Who Should Attend:
Financial analysts, rate managers, board members, and other utility professionals responsible for financial planning, rate development, or policymaking.
Overview:
During this course, you will learn the concepts behind cost-of-service studies and utility rate development. You will also gain insight into gathering and analyzing data to produce rate options for decision-makers, guided by the perspectives of experienced consultants and utility insiders.
Note: Attendees should bring a laptop, as the course includes interactive Excel-based exercises.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Clearly define and use key rate and cost-of-service terminology.
- Explain the purpose and impact of utility rates on the company and consumers.
- Identify and source the necessary data for conducting cost-of-service and rate studies.
- Assess how operational, financial, and philosophical policies shape ratemaking decisions.
- Apply practical knowledge to develop rates through hands-on exercises.
- Communicate rate changes effectively to boards, staff, and consumers.
Instructors:
Chris Krieck, Administrative Services Manager, Salem Electric; and Sergey Tarasov, Principal, FCS
Schedule:
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time, and the class will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Location:
Northwest Public Power Association
9817 NE 54th Street, Suite 200
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 254-0109
Suggested Hotels:
Heathman Lodge
7801 NE Greenwood Drive
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 254-3100
Room rate: $99
Residence Inn Portland Vancouver
411 SE 123rd Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 892-4404
Ask for the NWPPA group discount.
Fees:
Utility Member Early Bird (ends 1/17/2026): $810
Utility Member Standard: $920
Associate Member Early Bird (ends 1/17/2026): $1,210
Associate Member Standard: $1,320
Non-Member Early Bird (ends 1/17/2026): $1,620
Non-Member Standard: $1,730
Canadian utility members, please contact registration@nwppa.org for pricing and to register.
Note: Organizations that register a group of employees will receive every fifth registration for free. For example, if you register five employees, you only pay for four; register 10 employees, you only pay for eight; and so on. There is nothing additional you need to do to receive this discount.
Cancellation Policy:
For in-person events: cancellations at least 30 days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 15-29 days there will be a $100 fee; and within 1-14 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee.
When possible, please send a substitute instead of canceling; NWPPA does not charge a fee for substitutions. To request a refund, please contact us at registration@nwppa.org or (360) 254-0109.
Continuing Hours:
This course qualifies for 12 continuing hours. Certificates are issued upon full completion of the course.