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Introduction to Ratemaking Course

Introduction to Ratemaking Course

2026 Introduction to Ratemaking Course

The Michigan Infrastructure Council has coordinated with the MSU Institute of Public Utilities to offer a free two-day, online, interactive workshop for municipal water and sewer providers.

 

The workshop's goal is to improve quality of life for Michigan residents through informed fiscal management of water utilities.

September 9 and 10, 2026 

Free Virtual Two-Day Interactive Workshop

 

Registration Will Open Soon

This course is designed to cover topics related to municipal water and sewer service providers. 

Who should attend:

  • Plant managers
  • Elected officials
  • City, village, and township managers
  • Public works employees

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Understand how the problems of aging infrastructure are
    connected to quality of life and other systems, including health,
    education, and economic development
  • Facilitate coordination among water utility financial analysts,
    engineers, and elected officials
  • Confidently explain the components of water rates to
    constituents
  • Pose informed questions to cost-of-service study consultants

This course will cover the following topics: 

  • Status of water infrastructure in Michigan
  • Elements of financial management for water utilities cost-of service
  • Revenue requirement and cost allocation rate designs
  • and emerging challenges

Denise Schmidt, M.S. 

Lead Instructor

Director of Water, Environmental Policy Innovation Center

Denise has over 30 years of experience in working with water utilities. She previously served as the Administrator of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin’s Division of Water Utility Regulation and Analysis and has been an instructor for MSU’s Institute of Public Utilities for many years.

Erik Nordman, Ph.D.

Course Development and Support

Director, Institute of Public Utilities (IPU) at Michigan State University

Erik supported the curriculum design and alignment with IPU standards for professionalism and engagement. He has more than twenty years of experience teaching in higher education, both in-person and online.