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Welcome to FRI

The Financial Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1988 at the University of Missouri to promote education, research and service across various areas of finance. Today, through its public utility division, the FRI provides a neutral environment for stakeholders in regulated public utility industries to come together to examine, understand, and debate current issues relating to public utility policy.

The FRI Public Utility Symposium, held in the fall, examines issues that impact consumers, industry, and regulators. Held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO, this one-day symposium brings together regulators and commission staff, legislators, utility managers, policy analysts, attorneys, consumer advocates and academics. The FRI Advanced Pricing Seminar, held in late spring, brings together a range of industry experts to discuss issues around industry innovation, dynamics, and pricing in the electric industry. We also host a series of Hot Topic Hotline webinars throughout the year.

The FRI is housed within and under the academic leadership of the University’s Division of Applied Social Sciences. Working in cooperation with MU Extension, the FRI shares in the University’s mission of engagement and economic development. Learn more about FRI, our staff, and programs from the About FRI page.

Register for Pricing and Rate Design Seminar - March 17-19, 2026

FRI is pleased to announce the Advanced Seminar on Transformational Utility Pricing & Rate Design, taking place March 17–19, 2026. This intensive, three-day program is designed for regulatory staff, utility executives, legal professionals, and economists focused on the future of rate regulation.

The seminar offers advanced methodologies and policy discussions aimed at tackling the industry’s most pressing rate design challenges, including:

  • Modernizing Infrastructure: Developing rate mechanisms to support necessary grid modernization and resiliency investments.

  • Customer Affordability: Balancing utility financial stability with the critical need to maintain fair and accessible rates for all customer classes.

  • Incentivizing Innovation and Efficiency: Designing performance-based regulation and tariffs that drive operational excellence and clean energy adoption.

Registration is now open!

Crystal Award Nominations Open

Promotional banner for the Financial Research Institute (FRI) 2026 Crystal Award for Distinguished Contribution, featuring industrial energy imagery and a nomination deadline of March 5.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized?

The FRI Crystal Award for Distinguished Contribution recognizes an individual who has made recent outstanding and significant contributions to the design, implementation or analysis of public utility regulatory policy.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Award and will be accepted through Thursday, March 5, 2026!

Past Crystal Award Recipients

Save the Dates for FRI in 2026

Don’t miss out on FRI’s programs in 2026! Save these dates and plan now to attend one or all of FRI’s programs in the coming year. Check your email or follow our social media for updates on registration! 

 

  • March 17-19: Advanced Seminar on Transformation Rate Design and Pricing
  • June 1-4: Regulated Utilities Leadership Institute
  • September 23: 35th Annual Public Utility Symposium

FRI Spotlight