Annual Regulatory Studies Program (CAMP): The Fundamentals

About the program

This set of essential courses (affectionately known as the “Camp” program) is designed specifically to meet the educational needs of regulatory professionals, particularly those working at state and federal commissions and other public-sector and not-for-profit organizations. The Institute’s highly experienced program faculty members are drawn from various academic, governmental, and other organizations. Interactive presentations cover all aspects of the regulatory process, as applied generally and particularly to electricity, natural gas, and water sectors. Attendees receive a certificate of completion from Michigan State University and the program is consistently eligible for CLE and CPE credits in most jurisdictions, as well as credit toward IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education (CCRE).

Program benefits

The Annual Regulatory Studies Program:

Is designed specifically and exclusively for regulators and other public-sector policy-makers.
Creates a unique opportunity for total immersion in modern regulatory theory, institutions, and processes.
Takes a neutral and reasoned approach to contemporary structural and regulatory change.
Provides an opportunity to learn from highly skilled experts from various disciplines and backgrounds.
Facilitates the formation of life-long networks among professional colleagues in the regulatory policy field.

Program format

The Annual Regulatory Studies Program is grounded in sound regulatory theory and established practices. The curriculum is comprehensive and intensive, focusing on the foundations and fundamentals of utility regulation. The program emphasizes the disciplines and skills essential for participating in an increasingly demanding and complex regulatory process. Core economic, legal, accounting, finance, and policy theories and concepts are introduced. The Fundamentals Course is especially suited to attendees relatively new to utility regulation.

Program learning objectives

Fundamental Course

To understand the core theory, principles, and practices of public utility regulation and ratemaking.
To understand the roles of law, economics, and finance in utility regulation.
To understand the implications of regulatory modifications and alternatives.
To understand the relevance of ethics to regulatory institutions.
To compare and contrast the utility sectors- electricity, gas, and water.

Program Level: The fundamentals course is classified as "basic" and no prerequisites apply.

Prerequisites: No prerequisites are required to attend this course.

Delivery Format: The program delivery method is classified as a “group-live” event and consists primarily of lectures by experienced professionals, including examples and opportunities for discussion. Active learning and participation are encouraged. Instructors are accessible for individual assistance throughout the program.

Fundamentals Topics

Introduction to public utility Regulation and ratemaking
Economic fundamentals of regulation
Legal fundamentals of regulation
Finance fundamentals of regulation
The public utility sectors compared
Regulatory incentives and utility performance
Regulatory independence and ethics

Come back to campus

As a leading provider of continuing education in our field, IPU welcomes new and “experienced” campers and the program provides a great opportunity to reflect and refresh. The Summer Program curriculum builds on a tradition of knowledge and experience while incorporating new developments in the regulatory field. The fundamentals course can be used to revisit the fundamentals, the basic “why and how” of economic regulation in the contemporary context. Concurrent tracks in the industry sectors and special workshops provide opportunities for immersion in new issues. Even for those who have attended IPU programs in the past, lifelong learners will find that coming back to Summer Program will be a professionally enjoyable and beneficial experience. And keep in mind that the IPU Accounting and Ratemaking Course is eligible for continuing education credits as well as IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education, details of which are available at www.ipu.msu.edu.

Continuing education credits

The instructional hours for the program are indicated on the agenda and a personal attendance form that you can use to certify your attendance for continuing education purposes. If you would like IPU-MSU to certify your attendance for continuing education purposes, please complete the form and turn it in at the conclusion of the program.

IPU programs are NASBA approved for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits in accounting. For Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and other credits, attendees must submit application materials to their certifying body. IPU will provide a confirmation letter and certificate based on reported attendance and program hours.

Attendees from the public and nonprofit sectors will also earn credit toward IPU’s Certificate of Continuing Regulatory Education (CCRE). Please visit ipu.msu.edu/ccre for details.