WPUI’s Annual Flagship Program
– Since 1982 –
October 5-9
Hybrid Program
Attend In Person or Online
In-Person venue:
Pyle Center
702 Langdon St.
University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus
Madison WI 53706
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.
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. 5
Overview of Electric Industry
Utility Company Models
Public Service Commissions
ISO/Regional State Committees
Tuesday Oct. 6
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. 7
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. 8
Natural Gas
A Day in the Life of a Gas Company
Getting Work Done with a Smaller Carbon Footprint and Enabling Technologies
Friday Oct. 9
Getting Work Done with a Smaller Carbon Footprint and Enabling Technologies, continued
Legal Issues
Nuclear Energy
Possible Optional In-Person Tour – Awaiting Confirmation
(For In-Person Registrants Only)
Hotel Courtesy Blocks
- Hilton Garden Inn
- 770 Regent St.
- $189/night
- 608-251-9588
- Room block name: EUB WPUI 2026
- Block expires 9/4/2026
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- 525 W. Johnson St.
- $185/night
- 608-251-5511
- At check in, inquire about shuttle service to the Pyle Center.
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2026
- Block expires 9/19/2026
- Best Western Plus InnTowner
- 2424 University Ave.
- $138/night
- 608-233-8778
- At check in, inquire about shuttle service to the Pyle Center.
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2026
- Block expires 9/10/2026
- Graduate by Hilton
- 601 Langdon St.
- $209/night
- 608-257-4931
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2026
- Block expires 9/4/2026
- Hampton Inn & Suites Madison Downtown
- 440 W. Johnson St.
- $199/night
- 608-255-0360
- Room block name: WPUI EUB 2026
- Block expires 9/5/2026
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 2026 Programs
February 18
Members-only Opportunity: Short-Term Energy Outlook for 2026 - Online Program
3-Part Series
Grid Under Pressure: Understanding the Data Center Surge - Online Programs
-
March 3
Strategic Load Integration - Managing Data Center Load Growth and Coordination -
September 22
Deep Dive - Affordability, Nuclear and Environmental Nexus -
November 4
Forward Look - Cybersecurity, Resilience, Infrastructure Cost-sharing and Regulatory Innovation