The University of Chicagos Gleacher Center is located at 450 North City Front Plaza Drive just east of North Michigan Avenue on Chicagos Magnificent Mile. To find directions, information on parking, and mass transit visit the Gleacher Center web site.

Registration and More Course Information

Registration can be done on-line or fill out this registration form (pdf) and send in via e-mail or US Mail.

Contact Information

American Gas Association:Cynthia Marple

University of Illinois: Dr. Karl McDermott