Event Profile

Introduction to Rates and Cost of Service

Date(s):
February 19 — 20, 2025
Venue:
Northwest Public Power Association
Description:

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 rate-making decisions.
  • Apply practical knowledge to develop rates through hands-on exercises.
  • Communicate rate changes effectively to boards, staff, and consumers.

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 
Ask for the NWPPA rate for 15% off advertised prices.
 

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 1/19/2025): $640
Utility Member Standard: $715

Associate Member Early Bird (ends 1/19/2025): $960
Associate Member Standard: $1,035

Non-Member Early Bird (ends 1/19/2025): $1,280
Non-Member Standard: $1,355

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 webinarsvirtual classes, and section meetings: cancellations at least five days prior to the event will receive a full refund; within 1-4 days or no show, the charge will be 100% of the registration fee. 

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.

For More Information:

To find out more about this event, or to learn about other events, view the Training and Event Catalog.