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Center for Public Utilities (CPU)

A branch of the College of Business at New Mexico State University since 1978, the CPU provides training programs and current policy issues conferences to meet the needs of professionals employed at federal and state commissions, utility companies, and other stakeholders in the electricity, natural gas distribution, interstate pipeline, water utility and telecommunications industries. The CPU is one of only four university centers with programs endorsed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

The CPU is completely self-funded through conference and training program fees and by industry sponsorships. Over 500 people per year — from all 50 states as well as many foreign countries — attend the CPU training courses and current issues conferences held in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. See a list of our sponsors and information on how to become a sponsor.

The faculty working in the CPU have decades of hands-on experience in the regulatory arena including policy rulemaking proceedings, rate cases, and other contested matters before federal and state commissions. The CPU strives to become the leader, keeping industry and commissions in tune with the ever-changing market realities and challenging regulatory policies.

The CPU’s Advisory Council, comprised of regulatory utility commissioners and utility directors, gives valuable input into the content of CPU programs. 

Public Regulation Graduate Programs are offered 100% online synchronous through the College of Business and Global Campus:

  • Masters of Arts in Economics (MA) with a Concentration in Public Utility Policy & Regulation
  • Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Public Utility Policy & Regulation
  • Graduate Certificate: Public Utility Regulation & Economics (PURE)
NMSU is the only university in the United States that has both a NARUC-endorsed training programs as well as graduate degree programs with a concentration in public utilities regulation. 

 

Over 150 graduates are working in well-paid professional positions within utility companies and government regulatory agencies.
Learn more about careers in public utility regulation. CLICK HERE

Programs and Conferences

"The Basics"
"The Basics" Practical Regulatory Training for the Electric or Natural Gas Distribution (LDC) Industries cover the basics of industry technology, industry structure and regulation, revenue requirements, class cost-of-service studies, rate design and rate-case procedures. Each course offers topics on key issues facing that particular industry.

 


"The Basics" Training Courses ▸

Current Issues
Industry leaders and commissioners discuss issues facing the electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications industries. This conference is held every spring in New Mexico's State Capital, Santa Fe.

 

 

 


Current Issues Conference ▸

FERC Ratemaking

"The Basics" of FERC Ratemaking for the Natural Gas Pipeline Industry covers the basics of industry technology, industry structure and regulation, revenue requirements, cost-of-service studies, rate design and intrastate pipeline regulation. This course includes topics on key issues facing the natural gas pipeline industry. This course is endorsed by EBA, INGAA, and NGSA.


FERC Ratemaking ▸

CPU Sponsors
The CPU Sponsors provide invaluable support to the Center. A Center Sponsor assists in covering expenses associated with conducting courses and conferences. As a sponsor, a designee of their company becomes a member of the CPU Advisory Council; and, they are given the opportunity to provide input on the topics and agenda for the Current Issues conference.
 

 


CPU Sponsors ▸

CPU Advisory Council
The CPU Advisory Council is comprised of regulatory utility commissioners, consumer advocates, and utility industry executives. The main objective of the CPU Advisory Council is to design and organize the Current Issues conference program which is a series of panel discussion related to timely topics relevant to the public utility sector. Other responsibilities include assisting with securing internships and jobs for NMSU graduate students and secure CPU sponsorships.

CPU Advisory Council ▸

NMSU Graduate Programs
NMSU offers an option for remote students to complete our Masters of Arts (MA) in Economics and Masters of Business Administration with a Concentration in Public Utility Policy & Regulation by attending classes via the Internet. For most courses, remote, distance education students attend class at the same time as in-class students. The Public Utility Regulation & Economics (PURE) Graduate Certificate has been completed by remote students in this fashion for many years.

NMSU Graduate Programs ▸

career path with gears
Click the link below to learn more about pursuing a career in public utility regulation.

Career Opportunities ▸

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