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FERC Transmission Ratemaking

October 27 - 28, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“I liked how this training was directly related to a course I just took for my Electric Energy Systems certification. It was great to see what I learned previously was directly related.”

Engineer 1, Transmission Planning, PNM

“This course gave a great background on the need for, and development of Transmission rates and the role they play throughout the country. This is a great course for a wide range of participants, particularly those newer to transmission ratemaking, but provided value for more experienced professionals as well.”

Pricing & Rates - Lead, OPPD

A great course for those looking to develop a deep understanding of MISO rate making.”

Senior Analyst, Transmission Economic and Policy Analyst, Hoosier Energy

As transmission investment accelerates to support electrification, renewable integration, and large-load growth, FERC ratemaking is operating under increasing structural pressure. Utilities and regulators are expected to deliver just and reasonable rates while navigating rising capital costs, evolving reliability risks, and new federal directives that are actively reshaping planning and cost allocation frameworks. At the same time, foundational ratemaking tools (cost-of-service principles, formula rates, and USofA accounting) are being applied to system conditions that are more complex, uncertain, and contested than ever before. This course focuses on how those frameworks are applied in practice, and where the most critical regulatory and analytical pressure points now sit.

Interactive Discussion Includes:

  • Federal Power Act authority (Sections 205 and 206) and landmark orders (888, 1000, 1920) shape today’s transmission planning, open access requirements, and cost allocation outcomes.
  • How revenue requirements are constructed using the Uniform System of Accounts, and how rate base, ROE, depreciation, O&M, and tax adjustments are evaluated, challenged, and justified in FERC filings.
  • How annual updates, FERC Form No. 1 data, projection methodologies, true-ups, and discovery procedures function as recurring points of technical and regulatory review, not routine administrative filings.
  • How data centers, electrification, and industrial expansion are changing load forecasts, congestion patterns, and cost allocation debates across transmission planning and ratemaking.
  • How wildfire exposure, extreme weather, cyber risk, and evolving reliability standards are increasingly integrated into cost justification, system planning, and rate recovery frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze FERC’s statutory authority under the Federal Power Act and differentiate how Sections 205 and 206 shape wholesale electricity regulation and oversight
  • Construct a basic cost-of-service revenue requirement by applying rate base, ROE, depreciation, and expense components using regulatory accounting principles
  • Evaluate the structure and mechanics of FERC formula rates by interpreting inputs, identifying true-up adjustments, and tracing annual revenue requirement updates through a sample template
  • Organize core regulatory and ratemaking concepts and connect them to emerging operational and policy issues
  • Assess operational and rate impacts of large load interconnections by examining system constraints, planning implications, and real-world utility case applications
  • Compare interconnection queue processes and resource adequacy frameworks to determine how different approaches influence system reliability and capacity planning outcomes
  • Critically examine evolving transmission system risks, including climate, wildfire, and cyber threats, and prioritize mitigation strategies based on reliability and cost tradeoffs

Register

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 1295.00 each(early bird rate)
(price after October 16, 2026 is $ 1,495.00)
Volume pricing also available

Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility

Pack of 5 attendees$ 5,500.00 (15% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after October 16, 2026 is $ 6,530.00)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 10,360.00 (20% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after October 16, 2026 is $ 11,960.00)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 19,425.00 (25% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after October 16, 2026 is $ 22,425.00)

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before September 25, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

EUCI retains the right to refuse registration by any individual or company.

Day one

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Day two

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Agenda

Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In & Welcome

8:45 AM

Lunch Break

12:30 - 1:30 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:30 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In & Welcome

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Introduction to FERC’s Regulation of Electric Utilities

This session provides participants with a foundational understanding of FERC’s authority and the regulatory framework governing wholesale electricity sales and transmission. Attendees will explore how statutory provisions, administrative processes, and key rulemakings shape utility rate filings, transmission planning, and market operations.

Part II of the Federal Power Act (FPA): Regulation of Wholesale Sales and Transmission in Interstate Commerce

  • FPA Section 205: Utility rate filings – scope and process
  • FPA Section 206: Third-party complaints and FERC investigations

Rate Review Process

  • Administrative process for rate filings
  • Standards for ratemaking and judicial oversight

Landmark Rulemakings: Transmission

  • Order No. 888: Mandatory open access and the Pro Forma OATT
  • Order No. 2000: Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs)
  • Order No. 679: Incentive rate treatments for transmission projects
  • Order No. 1000: Regional and interregional transmission planning and cost allocation
  • Order No. 1920: Electric regional transmission planning and cost allocation
10:30 - 10:45 AM

Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:30 PM

Introduction to Cost-of-Service Rates

This session introduces participants to the key principles and components of cost-of-service ratemaking, providing a framework for understanding how revenue requirements and rates are developed. Attendees will learn to interpret accounting data, apply regulatory adjustments, and see these concepts in action through a hands-on transmission rate exercise.

Uniform System of Accounts (“USofA”)

  • Purpose, structure, and key account categories
  • Navigating the USofA: Roadmap for transmission rate analysis

Developing a Revenue Requirement and Rate Design

  • Rate base: what it is and how it’s calculated
  • Rate of return, including Return on Equity (ROE)
  • Depreciation methodology
  • Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Administrative & General (A&G) costs
  • Taxes and other regulatory adjustments
  • Billing determinants and allocation methods
12:30 - 1:30 PM

Lunch Break

1:30 - 3:45 PM

Formula Rates

This session explores the structure, history, and purpose of formula rates for FERC-jurisdictional services, highlighting their role in streamlining rate updates and ensuring transparency. Participants will examine the components of a sample formula rate and learn the process for annual updates, including true-ups, projections, and regulatory review procedures.

History and evolution of formula rates for FERC-jurisdictional services
Stated rates vs. formula rates – advantages and limitations
In-depth review of a sample formula rate

  • Populating values from FERC Form No. 1
  • Fixed values: ROE, depreciation rates, post-employment benefits (PBOPs)

Annual update process

  • Calculation of true-up adjustments
  • Projected costs and forecasted revenue requirements
  • Discovery and challenge procedures
  • FERC informational filing
3:45 - 4:00 PM

Afternoon Break

4:00 - 4:30 PM

Key Takeaways from Day One & Preview of Topics for Day Two

Agenda

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In

8:45 AM

Adjourn for the day

12:00 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Current Issues: Integration of Large Loads

This session examines the challenges and considerations involved in connecting large industrial and commercial loads to the transmission system. Participants will explore the operational, planning, and rate implications, illustrated with real-world case studies and practical lessons learned.         

  • Challenges in accommodating large industrial or commercial loads
  • Impacts on transmission network design and congestion management
  • Case studies on successful integration and lessons learned
  • Discussion of rate implications for utilities and end-users
10:00 - 10:45 AM

Current Issues: Generator Interconnection & Resource Adequacy

This session explores FERC policies and processes governing generator interconnections and the methods used to maintain resource adequacy. Participants will review queue management, interconnection studies, cost allocation, and practical examples of ensuring sufficient capacity and system reliability.

  • FERC policies and processes for generator interconnection
  • Queue management, interconnection studies, and cost allocation
  • Ensuring resource adequacy: capacity markets, planning reserves, and reliability metrics
  • Practical examples
10:45 - 11:00 AM

Morning Break

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Current Issues: Emerging Challenges

This session examines key reliability challenges and strategies for mitigating risks to the transmission system, including wildfire management and system hardening. Participants will also explore forecasting approaches, emerging threats such as cyber risks and climate impacts, and engage in discussion on balancing cost, reliability, and safety.

  • Reliability standards and enforcement (NERC, FERC)
  • Wildfire risk management and transmission system hardening
  • Forecasting load, generation, and extreme events
  • Emerging issues: cyber risks, climate resilience, and regulatory developments
  • Participant discussion: strategies for balancing cost, reliability, and safety

Instructor

John Wolfram

Principal

Catalyst Consulting LLC

John Wolfram is the founder and Principal of Catalyst Consulting LLC, specializing in utility rate cases, tariffs, FERC formula rates, and complex regulatory matters. He has over three decades of experience in electric and gas utility regulation, ratemaking, and market operations.

He began his career at PJM, where he implemented energy management systems and later developed new practices and tools to support FERC Orders No. 888 and 889 during the deregulation of wholesale electricity markets. At Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, he led regulatory affairs, rate cases, transmission siting, and strategic initiatives with FERC and state commissions.

Since founding Catalyst Consulting in 2012, Mr. Wolfram has provided expert testimony and strategic guidance to utilities on rate design, open access transmission tariffs, and regulatory compliance. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and frequently presents on FERC and ratemaking topics at national industry forums.

Education:
B.S., Electrical Engineering – University of Notre Dame
M.S., Electrical Engineering – Drexel University (Power Systems & Engineering Management)

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

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EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.9 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

 

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

 

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must log in each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the conference to be eligible for continuing education credit.

 

Instructional Methods

Presentations, group discussions, case study analysis, Q&A, scenario-based discussions, interactive polling, knowledge check, practical exercises and assignment.

CPE

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 10.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event. Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.

Who Should Attend

  • Transmission planners and engineers (utilities)
  • Regulatory affairs staff (utilities)
  • Utility finance and accounting professionals
  • Operations managers handling large loads
  • Independent power producers (IPPs) and developers
  • State utility regulators and staff
  • Federal agency energy staff (DOE, FERC liaison)
  • Legislative energy policy staff
  • Energy consultants and advisors
  • Legal/economic consultants for FERC compliance
  • ISO/RTO market and transmission staff
  • Academia and researchers in energy/electric power