Energy Utility Basics 2027
October 18-22
Hybrid Program
Attend In Person or Online
In-Person venue:
Fluno Center
601 University Ave.
University of Wisconsin–Madison Campus
WPUI’s Annual Flagship Program
– Since 1982 –
Course Synopsis
Energy Utility Basics is an intensive course on the fundamental concepts critical to being conversant in today’s energy industry. Course content is updated yearly as technology, regulation and markets evolve. WPUI has proudly presented this exceptional course each fall since 1983.
Course Summary: Participants will receive an overview of the history of the electric and natural gas industries, insights into regulatory decision-making, analysis of the current issues facing the energy industry, and more.
Benefits: Attendees will obtain practical knowledge of the operations and technology of the electricity and natural gas industries from extraction, whether from the ground or from renewables, to the customer’s bill.
Who Should Attend: The energy industry has undergone substantial changes, including changes in hiring practices. Twenty years ago, utility industry staff would learn about the industry by working their way up through the ranks. In today’s fast-moving business environment, staff often are hired from other industries, bringing along important skill sets but lacking a working knowledge of the energy industry.
Energy Utility Basics is intended for anyone working in the energy industry, including public interest groups, utility employees, legislative staff, regulatory staff, state and local government personnel. This course is for energy professionals, both those new to the industry as well as those assuming new responsibilities, who want a better grasp of how all the technological, financial, and administrative pieces of the energy puzzle fit together. Registration is open to the public.
Registration
Registration must be made in advance.
Completing registration and payment online is preferred.
Invoicing requests: wpuioffice@wpui.wisc.edu
IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE FEES:
- WPUI Member: $1,490/$1,590
- Non-Member: $2,015/$2,115
- Government (non-utility): $1,350/$1,450
(Early Bird ends 08.28.2026/Regular 08.29.2026-09.18.2026)
ONLINE ATTENDANCE FEES:
- WPUI Member: $1,100/$1,200
- Non-Member: $1,650/$1,750
- Government (non-utility): $1,025/$1,125
(Early Bird ends 08.28.2026/Regular 08.29.2026 – 9.30.2026)
Draft Agenda
The draft agenda will be added, It may include both in-person and remote speakers.
CEUs or Continuing Education Units
CEUs will be available for both In-Person and Online Attendance for each program.
Monday Oct 18
Overview of Electric Industry
Utility Company Models
Public Service Commissions
ISO/Regional State Committees
Tuesday Oct 19
Energy and Electricity
Electric Utility Business Systems
A Day in the Life of a Transmission Operator
A Day in the Life of a Distribution Company
Costing and Pricing
Wednesday Oct 20
Fixed-cost Recovery Issues
Performance-Based Regulation
Utility Stock Prices
Consumer Advocate & the Rate Case Process
Changing Customer Expectations
Overview of Madison Gas and Electric’s Renewables Projects
Optional In-Person Tour
(For In-Person Registrants Only)
University of Wisconsin–Madison Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant
Thursday Oct 21
Natural Gas
A Day in the Life of a Gas Company
Getting Work Done with a Smaller Carbon Footprint and Enabling Technologies
Friday Oct 22
Getting Work Done with a Smaller Carbon Footprint and Enabling Technologies, continued
Legal Issues
Nuclear Energy
Optional In-Person Tour
(For In-Person Registrants Only)
Possible Optional In-Person Tour – Awaiting Confirmation
Hotel Courtesy Blocks
- Fluno Center
- 601 University Ave.
- $180/night
- 608-441-7117
- Room block name:
- Block expires 9/30/2027
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- 525 W. Johnson St.
- $180/night
- 608-251-5511
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2027
- Block expires 9/30
- Hotel Walking Map
- Graduate Madison by Hilton
- 601 Langdon St.
- $189/night
- 608-257-4931
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2027
- Block expires 9/17
- Hotel Walking Map
- Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown
- 440 W. Johnson St.
- $199/night
- 608-255-0360
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2027
- Block expires 9/17
- Hotel Walking Map
Included in your registration
- Registration for In-Person Attendance
- Daily breaks and lunches
- Networking Reception with light appetizers
- Optional In-Person tours
- Access to daily web conference credentials
- Online access to relevant program materials
- Professional education credit from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, confirmed by a Continuing Education Certificate
- Registration for Online Attendance
- Access to daily web conference credentials
- Online access to relevant program materials
- Professional education credit from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, confirmed by a Continuing Education Certificate
Upcoming Programs
November 18, 2026
Members-only Event: Wastewater Surveillance: Monitoring Community Health Through Utility Infrastructure – Hybrid
March 16, 2027
Public Utilities Law Update – In Person
April 12-16, 2027
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals and RTO Advanced 2027 – Hybrid
October 18-22, 2027
Energy Utility Basics 2027– Hybrid
April 3-7, 2028
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals and RTO Advanced 2028 – Hybrid
September 25-29, 2028
Energy Utility Basics 2028 – Hybrid
Completed Programs
February 18
WPUI Members-only Opportunity: Short-Term Energy Outlook for 2026 – Online
Grid Under Pressure Series: Understanding the Data Center Surge
- March 3
Strategic Load Integration – Managing Data Center Load Growth and Coordination – Online - September 22
Deep Dive – Affordability, Nuclear and Environmental Nexus – Online - November 4, 2026
Forward Look – Cybersecurity, Resilience, Infrastructure Cost-sharing and Regulatory Innovation – Online
March 10
Public Utilities Law Update – In Person
April 13-17
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals and RTO Advanced – Hybrid
May 11-13
OMS Resource Adequacy Summit – Hybrid
October 5-9
Energy Utility Basics 2026 – Hybrid
October 8
Members-only Event: Energy, Housing and Health – Hybrid
October 26, 2026
Members-only Event: Future of the Nuclear Industry – Online
Registration information for WPUI’s October 18-22, 2027, Energy Utility Basics program
Substitutions are allowed within the same organization only and must be made by COB xx.xx.2027.
Cancellations made before COB xx.xx.2027 will be refunded all but $150.
Cancellations made xx.xx.2027 through xx.xx.2027 will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be given or substitutions will be allowed xx.xx.2027 or after.
Registration fee payments must be received before the program begins.
See the Registration Information page for additional details.