Note: The next session of Essentials of Utility Finance is scheduled for March 2010. The material below is from the most recent (July 2009) session.

To receive information on the March 2010 session as it becomes available, click here.

Essentials of Utility Finance provides participants with the skills needed to master the principles of corporate finance specific to utilities in the current regulatory environment.

Combining intensive instruction on theory and application, supplemented by real life examples, this program provides the equivalent of graduate level instruction under the tutelage of one of the most highly respected academics in energy finance.

Class work consists of lectures, review questions and problem sets that illustrate the nuances of finance issues in this complex, regulated sector.

What participants gain:

• A thorough understanding of the issues in cost of capital
  calculations, capital allocation frameworks and alternative capital structures
• Familiarity with the key metrics for assessing risk and performance
• The advantages, drawbacks and impact of capital raising instruments common to utilities
• Knowledge of equity performance measures, including EVA and cash flow ROI
• Exposure to the ways utilities utilize hedging and other risk management practices
• A grasp of the effects of regulation and rate cases on a company's financial decision making frameworks and financial outlook

This program presumes an understanding of basic accounting and finance concepts, as well as a familiarity with utility business models.

The program includes hands-on Excel modeling. Participants will need to bring a laptop computer equipped with Microsoft Excel. The SNL Center for Financial Education will have a limited number of laptops available for a fee should a participant be unable to bring one; please contact us in advance to reserve one if needed.