Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals & RTO Advanced 2025

Wisconsin Public Utility Institute logo bearing the UW System gold, red, and white crest and the Institute and University names in white font.

March 31-April 2, 2025:
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals

April 2-4, 2025:
RTO Advanced

 

Hybrid programs

Pyle Center on the UW-Madison campus with trees and bushes and people walking on the sidewalk on a sunny day.


In-Person venue:
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus
Madison WI 53706


Course synopses

 

Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals and RTO Advanced are intensive annual courses critical to understanding regional transmission organizations in North America. Learning how and why RTOs were created, what their many functions are today, how transmission planning is conducted, how resource adequacy is managed, how the system maintains operational reliability, and how financial markets operate will provide those new to the industry with critical knowledge and industry veterans with the chance to expand their expertise. Content is updated annually as the industry evolves.

Course Summary: RTO Fundamentals will provide foundational knowledge on all aspects of North American RTO markets, from their history through current issues and planning for the future. RTO Advanced will deepen that knowledge, including looking more closely at current issues, discussing FERC Orders, looking at what’s next, and more. Expert instructors from RTOs, utilities, consumer groups, regulators, market monitors, academics, and more will provide a wide range of perspectives and opportunities for questions and discussion during both courses.

Benefits: In addition to the extensive learning opportunities, attendees will have opportunities to network during receptions and throughout the course with fellow attendees, expert instructors, and Wisconsin Public Utility Institute board members. Continuing education credit will be available.

Who Should Attend: Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals is intended for those new to the industry as well as anyone seeking to develop an understanding of RTOs in North America. RTO Advanced is intended for those looking to more deeply explore that foundational knowledge. Past attendee lists have included utility employees; legislative and regulatory staff; federal, state and local government personnel; consumer and trade-industry groups; industry-affiliated attorneys; university staff/students and others. Registration is open to the public.

 

Registration information

  • Registration must be made in advance.
  • Completing registration and payment online is preferred.
  • Invoicing requests by governmental entities: wpuioffice@wpui.wisc.edu
  • Required selection:  In-Person or Online Attendance.
  • Attendance selection may be changed through COB 03.21.2025.

Agenda

All times are Central.
May include both in-person and remote speakers.


CEUs or Continuing Education Units

  • RTO Fundamentals:  1.4 CEUs
  • RTO Advanced:  1.2 CEUs
  • Both Programs:  2.6 CEUs

Included in your registration

  • Registration for In-Person Attendance
    • Daily breaks and lunches
    • Networking Receptions with light appetizers
    • Access to daily web conference credentials
    • Online access to relevant program materials
    • Professional education credit 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 confirmed by a Continuing Education Certificate
Multi-monitor control room wall inside the Carmel Indiana headquarters of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator.

Upcoming Programs

October 26, 2026
Members-only Event: Overview of the Nuclear Industry - Online 
Grid Under Pressure Series: Understanding the Data Center Surge
November 18, 2026
Members-only Event: Wastewater Surveillance - Online
April 12-16, 2027
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals & RTO Advanced - Hybrid
October 18-22, 2027
Energy Utility Basics - Hybrid
April 3-7, 2028
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals & RTO Advanced - Hybrid
September 25-29, 2028
Energy Utility Basics - Hybrid