The current regulatory environment makes the filing of new rate cases more challenging than ever before. The changes impacting utilities range from major shifts in governmental and regulatory policies and priorities, to evolving technologies, increasing emphasis upon environmental effects, and volatile fuel costs. Our evolution into a smart grid world is creating both potential opportunities as well as additional risks for utilities. Future test year filings will prove to be much different than the past. You may need to provide adequate energy efficiency and demand response programs in your integrated portfolio of products. You may have to offer renewable programs. You may have to find ways to cushion the impacts on your already stressed industrial and commercial customers. And how will the regulators respond to all of these new initiatives?

With the rapid advent of the Smart Grid into our industry lexicon, stakeholders are expecting utilities to demonstrate how the products and services they are offering encourage energy efficiency, demand response and conservation. But don’t these activities run counter to the objectives of increasing earnings and margin coverage? How are you going to grow the business? How can companies inter-weave demand response and company earnings targets into a cohesive regulatory strategy? What are some of the more innovative programs and tariffs now being offered by some utilities? In addition, many utilities are now moving towards non-traditional rate recovery mechanisms. A variety of approaches are being considered – we'll talk about many of the more successful programs and how rate making is changing.

This conference will introduce and hone your skills and awareness of current issues and critical success factors involved in preparing a rate case today. It is also supported by case study experiences and will encourage participants to ask candid questions about strategies, experiences, and what the future holds for regulation and successful rate case development. And, not to be overlooked, you will have plenty of time for networking.

Who Should Attend

This conference is suited to commissioners, commission staff, regulatory affairs managers, rate case managers, legal counsel, cost of service analysts, load research specialists, rate designers, financial analysts, accountants, those responsible for setting regulatory strategy, for communicating a clear understanding of rate case proceedings, and those overseeing the rate case development process.

The Early Bird price for this conference is USD $1,195.00. After October 09, 2009 the price will be USD $1,395.00.