Advanced Rate Design for Utilities

As electrification, distributed energy resources (DERs), and evolving customer needs transform the energy system, utility rate design faces unprecedented complexity. Traditional pricing models are no longer sufficient to ensure fairness, reliability, and financial sustainability in this rapidly changing landscape.

The Advanced Rate Design Conference brings together utility leaders, regulators, advocates, and rate design experts to discuss these challenges. Over two days, participants will explore practical case studies, innovative regulatory approaches, and cutting-edge ideas that are shaping the future of electricity rates.

From optimizing Time-of-Use structures, addressing equity for low-income customers, and integrating emerging technologies like solar and EVs, to aligning incentives with utility innovation, this summit offers the tools and insights utilities need to adapt rate design for a clean, equitable energy future.

Register now to gain actionable strategies and collaborate with peers on the next generation of rate design.

Key Topics Include:

• Behavioral insights comparing opt-in versus opt-out Time-of-Use (TOU) structures and strategies to maximize customer participation
• Emerging rate models such as subscription pricing, shadow pricing, and dynamic baselines tailored for a DER-dominant future
• Performance-based regulation and incentive mechanisms that link metrics to measurable grid modernization and reliability outcomes
• Strategies to evolve rate designs alongside electrification technologies like heat pumps, induction stoves, and electric vehicles
• Approaches to transform low-income rate discounts into true energy justice tools, leveraging customer affordability and preference data
• Case studies demonstrating practical implementation of regulatory directives and stakeholder engagement
• Interactive simulations on customer load profiles incorporating solar, storage, and EV adoption to inform grid planning and fair rate design
• Innovative rate designs addressing the needs of large load customers, including hyperscale data centers and industrial electrification
• Regulatory perspectives on upcoming priorities and reforms shaping the next generation of rate design

• Analyze the key differences and implications of fixed charges, demand-based rates, and dynamic pricing in modern residential electricity rate structures.
• Evaluate how novel rate designs like subscription rates, shadow pricing, and dynamic baseline rates can effectively balance affordability, grid reliability, and decarbonization in a DER- and electrification-driven energy future.
• Apply the principles of performance-based regulation and performance incentive mechanisms to design utility business models that promote innovation, align with policy goals, and enhance grid reliability.
• Discuss how Ameren implements PUC-directed rate design reforms through coordinated internal processes and stakeholder engagement to align utility operations with regulatory and state energy goals.
• Develop rate designs based on data-driven analysis of customer load profiles integrating solar, storage, and EV adoption to optimize customer behavior, grid reliability, and fairness.
• Compare insights from low-income and Gen-Z consumers to assess how electricity rate structures impact energy affordability and inform equitable rate design strategies.
• Explain how time-varying rates can facilitate grid services participation through virtual power plants and demand response programs.
• Evaluate emerging rate design approaches—such as demand charges, special contracts, and performance-based incentives—to balance the needs of large load customers with equity and grid reliability.
• Analyze current regulatory priorities and challenges to anticipate emerging trends and innovations in rate design reform across multiple jurisdictions.