Wisconsin Public Utility Institute
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Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals & RTO Advanced 2026

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

APRIL 13-15:
RTO Fundamentals

APRIL 15-17:
RTO Advanced

Hybrid Programs
* Required selection:  In-Person or Online Attendance *

decorative image

Pyle Center on the university of wisconsin-Madison campus showing trees, shrubs, 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 04.03.2026.

Important Dates:

Early Bird Fees end 03.13.2026
In-Person Attendance — Regular Fees 03.14.2026 through 04.03.2026
Online Attendance — Regular Fees 03.14.2026 through 04.09.2026

RTO Fundamentals

April 13-15

WPUI Member or
Government (non-utility):
Early Bird: $940/Regular $1,040

Non-Member:
Early Bird: $1,240/Regular $1,340

Red rectangular button with white text which reads "registration" and which is linked to the registration page for this program.

RTO Advanced

April 15-17

WPUI Member or
Government (non-utility):
Early Bird: $940/Regular $1,040

Non-Member:
Early Bird: $1,240/Regular $1,340

Red rectangular button with white text which reads "registration" and which is linked to the registration page for this program.

Both Programs

April 13-17

WPUI Member or
Government (non-utility):
Early Bird: $1,490/Regular $1,590

Non-Member:
Early Bird: $2,015/Regular $2,115

Red rectangular button with white text which reads "registration" and which is linked to the registration page for this program.

Draft Agendas will be added.

May include both in-person and remote speakers.

CEUs or Continuing Education Units

  • RTO Fundamentals:  1.5 CEUs
  • RTO Advanced:  1.2 CEUs
  • Both Programs:  2.7 CEUs

Hotel Courtesy Blocks

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 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

RTO Fundamentals and RTO Advanced 2026 flyer

Click to download the flyer.

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 10
Public Utilities Law Update 2026 - In-Person Program
April 13-17
Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals and RTO Advanced - Hybrid Program
June TBD
Members-only Opportunity: Nuclear Update - Online Program
October 5-9
Energy Utility Basics 2026 - Hybrid Program
November TBD
Members-only Opportunity: Monitoring for Wastewater Contaminants  - Online Program

Registration information for WPUI’s March 31-April 4, 2025, Regional Transmission Organization Fundamentals
& RTO Advanced programs

Substitutions are allowed within the same organization only and must be made by COB 03.13.2025.
Cancellations made before COB 02.28.2025 will be refunded all but $150. Cancellations made  03.01.2025 through 03.13.2025 will receive a 50% refund.
No refunds will be given or substitutions will be allowed 03.14.2025 or after.
Registration fee payments must be received before the program begins.
See the Registration Information page for additional details.